All the hard work you've (hopefully) done is culminating into the fabled Big Day. The wait is over, and though you may have attended other weddings, how closely did you pay attention. We've compiled the chronological list with some commentary.
The day before - Relax, Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner
Relax - All Day
Shorts, flip flops, summertime. It's a beautiful July day, and your family and friends are all arriving in town for your wedding. You can bet that you won't have much time to take it all in or to have quality conversations with everyone, but you should try hard. Your bachelor party will not be held tonight (and don't think otherwise), so take this day to relax as much as possible.
The Wedding Rehearsal - About one hour
In the early afternoon or evening, you are likely to have a rehearsal of the wedding ceremony itself with the officiant at the site of your wedding. This will significantly calm your nerves and the nerves of anyone that is called upon to read (or sing) during a religious ceremony. "What exactly am I suppsosed to do?" you will ask. The rehearsal will answer all of that. And if you have any doubts about any part of the ceremony, now is the time to ask. Your wedding planner and the Officiant will run the rehearsal.
The Rehearsal Dinner - About two hours
After the Rehearsal, you will likely proceed to a rehearsal dinner. This can be as informal as Subway sandwiches or as formal as a sit down meal at a nice restaurant. Typically, your parents, your fiancée's parents, and the wedding party are invited. Some couples will also include close friends, additional family and out-of-town guests, but who ultimately attends is up to you. One of the great things about the rehearsal dinner is that is gives you the time to hang out with friends and family that you might get to spend much time with, and may not have tons of time to catch up with on the day of your wedding. This is the time for Bride & Groom to give their gifts to the wedding attendants.
Restless sleep - About 4.5 hours of it. Count on it!
The Wedding Day
Prep Time - About 2 hours in the morning
Your day will start with a rotten sleep the night before, because you will be very excited for what the day will bring. Start your day with breakfast and invite your party to join you with room service at your hotel or at a breakfast joint. Now is the time to relax before things really get rolling.
Last Minute Jitters - About 20 minutes at some point
After breakfast, you'll want to get dressed. We suggest having all your attendants meet you where you are staying, be it your hotel room or home, to get ready together. Why? Typically, boutonnières will be delivered to you on the morning of. You'll be nervous enough without having to cart around flowers for everybody. Further, this ensures that your party is in one spot. No worrying about "where's Peter?" at the 11th hour. Finally, many couples will document the day by having the groom and his attendants pose for photos with their photographer as they are getting ready or once they are ready.
We sincerely hope you've figured out your wedding day transportation, because - well - that's how you are getting the ceremony itself. Is it your feet? Is it a taxi? A limo? A horse drawn carriage? Your wedding transportation will arrive about 45 minutes before the ceremony. That will leave you plenty of time to get to the site, greet guests as they arrive and nervously pace the halls waiting for your bride to arrive.
Running Late?
We're sure you've heard plenty of stories about running late. Don’t even think about it. Fortunately for you, and forewarned, you will arrive at the ceremony in advance of your bride.
Pre-Ceremony - 30-45 minutes prior to the Wedding ceremony
This is a great opportunity to calm your nerves by making witty banter and talking to your guests, who will slowly start to arrive. You will very quickly realize that you are one of the stars of the show. You'll have more attention focused on you than you've likely ever had before. Deal with it. Don't clam up, these people are here because they love and respect you. You have nothing to worry about!
The Ceremony Itself - around 45 minutes
This puppy will be over quicker than you can say WOW! So pay attention. Forget how you look, savor to the moment and how she looks. You are, of course, just a prop for her, whether she is in her stunning $200 wedding gown from Target or her $6000 haute couture designer wedding attire. Take it all in as her father escorts her down the aisle, and that famous "here comes the bride" music puts a lump in your throat. As much as you can, however, calm those nerves, swallow those tears and greet your bride after her father gives her hand to you and most importantly listen to what your officiant is saying. Don't just recite your vows, think about them. That's the real important stuff.
Post-ceremony - About 45 minutes to an hour
Between the ceremony and your grand entrance at your wedding reception, you, your parents, the wedding party and Larry, your wedding photographer, will step away from the eye of your guests and have additional wedding photos taken. This could be at a spot near the ceremony itself, or you may have planned to hop in the “Batmobile” to a special spot Larry has designated for this purpose. This is the easy part. Your guests, meanwhile, will head to the Bar for "Cocktail Hour". You will arrive at the cocktail hour sometime after your formal portraits and be announced by the DJ or Emcee as Mr. & Mrs .......... as you make your grand entrance.
The Reception
Food, drink and speaches. That's about all you need to know, other than when, exactly, you'll be making yours. Your wedding coordinator will keep things rolling and tell you when it’s time for toasts, the cake cutting and your first dance as husband and wife. I hope you’ve practiced.
Post Reception - All Night Long (that is, until you leave)
The beginning of the end of the wedding. Have a great time. Dance the night away with your new wife and your family and friends. You'll leave at some point with your bride, earlier in the evening, leaving your guests to party. Think of how to make that extra special by staging a big getaway. Give it some thought and you could make it a suprise for your bride!
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