Ask Liz: Your Destination Wedding vs. The Rehearsal

Photo: Liz Coopersmith; Flowers: Tea Rose Garden

Dear Liz:

We’re getting married on Catalina Island this summer. We’re expecting 100 guests, most from out-of-state. Not only do we have to get everyone on the Island, and make sure they can get around, but our wedding rehearsal is happening just an hour after the last boat docks. I’m a little worried about getting everyone organized and making sure we cover everything at the rehearsal. What should we focus on, and what’s the best way to keep everyone on the same page?

On Island Time

Dear Island,

You know, I think that every wedding is a destination wedding, really. Sure, there may not always be as much travel or logistics involved, but it’s that whole holiday-trip-into-unknown territory thing, you know? Anyway, your question. The purpose of every  wedding rehearsal is to figure out where everyone is going to be, at any given point of the day. I usually start by lining the wedding party up at the altar in the configuration you want them in, and then working backwards. Where are you walking into the room from? How does everyone need to be lined up at the entrance in order to easily get to their spots up front? Are bridesmaids and groomsmen going up together, or separately? What are the cues, musical or otherwise, that sets everyone on their way? For instance, when the person in front of you hits the last row of chairs, is it your turn to go?

Run through it a couple of times until everyone is comfortable, and then practice the recessional.  How are they’re going to exit the altar area, and most important, most important, where they are going to end up. Hint: Not the same place as your wedding guests. At least, not initially, or you will get swamped with glee and congratulations. Fun, but you might have other stuff to do then.  Are you taking pictures after the ceremony? Are you eventually joining the cocktail hour? Talk about it, and plan the best escape route, accordingly.

The final thing to check off at your rehearsal is a general schedule for your wedding day. What time is the wedding party meeting up, and what for? Breakfast or lunch? Hair and Makeup? Pictures? Where? Keep everyone on the same page, and let them know who to call or text if they fall off of it. If you would like more  tips on how to manage your wedding rehearsal, you can also check out my Kindle book, “DIY Your DOC.” And, to find out a little more about me and my part of Wedding World, visit www.silvercharmevents.com.

See you at the end of the aisle,

Liz Coopersmith