Your wedding is like a stage play. You are the stars and your guests are the audience. You, the Officiant and your wedding party are the cast. You have a production crew, a budget, a timeline, script, costumes, props, a set, lighting, make-up, camera work, a rehearsal and a final performance.
Include a detailed map with your wedding invitations and a contact phone number for the day of the ceremony. If your ceremony is to begin at noon, invite your guests for 11:45am. If your invitation says 12:00 noon, most guests will not start arriving until just prior to noon or after and this will delay your ceremony. A single delay will have a chain reaction of other delays such as your catering service. And if your vendors have another wedding to work after yours, delays will cause them to cut short their time at your ceremony.
If you are having your wedding outdoors, take into consideration how brutal the sun can be. If your guests will be mingling, make sure there is a shaded area for them. If possible, make refreshments available. Standing can be miserable for older people and for women in high heels. If your there are no chairs or bathrooms, do not make your guests wait too long for your Ceremony to begin.
Have your paperwork completed and checks written or cash for your vendors in advance. On the day of your Ceremony, it is best if you designate a close friend or family to manage money and attend to details. The best man is usually best for this. Make sure money and paperwork is handled before the ceremony begins. Afterwards, you will be too elated and busy socializing with your guests.
Your wedding planner or a designated friend should act as a coordinator between the ceremony setting and the bride's quarters. It is important that the officiant, the musicians and others involved know the exact moment when the ceremony procession is to begin and when the Bride is to enter. Your officiant should coordinate most of this for you. Rehearsals are a good idea if you have more than four people in your wedding party. Delegate responsibility! The groom and his party should greet people as they arrive and seat them when it is time to begin your ceremony.
You should face each other during the Ceremony. This makes a much more enjoyable ceremony for your guests who can then see all the apparel, flowers and share in the emotions on your faces and your photographer will get better photographs.
Look at each other during the ceremony. Try not to be formal or stiff. After you are pronounced husband and wife and kiss, turn and face your guests and stay put for 10 seconds with your wedding party tightening up to you for your photographer and guests to get great straight on pictures full of smiles.
