PLAN YOUR REHEARSAL

It’s been a pretty busy fall for us so far and one thing that’s come up frequently is how chaotic the rehearsal process can be. Here are some ideas for keeping the stress level down and the experience pleasant.

Check over your ceremony carefully and be prepared before you go to your rehearsal. Whether you use a wedding planner or not, decide ahead of time who will walk with whom; if you are going to walk down the aisle with one parent, both parents or alone; who will have the rings; who are your witnesses for your marriage license; where you want your wedding party to stand or sit; where you want parents to stand or sit; if the groom will walk down the aisle or come in with the groomsmen in front of the room; if you want your clergy to be part of the processional or at the altar before it begins. If you are using a wedding planner, make sure he or she has a copy of your ceremony and knows the key elements like the music cues, wine ceremony, unity candle, who comes in when and with whom, and all of the above. Though happy to share their experience and advice, remember that your officiant is not a wedding planner and is not responsible for making these key decisions.

Having these details worked out ahead of time can minimize your stress and allows you to make the best use of the time you have for your rehearsal.�

Many blessings,
Rev. Franne

START PLANNING YOUR CEREMONY EARLY!

As I mentioned in my first entry, my husband, Bob, and I work together to create and perform customized ceremonies for couples both interfaith and not. I have found that many couples put the ceremony last on their list of priorities as they start planning their wedding day. I’m here to tell you that we need to change that tendency. After all, what’s the day all about? Of course it’s my opinion that the ceremony should be the first thing they attend to since the party is a celebration of what they said and did earlier in the day. So, all you couples out there who just got engaged…start looking for a wedding officiant right away and get your ceremony started. It’s important to feel comfortable and nurtured by the person or people who will marry you. And it’s important that your ceremony be a reflection of who you both are. So keep that in mind as you make your choice for the most important element of your day.

We recently did a gorgeous ceremony that took place outdoors at a local park. It was on a beautiful day in August at 11:00 a.m. Perfect temperature, no humidity, sun shining…delightful. The couple were both “outdoorsy” people so having the ceremony under the trees in the park was perfect for them. They had about 30 guests. The groom was a volunteer fireman so he arrived at the the ceremony riding in a big red firetruck. They had a guitarist play some gentle music for the processional and recessional, and we had created a ceremony for them that highlighted their love for each other and all the things they share. When we pronounced them, the firetruck siren went off. It was a goosebumps moment! We loved it. They popped some champagne and shared it with their guests, took their pictures under the trees, then went back to their house for a pool party bbq reception.

There are so many ways couples can create their day. This was one of them Very lovely, simple, and a true reflection the this couple.

Hope this gives you some food for thought. See you again soon.

Blessings,
Rev. Franne
www.demetrician.com

Hello and Welcome to my new Blog. I am Rev. Franne Demetrician. I'm hoping to use this forum to help couples make their wedding day the wonderful day that it should be and to keep the anxiety and stress down to a minimum. My husband, Bob, and I have been ordained interfaith ministers since 2003. In that time we have had the honor and opportunity to marry many couples, giving me a wealth of experience to draw upon.
I plan to use this as a too for couples to put their focus on the most important part of their day - their ceremony.

We are also experienced at creating and conducting baby blessings, memorial services, one on one spiritual counseling sessions, and other life rituals.

I hope you will visit often and that our experience and advice will be of some value to you.



I wish you many blessings,

Rev. Franne
www.demetrician.com