what happens at the ceremony...

Not a good question being that I am twelve days away!

My priest won't let us do the rehearsal until the night before. Our RD is TWO nights before (bad planning) So I have NO idea what to tell everybody to do / what they are going to be doing etc. Here are my questions:

How does the organist, guests, etc. know when it's time to start? My FI's grandfather (and best man) is walking down w. his Nana to start the ceremony. Will somebody tell him when to go? And do the moms walk down to music? How does anybody know when to go? And where am I? In the limo w. my dad till somebody comes and gets us? In the back of the church? At St, Patricks Cathedral that would mean standing with all the tourists!

Any past experience or anything you have seen would be helpful. In th meantime, I am going to call my priest and BEG to let us come this Friday!

Re: what happens at the ceremony...

I think when my brother got married, the limo driver was the one who got all of us together and told us when to start. I don't think our parents walked down the aisle to any music. They had been seated before the whole procession started. It will come together and be perfect. Don't worry!

Re: what happens at the ceremony...

Don't stress about the church! You will be surprised how very organized they are about this. Just tell everyone to be at the rehersal on time - mine was the night before too! At my church they wanted both sets of parents, the entire BP and the readers. A deacon or someone from the church will get everything started. You will be in the back of the church with your BP. My limo drivers held the church doors closed so latecomers couldn't get in until after we were down the aisle!

The deacon kept my Dad and I off to the side so no one could see us through the doors. They will tell the BP at the rehersal when everyone starts going. The organist is an expert and knows when to start. The Mom's, etc. will be given a cue when to walk. If one of your ushers escorts them down the aisle, he will have plenty of time to return to the back...mine did!

Then they will start sending the BP down the aisle nicely spaced out. After the MOH, my deacon closed the doors then got Dad and me all set - the music changes and he flings the doors open, and your heart is in your throat!!!

At St. Patrick's - are you getting married in the main church or in the Lady Chapel? My friend got married in the Lady Chapel so things were organized a bit differently and the tourists weren't around. I'm sure it will be fine!

They will practice everything at the rehersal - the Priest wasn't even there! Just a couple who handles this stuff. We did a dry run and everyone was very sure of what they were supposed to do. It will be fine and everything will come off beautifully! You won't need extra time - it will be fine! Don't stress now -- you are so close!! Try to enjoy every minute because that day will FLY by!!

Re: what happens at the ceremony...

Not sure but I don't think you walk down the entire aisle when you use the big cathedral. You probably start half way up as to avoid the tourists.