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Nowhere to Rehearse?

If you're going to say your vows in a restaurant or a banquet facility that's swamped with other ceremonies, you may not have access to the location the night (or even several nights) before the ceremony. Are you to show up at the ceremony without knowing where you'll stand and just play things by ear?

Nah. Take matters into your own hands and get creative. Host your rehearsal dinner somewhere where you and your almost-bride will be able to put everyone in their places, so to speak.

Having everyone to your home is a good idea. You can lay out the area for your attendants, discuss the floor plan of your wedding site, and take charge of your own run-through of the ceremony.

Things you shouldn't overlook:

  • Will the groomsmen escort the bridesmaids down the aisle, or meet them halfway? Partner your attendants up now, so no one is confused as to whom they should be walking with the following day.
  • When should the first bridesmaid begin her trek down the aisle, and how slowly should she walk?
  • Upon arriving at the aisle, where should the attendants stand/sit? Will all of them stay at the altar, or will only your honor attendants remain at your sides? Will the best man be holding the rings? The maid of honor should prepare herself now for her special duties (holding the bride's flowers and fixing her dress).
  • It's customary for the bride and groom to leave the altar first, followed by their attendants in pairs. Do a run-through of this, too, so that your best man and maid of honor don't jump the gun and steal your thunder.

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