There is always something new popping up to consider during the ceremony. Today its hair and veils.
Let's begin with hair. If you (bride/bridesmaids) are having a special hair style done that is prominent on one side, then make sure you know which side of your profile will be facing the guests. This way you can get that side of your hair done and not waste money if you are facing the wrong way for your hairstyle to be seen. This happened in a recent ceremony I did. I was the only one who was able to see the bride's beautiful flower (on her left side) that she had in her hair. The side facing the guests was nice, but plain. Ask your officiant ahead of time which side your profile will be on.
Blushers (veils in the front) are another thing to consider in the logistics of the ceremony. I don't think any of my brides wore a veil in the front last summer. I've already had 3 or 4 this summer. Logistically, a good place to move the blusher is after the Giving Away the Bride. At this point the bride's father (or whomever escorts her) may lift the blusher and place it over the back. This makes for a nice transition in the ceremony. Another way to do it is to have the blusher remain down until the end of the ceremony when the groom kisses the bride for the first time. Either way is more than acceptable. You will want to talk with your officiant about the approriate time to move the blusher if you are wearing one.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
Ali and Zach
What an amazing couple and a beautiful wedding. My wife, Rebecca, and I enjoyed an incredible weekend at the Lodge of the Four Season celebrating with Ali and Zach last Saturday. The bad weather held off and made for a picuture perfect ceremony on the outside terrace overlooking the lake.
Even though there were some last minute changes made at the rehearsal, Ali and Zach handled it like pros and didn't let the stress dampen their spirits. The rehearsal itself went well and we finished just 2 minutes over my hour time frame for any rehearsal. I consider this good with 14 attendants, several family members, 3 ushers, and a very excited flower girl. The rest of the evening was spent enjoying good food and conversation with family members who traveled from North Carolina.
The day of the ceremony was even better. With all 160 seats being filled and some people even standing, there was no doubt that Zach and Ali were loved and supported as they began this new stage of life together. The processional went just like we rehearsed and even Sparky, Zach and Ali's collie, walked down with no problems. Though we started about 5 minutes late, there were laughs and smiles throughout the whole ceremony. The photographer, Travis Duncan, was very helpful and did an excellent job the whole weekend. I am looking forward to seeing the finished product.
After pictures and the cocktail hour, Zach and Ali enjoyed an evening of fun and dancing with all their friends and family. It was a wonderful weekend and I wish Zach and Ali all the best and good luck in all the future endeavors.
Even though there were some last minute changes made at the rehearsal, Ali and Zach handled it like pros and didn't let the stress dampen their spirits. The rehearsal itself went well and we finished just 2 minutes over my hour time frame for any rehearsal. I consider this good with 14 attendants, several family members, 3 ushers, and a very excited flower girl. The rest of the evening was spent enjoying good food and conversation with family members who traveled from North Carolina.
The day of the ceremony was even better. With all 160 seats being filled and some people even standing, there was no doubt that Zach and Ali were loved and supported as they began this new stage of life together. The processional went just like we rehearsed and even Sparky, Zach and Ali's collie, walked down with no problems. Though we started about 5 minutes late, there were laughs and smiles throughout the whole ceremony. The photographer, Travis Duncan, was very helpful and did an excellent job the whole weekend. I am looking forward to seeing the finished product.
After pictures and the cocktail hour, Zach and Ali enjoyed an evening of fun and dancing with all their friends and family. It was a wonderful weekend and I wish Zach and Ali all the best and good luck in all the future endeavors.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Back into the grove.
Wedding season is in full swing. This past weekend was a good example with 3 rehearsals on Friday evening, 2 ceremonies on Saturday, and 2 on Sunday. I wish every weekend was like this! I want to thank all the couples I worked with over the weekend for being so flexible on their schedules, especially regarding the rehearsals.
Performing several ceremonies a weekend is not that difficult. The difficulty comes when trying to schedule the rehearsals. This past weekend worked out well with a rehearsal at 4pm, 6pm, and then 8pm. They each were under an hour in length. This was mainly due to having a final meeting ahead of time with 2 out of the 3 couples. Even though those meeting were short, it still gave me an opportunity to discuss with the couples details regarding their rehearsals.
I strongly recommend having a final meeting before the rehearsal (or even before a ceremony without a rehearsal.) This allows you to get all your questions answered and to talk through the small logistical details, so you don't waste time doing this during the rehearsal. It was a big help for me this weekend and again, thanks to those couples for making last Friday very smooth.
Performing several ceremonies a weekend is not that difficult. The difficulty comes when trying to schedule the rehearsals. This past weekend worked out well with a rehearsal at 4pm, 6pm, and then 8pm. They each were under an hour in length. This was mainly due to having a final meeting ahead of time with 2 out of the 3 couples. Even though those meeting were short, it still gave me an opportunity to discuss with the couples details regarding their rehearsals.
I strongly recommend having a final meeting before the rehearsal (or even before a ceremony without a rehearsal.) This allows you to get all your questions answered and to talk through the small logistical details, so you don't waste time doing this during the rehearsal. It was a big help for me this weekend and again, thanks to those couples for making last Friday very smooth.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Ceremony Length
I meet w/ bride today concerned about the length of her ceremony. She wants a ceremony that is not to long but wants to make it memorable for all the guests, especially those traveling from out of town. I find that this is the case with most couples.
Most ceremonies I perform range from 10 minutes to 25 minutes, with the average being around 15 - 17 minutes. (This includes the processional and recessional.) There are several factors that contribute to a ceremony length. The main one is the amount of liturgy. The more there is to read the longer the ceremony will be. Another important factor is music and movement during the ceremony. Adding special music will take up time as does the physical movement of everyone involved in the ceremony. Every little thing adds up.
It is often difficult to envision all the movement and how much time a ceremony will take. Allow your officiant to help you figure all that out. Or you may email your ceremony and I would be more than glad to take a look at it and give you a rough estimate.
Blessings,
Rev. Bryce
Most ceremonies I perform range from 10 minutes to 25 minutes, with the average being around 15 - 17 minutes. (This includes the processional and recessional.) There are several factors that contribute to a ceremony length. The main one is the amount of liturgy. The more there is to read the longer the ceremony will be. Another important factor is music and movement during the ceremony. Adding special music will take up time as does the physical movement of everyone involved in the ceremony. Every little thing adds up.
It is often difficult to envision all the movement and how much time a ceremony will take. Allow your officiant to help you figure all that out. Or you may email your ceremony and I would be more than glad to take a look at it and give you a rough estimate.
Blessings,
Rev. Bryce
New Rates on Ceremony Guide
I'm a little behind on this but I wanted to make sure I post an update that the prices for 'Ceremonies Only' A Guide to the Perfect Ceremony are now:
Paperback copy - $10.00 (+shipping/handling)
PDF download - $5.00
This is a valuable resource for any engaged couple. It also makes a wonderful engagement present for anyone you know who just got engaged. Please order yours today.
Paperback copy - $10.00 (+shipping/handling)
PDF download - $5.00
This is a valuable resource for any engaged couple. It also makes a wonderful engagement present for anyone you know who just got engaged. Please order yours today.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
'Ceremonies Only' A Guide to the Perfect Ceremony
After working with so many couples, I have found that there is a general lack of knowledge regarding the basics of a ceremony. To help with this I have written my first book "Ceremonies Only' A Guide to the Perfect Ceremony. This book gives a base knowledge along with explanations and examples of the major components of a wedding ceremony.
The book is available on my website:
$20.00/plus s&h for a print copy
$10.00 for a PDF download copy
Print copies are now also available at Mr. Tuxedo (across from the Columbia Mall) and The Villager on Broadway, for $20.00 cash.
I hope you take the opportunity to stop by one of these locations to preview a copy. I welcome any and all comments and suggestions for the 2nd edition. Please email them to me at rev.bryce@hotmail.com.
The book is available on my website:
$20.00/plus s&h for a print copy
$10.00 for a PDF download copy
Print copies are now also available at Mr. Tuxedo (across from the Columbia Mall) and The Villager on Broadway, for $20.00 cash.
I hope you take the opportunity to stop by one of these locations to preview a copy. I welcome any and all comments and suggestions for the 2nd edition. Please email them to me at rev.bryce@hotmail.com.
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