This post didn't drum up a whole lot of advice (maybe because those who get married in a church have less choice in the matter and subsequently less advice overall). Interestingly, a number of people mentioned they wished they would have had one of their friends be registered (if that's the right term) to marry them.

Others loved their priest/pastor/officiant because they led them through the planning process, from who would give the bride away to how s/he would pronounce the couple man and wife.


I feel adamantly that an officiant should pronounce names correctly. I was at a wedding once where the officiant said the names absolutely incorrectly, and I was disturbed. Of all things to get right, aren't the names most important?

Finally, another of my friends noted: "Finding that trust is very important -- I’ve seen priests go a little rogue and end up talking about bizarre things (like camping ... at a wedding)."

Lucky for us, we've found someone we DO trust. Watch the blog this week for more about her!

 
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.