While the wedding facility coordinator will often lead the rehearsal, you will need to have someone available (and able) to help with direction if necessary. After all, although the coordinator has probably directed numerous weddings, each ceremony is different and you want to be sure that yours goes off exactly as you envision it (or as close to that vision as possible.) Therefore your input will be invaluable. Following is a detailed overview of the rehearsal process. Whether led by the wedding facility coordinator, your coordinator or you and your partner, your attendants will find things much easier if a schedule such as follows is adhered to: Line up members of the wedding party at the altar, in the manner in which they'll stand once they proceed into the ceremony space. Whatever arrangement you decide upon is fine; however, typically the following lineup is used: Bride’s attendants’ stand to the left and groom's attendants stand to the right, (as you face the altar). Attendants on both sides stand according to height, with either the tallest near the altar and shortest farthest from the altar, or vice versa. Hands are positioned according to the wishes of the couple. Determine how you want the men to hold their hands in front of them, on their sides or clasped behind them. Female attendants should be instructed on how they should hold their flowers (if applicable.) For example, should they hold them with both hands clasped in front of them, will they have a single flower resting in the crook of an arm, etc. Next, place the officiant stand-in, best man, maid/matron of honor, other attendants, ring bearer, flower girl and couple (bride and groom) in their designated places at the altar. The organist (or other musician/DJ, etc) begins the recessional music. Practice the recessional, which happens in the following order: Couple departs first, followed by the ring bearer and flower girl. Best man and maid/matron of honor depart. Remaining attendants depart, with those closest to the altar recessing first, followed in order by the others. The stand in officiant is last to depart – stopping at the front row to dismiss the bride’s parents and grandparents & then the groom’s parents and grandparents. The DJ should then make an announcement for the guest to proceed to the reception area while the wedding party takes after ceremony pictures. Line everyone up for the processional and practice it, as follows: Grandparents of both partners, if any, are seated. Designated groomsman seats parents, unless they will enter along with the couple. The officiant stand-in followed by the groom and best man enter the ceremony space and take their places at the altar; processional music begins. Attendants enter the ceremony space and proceed down the aisle, either singly or in pairs. They take their designated places (rehearsed above) at the altar. Maid/matron of honor proceeds down the aisle. The ring bearer proceeds down the aisle, taking his place at the altar. The flower girl proceeds down the aisle. If desired, she may drop flower petals, alternating each side as she proceeds. She then takes her place at the altar. The bride (also whoever is “giving her away”) enters and proceeds down the aisle. They enter together. If desired, both parents may escort her down the aisle. On the day of the wedding, the officiant will arrive 30 minutes to an hour early to complete marriage license paperwork and answer any last minute questions. He/she will direct everyone at the altar and the exit of all participants in the ceremony taking care of all special segments, such as unity candle lighting, etc. Practice the recessional again, as outlined above. Ensure that each member of the wedding party is confident of their position and role in your event. Ask for questions, then off to the rehearsal dinner for relaxation and fun!