Things to explain to your bridal party: where to stand and enter, what parts to help you with, such as passing flowers, fixing your train, readings and songs. Another of my friends suggested practicing your vows aloud and insisted on taking advantage of bridal showers, when possible. Even if you've lived with your husband-to-be, there still are fun items (nice wine glasses, for example) that you can ask for and receive at a shower.

Another woman who said she could sense I wasn't a stickler for tradition (very perceptive of her) stressed that if you're veering from tradition, those moments are the most important to rehearse.