Celebrations By Penelope

Your rehearsal, and all you need to know

First of all, I believe it’s vital that you have one. It helps you know what you will be doing and if I’m doing my job correctly you won’t be doing much other then enjoying yourself. That’s because I do pretty much everything. I will be holding your printed vows, I organise the rings, I hold the microphone. I do all the moving about and you both pretty much just hold each other’s hands, look loving into each other’s eyes and enjoy. But the rehearsal helps you know where and what I do to make sure you don’t have to do much.

So, who should absolutely come to your rehearsal;

Both of you, obvious but I still think it is worth pointing out!

Who I consider worthwhile coming, if they are free;

The bridal party that are walking down the aisle to music

The person or persons walking you down the aisle

These people are not essential and don’t need to come but are very welcome;

The bridal party that are not walking down the aisle

Parents that aren’t walking anyone down the aisle

Witnesses if they aren’t in the bridal party

People in charge of your music using my PA for the ceremony

What you need to bring

If I haven’t sighted all your legal documents, I will need to see them.

For brides I suggest the shoes you are wearing to your ceremony, same for your bridal party if they are wearing heels.

If you are not having live music, then the device you are using at the ceremony to play your music. That device needs to have a screen for the person to see what music they need to play and the order.    

Questions

If you have them, please ask me. Remember it’s your wedding day and you need to know all the details and there is no such thing as a silly question. I should know because I ask lots of questions, all the time.

Thanks,

Pen

These are just some ideas that you might find useful that I believe help make your warm-weather wedding run well.

The Weather

When it comes to your ‘Plan B’ or backup venue, it is essential that you have both discussed this preferably the day before the wedding. It goes without saying that everyone wants to keep your ceremony exactly at your chosen location, but sometimes Mother Nature has other ideas, and the wind is blowing over the chairs, the rain is falling too heavily, or the 44-degree sun is making your grandmother and bridesmaids faint. When the elements start to work against us, I will talk to the groom (person waiting at the ceremony site), and they will make the call. That is why it is vital that you are both 100% on the same page here as to what you both want. It is important to remember brides that your partner is the one standing at the location seeing the effects of the weather and you need to trust their judgement and opinion.

Water

If the weather is going to be warm (over 24 degrees), having an Esky or bucket of ice with lots of bottled water is a good idea for guests and also for you and your bridal party. The groom and groomsman are sometimes standing in the direct sun in their suits for long periods of time. They often don't carry water with them for the day so having the venue provide it or a guest bring it for you makes a big difference. Also at the signing table, you both may wish to have a drink of water before I present you as a married couple. There is little time to have a drink as once I introduce you to your family and friends the photos really and truly begin and all the well wishes want a kiss and a photo too.

Sunscreen and bug spray

Everyone forgets this but it is really useful and much needed in the hotter months. Having some around for your guests is a great idea too in spray form as people often forget about these things when they get dressed up for a wedding.

Umbrellas, sunshade and fans

Often venues have party umbrellas you can use or hire if your budget allows. If your venue has shade, please think about moving your ceremony location to that shade or at least near that shade so that your guests can wait there right up until the ceremony starts. It's often a good idea to go to your venue a few weeks before your wedding at the same time as your intended ceremony to see what the sun is doing and where there is the most shade. If your budget allows handheld fans or personal umbrellas or parasols for older guests and parents, it really is worth it. Some people even turn their wedding programs into fans. Making sure you're all out of the sun and not overheated will make a big difference for your ceremony.

Alcohol

Everyone likes to have a drink or two before the big event, but please remember to keep it at that, just 1 or 2. I cannot marry you if you are under the influence of alcohol/drugs. The same goes for your witnesses. Very rarely is this an issue but sometimes nerves set in and we drink more than we usually would. Remember there is plenty of time for that after the ceremony. As long as you can legally drive a car, I can marry you!

Questions

If you have them, please ask me. Remember it’s your wedding day, and you need to know all the details, and there is no such thing as a silly question. I should know because I ask lots of questions, all the time.

The most important thing to remember is to have fun and enjoy the big day!

Cheers,

Pen