What's all the crap these days about wedding REHEARSALS? I can understand it if you're a royal ( much as I despise them) because that's a huge event, but ordinary mortals? The groom and pal arrive and stand in place. The bride arrives and trots/strides/marches down the aisle. The minister says what he's said a million times before. What is there to rehearse?
It seems to be an American thing. Every wedding over there seems to have a rehearsal dinner etc. It's much less common here, but I have NO idea what the point of it is. All that cost for nothing! It's essentially doing most of the wedding day twice over.
I can understand practising the bit in the church though, for 5 minutes beforehand, as it can be complicated if you've not done it before, and you wouldn't want to look a twat in front of everyone if you get it wrong.
I like 'if you've not done it before'!!! 
But in all the weddings I've been to, nobody ever made a mistake - they just have to repeat what the minister says. Rehearsing seems to me a pretentious waste of everybody's time.
Quote: keewik @ September 23 2011, 11:21 PM BSTI like 'if you've not done it before'!!!
But in all the weddings I've been to, nobody ever made a mistake - they just have to repeat what the minister says. Rehearsing seems to me a pretentious waste of everybody's time.
But some people get really nervous, and can barely remember their name. If they've had a quick run through they won't be so scared of the unknown and they'll be able to enjoy it.
Wouldn't it only involve the bride and groom though? And maybe best man and bridesmaids. Telling them where they'll stand, etc. Are you saying as a guest you've had to attend one?
OMG, Google is awesome today. www.google.co.uk
Not me but I know somebody else who is -she's family. And as far as nerves are concerned - that's all just part of the day ( says she who arrived at the church and asked the minister to 'make it quick' ... now I cringe about that!)
Maybe I should start a wedding memories thread. 
Quote: keewik @ September 23 2011, 11:10 PM BSTWhat's all the crap these days about wedding REHEARSALS?
I did one 40 years ago for my first marriage so it's hardly a new thing.
Quote: zooo @ September 23 2011, 11:14 PM BSTI can understand practising the bit in the church though, for 5 minutes beforehand, as it can be complicated if you've not done it before, and you wouldn't want to look a twat in front of everyone if you get it wrong.
That's what it's all about. You spend a few minutes going over the ceremony and then everyone goes out for dinner. It doesn't add anything to the cost of the wedding other than a dinner at a restaurant. Everyone gets to relax and enjoy a meal without all the trappings of the wedding night.
It does mean that all the guests have to be in town for 2 nights instead of just one though. I think I'd be a bit annoyed if I had to go to a whole big event as well as the actual event.
And I think dinner for that many people must be a pretty big extra expense for most people!
The rehearsal is just for the wedding party. The "regular" folk don't attend; it's not a complete run-through of the entire ceremony.
You show up, the priest/minister/whatever shows you where to stand, who to walk with, what to say and when to say it and then everyone heads off to dinner. It doesn't take more than 20 minutes or so and the dinner is maybe 15 people at most. It's a good chance to get together and have fun without dressing up or worrying about every little thing.
Fair enough. The only ones I've seen have been in American films and TV and there always seem to be at least 40 people there. That's why it struck me as weird.
The only people who need to be at the rehearsal are the people who are going to be standing in front of the church during the ceremony. There may be more family at the dinner but it doesn't have to be an elaborate affair. The wedding day is so hectic that the rehearsal dinner might be the only time people have to leisurely mingle.
My daughter had a large wedding but the rehearsal dinner was a nice BBQ at her husband's parents' (huge) house. Beer, food and relaxing conversation made it a great day. My parents spent hours chatting with the groom's parents and my father-in-law (rest in peace) made friends with the groom's parents despite very strong political differences. It was probably the best part of the weekend.
That sounds better than the ones on the telly. They are always fancy, formal affairs with everyone dressed up and speeches and things. Yuck.
Sometimes there are speeches but they tend to be more personal and off-the-cuff than the ones said in front of hundreds at the reception.
Quote: zooo @ September 24 2011, 1:07 AM BSTThat sounds better than the ones on the telly. They are always fancy, formal affairs with everyone dressed up and speeches and things. Yuck.
You're thinking of Friends aren't you?
That is definitely one of them!
And Sex and the City.