11 Things To Do At Your Wedding Rehearsal

Your wedding rehearsal is your last chance to cross all your T's and dot your I's as well as your first chance to enjoy your wedding.  Here's how!

1.  Transport Your Props - Make sure to bring with you your cake cutting set, toasting flutes, guest sign in book, unity candles, ring bearer pillow, etc. to pass off to your wedding planner.  If she has them the day before you can ensure they are set up and ready to go for your ceremony before you arrive for your wedding.

2.  Go Over Your Vows - Take some time at the altar to practice what you're going to say with your officiant.  Practicing in the actual space will feel more real and you'll get an idea of how much you'll need to project your voice.

3.  Find Your Holding Room -  At your ceremony space you will want to map out where you and your bridesmaids will wait, separate from the Groom and his groomsmen.  That way, you can get ready separately and stay hidden while guests are arriving.

4.  Get Your Ducks In A Row -  Decide in advance the order in which your wedding party will walk down the aisle.  Pay attention to the way the two sides match up if you're pairing your bridesmaids and groomsmen will walk down the aisle.

5.  Let The Officiant Do Their Job -  Your officiant will explain the ceremony order, where the bridal party will stand and when (and if) they can take their seats.

6.  Sit Out The Run-Through - Superstition says it's bad luck for the bride to practice the ceremony logistics with her husband-to-be before it's time.  Instead, have your maid of honor take your place while you follow along from a chair in the front row.

7.  Get The Party Started - Take the opportunity to catch up with loved ones in a not-too-hectic setting because come the wedding night, you'll most likely be pulled in too many directions to put in any real quality time with anyone.

8.  Open Up The Floor - This is the time for people to give toasts that will not be toasting to you on your wedding night.

9.  Put On A Show -  Walk your guests down memory lane with a photo slide show.

10.  Give Thanks - As dessert winds down, stand up and thank everyone for coming, highlighting the folks that made the dinner go smoothly.  Thank your wedding party, parents and soon-to-be-in-laws with a small and thoughtful gift.

11.  Issue Reminders - Double check that everyone in the wedding party knows exactly where to go for the next day, what they are supposed to bring and when they're expected to arrive.  Printed schedules aren't a bad idea!

By:  Amy Lythgoe, Lead Wedding Planner
Absolutely Fabulous Weddings