This weekend my guy’s friend is  getting married and he is in the wedding party. He is part of a “best man” duo. The catch, he’s never been to a wedding before.

Horrible movie... don't waste your time.

Last night we watched a (life-draining) chic-flick and I found myself attempting to educate him.

“See, that is a rehearsal dinner.”

“What are they doing now?”

“They are practicing the first dance.”

“I have to dance?”

“Maybe.”

“With you, right?”

“No.”

It was then that he realized the importance of the wedding rehearsal, which he will not be able to attend. The wedding is on Labor Day weekend and he’s a Park Ranger, getting days off on popular river and camping weekends is not an easy task for him. The man who has never been to a wedding before will have to wing-it.

Can anyone think of a movie that shows a wedding all the way through that we can watch?

The Wedding a, step-by-step account of the day’s events, read up…

Basic Wedding Ceremony: The Nitty-Gritty

Processional: The bridal party marches down the aisle.

Bridal March: The entrance of the bride to the ceremony service site.

Welcome/Introduction: The officiant welcomes guests, bridal party and couple.

Exchange of Vows: The couple commits to one another; personal wedding vows can often be used.

Exchange of Rings: A common ritual in weddings in the U.S. and other countries.

Pronouncement: The officiant declares the couple married; the couple may kiss.

Recessional: The couple and bridal party exits to a musical selection. ~Lovetoknow.com

Traditional Wedding Reception: Sample Timeline

00:00 | The Cocktail Hour

After being pronounced husband and wife, the newlyweds are often the first to leave the wedding ceremony, heading off (with photographer in tow) for pictures together before the partying gets under way. Your guests will head to the reception site for cocktails. Depending on the logistics of the event, your cocktail hour will begin immediately (if the ceremony and reception are held at the same venue), or it might start more than half an hour later (if there’s travel involved). Cocktails will kick off your reception and will last for at least an hour. During this time the staff will serve stationary or passed appetizers and drinks, which will get people mingling and in the mood.

01:00 | Newlyweds’ Arrival/First Dance

Here’s the part where the bride and groom make their grand entrance. The coordinator will usually make sure guests are seated before the emcee alerts them to your imminent arrival. Generally, both sets of parents and the wedding party are introduced, followed by the announcement of the couple for the first time as husband and wife. In many cases, your newlywed first dance will begin as you step out onto the floor and into the spotlight after being announced. Find your first dance music. Alternately, you can wait until after the first course of the meal is served, but since everyone is already cheering you as you enter the reception, use the applause as encouragement enough to skim away any shyness and step on out.

01:20 | Cheers & Toasts

Following your first dance, you might want to take the opportunity — while all eyes are still on you, since hopefully no one yet has had too much to drink — to thank everyone en masse for taking part in your wedding. A family member, often a parent of the bride, will say a blessing (depending on the families’ faiths). Then, since toasting signifies a transition in the course of an event, the mother and father of the bride will thank guests for attending and invite everyone to enjoy the celebratory meal. Keep in mind that the toasts given by the best man and the maid of honor should occur between courses, to spread out all the high-emotion, much-anticipated moments and keep guests in their seats.

01:30 | Mangia, Mangia

Time to dig into the main course. If you’re having a seated meal, the band or DJ will play subdued, conversation-friendly background music as the waitstaff makes the rounds. If you’re having a buffet, your coordinator, DJ, or bandleader will dictate how the rotation will work by calling each table when it’s time to head to the front of the line. Just remember: The bride and groom need to do everything possible to take their seats and eat!

02:45 | Party Time

Monkey-see, monkey-do is how this game is played. Guests are going to follow the lead of the bride and groom. Once dinner dishes are cleared, the newlyweds should be the first ones on the dance floor so people know it’s time to start partying. Throughout the jammin’, the music will stop for any extracurricular activities you’ve planned (also known as the bouquet toss, the garter toss, the centerpiece giveaways, and whatever else you’ve dreamed up). If you do choose to toss the bouquet, make sure to get a tossing bouquet from the florist so you can keep your original one as a memento.

04:00 | Cake Cutting

About one hour before the conclusion of the reception, when the party starts getting a little too rowdy and the bar starts getting a little too empty, your waitstaff should start preparing tables for coffee and dessert. Since the cake cutting generally signals guests that it’s okay to leave soon thereafter, be sure not to do this too early or things could start wrapping up before you’re ready.

04:15 | Shake a Leg

Once the cake is cut, the band or DJ should start right back into swing and rock music for those wanting to trade in their slices for another turn on the dance floor.

04:45 | Last Dance

End your wedding on a high note and choose a dance song that will leave a lasting impression. You’ll want everyone to have a chance for one last twirl, so select something fast and festive. ~TheKnot.com

05:00 | Final Farewell

And Lastly, the wedding toast. We’re not sure if he’ll be expected to give a toast, but just in case: How to give a best man toast.

And beau, sorry I outed you.  

In other news, if you’re going to get married… protect the one you love http://www.wholesaleinsurance.net/

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