For either a formal or an informal wedding, there is no substitute for a professional. The Wedding Director is a professional and an expert in wedding ceremonies. The Director makes sure that all the plans meet the guidelines for the facility. During the rehearsal, the Director organizes the processional and recessional and arranges the wedding party. No matter how well you have planned your wedding, you may find yourself facing an unplanned difficulty. As an expert in the wedding ceremony, the Director is responsible for knowing wedding etiquette, procedures and formalities as well as creative solutions to the unique situations and difficulties of each ceremony.
On the day of the wedding, the Director coordinates timing with the musicians, handles last minute questions and emergencies (i.e., loose hems, buttons off coats) makes sure that all the flowers are on the proper people and that all preparations for the ceremony are made in a timely manner. Then, the Director has the responsibility of insuring that the ceremony begins on time and that the Bridal Party enters the facility in the proper order and with the proper spacing. The Director will control the doors and will fluff the bride's train before she goes down the aisle.
The Director is the person who makes sure that all the preparations and beginnings of the wedding ceremony occur in a smooth and timely manner so that the entire Bridal Party is not standing outside the door trying to remember who is supposed to do what and when according to the music being played. At the end of the ceremony, the Director handles any doors that must be opened or closed and insures that escorts are sent in for the mothers and/or other family members.
Your Director should not be a friend or family member. At times, a Director must take charge to make sure that the wedding runs smoothly and on time. A friend or relative is sometimes hesitant to do so and sometimes the members of the wedding party resent these efforts which can cause hurt feelings that may take some time to heal. Your officiant or musician cannot direct your wedding as they cannot be in two places at once.
Experience and professionalism are essential in your Director - your ceremony is not the time to learn how a wedding ceremony is to be conducted. In short, the Director takes on the stress and worry of the ceremony so that the Bridal Party can enjoy the day!
As in all other areas of your celebration, there is no substitute for a professional.
