Surprisingly it has come to my attention that most couples do indeed want a rehearsal for their wedding, even if the wedding party is not large in size: and it has also come to my attention that not all officiants conduct rehearsals. While this job can be easily delegated to the ‘wedding planner’ if you have one.. it makes sense at least to me to have the officiant there as well.
I just want to put it out there to couples considering getting married, that I would happily attend a rehearsal for your wedding and at no extra cost. Frankly, I feel more comfortable myself when I know I am conducting the ceremony, welcoming people, in the way the happy couple would like. Rehearsals get the ‘bugs’ out.. everyone (especially children) knows which way they going when they enter and leave as well as where they are standing and how they are moving to the area where the License/Register is signed. It also makes for nicer pictures if people are all facing /standing the same way. This may not seem like a lot, but since the ceremony itself is only 15-20 minutes… doesn’t it make sense that to those attending it looks like a well orchestrated ceremony, and of course it will be one less thing for the happy couple to worry about.?
If the wedding party is there, it only takes about 30 minutes to run an efficient rehearsal. Time well spent! So when finding an officiant that you feel comfortable with, don’t forget to ask if they conduct rehearsals and at what cost, and remember at Pond Side Ministries rehearsals are included and welcomed.