Came across an inquiry for a wedding planner. For the planning services requested, the bride-to-be checked off yes for “ceremony,” yes for “reception,” and no for “wedding rehearsal.”
Ladies, you may think you’ll save some money if your planner doesn’t have to be at the rehearsal. But IT IS IMPERATIVE that anyone involved with the ceremony to also be at the rehearsal.
Sure, you’ll discuss with your planner in great detail the way you want the ceremony to be, the order that the wedding party will go down the aisle, if there will be a unity candle, what songs will be played for the processional . . .
But, things can change. And even the slightest change can throw things off IF THE PLANNER WAS NOT AT THE REHEARSAL!
What could possibly be changed?
- The order of the wedding party is different than what the couple decided at first
- Programs will be passed out (when originally there were none)
- The bride’s processional song is different than what she initially chose
- An aisle runner has been added
- There won’t be a unity candle (or sand ceremony or the like)
Can you imagine what would happen if any of the above occurred at the rehearsal, and the planner wasn’t there?
There would be confusion, and the likelihood that something would not go right.
In over 20 years as a professional planner, I have never left a wedding rehearsal without having any changes or updates to be made to the timeline. Sometimes the changes were minimal and minor. Other times the ceremony timeline had major revisions.
A couple years ago, I was told that I didn’t have to come to the rehearsal. There ceremony site was a bit of a drive, and she didn’t want me to have to make the trip two days in a row.
A very kind gesture. But, I explained to her that yes, I will definitely be (and have to be) at the rehearsal. Although I have done hundreds of wedding ceremonies, I have not done YOUR ceremony.
Being at the rehearsal ensures that all of my information is up to date, any last minute questions are answered, your wedding party knows who I am, and I will know the “lay of the land” if it is at a venue I haven’t been to before.
Hearts, Joy, Love!
Jean
If you’re looking for fun ideas, or need help with your wedding plans Weddings From The Heart can help. Contact me today at jean@weddingsfromtheheart.net or at 937-581-3647!