Church will not allow rehearsal

Would you be able to hold the rehearsal at a nearby park or somewhere? It's a bummer that it won't be at the ceremony location, but at least you'd still be able to hold a rehearsal.

That's not ok to punish someone for being human. Hopefully you're able to wing it the day of without a hitch.

Is the church booked the day before now? I'm not understanding why they can't add book you if that day is still available?

No it’s not booked and even if it was they won’t let me book it on any day. I’ve been told I can’t ever hold a rehearsal there as I did not pay in time so my form is out of date.

Go in on a regular day with a stopwatch, or your phone stopwatch. Walk from the back, to the altar. You and bridesmaids walk this, time it for the music. To start, Groomsmen who may also have been ushers first, at the end of the seating of grandparents and parents, go around to the left side door, or aisle, and walk in with the groom, waiting at the side front. Now the processional begins.
Most people who have ever been in or seen a wedding, do not need a rehearsal. I have been to multiple practices in parking lots because some church or venue only has time amd no one else using the room or main sanctuary on Mondays 6-9 and Tues 10 am to noon. Everyone I know who rehearsed in a parking lot, or park, or yard with a sidewall up the center, did fine with no in church building rehearsal.
Why the church is being so difficult about the fee, I don't know. Not much compassion or charity any more. It is all about the money.

View Quoted Comment Thank you so much. I think if it was booked I would feel disappointed but be OK. This has just felt so cruel and petty it left me feel really distressed for that reason! I’m already feeling anxious with corona I just hoped for kindness from a priest, I even offered to pay double!

That is seriously ridiculous that they won't let you have a rehearsal. It would seriously make me reconsider having my wedding there if they are going to be so petty just because you forgot the extra money. It would also make me worry what other things they might try to pull. You are human and mistakes happen. How does your fiancé feel about it?

View Quoted Comment I agree with Lisa's suggestions

Both Lisa & Judith have great ideas. Time it so when you rehearse at a nearby park you’ll have a better idea.

Also, there are plenty of weddings out there that didn’t have a rehearsal & it was perfect. Take a breath-there’s nothing you can do about now except roll with it.

Wow, so sorry to hear this. You may be one of the few who expierenced this though bc I would imagine they would have changed their processez if people forgot often.

Wow! This is really bothersome that they would act this way, especially since there is still availability. Catholic weddings typically have rehearsals since the ceremony is more complex than a non-religious ceremony with multiple readings, lighting of candles, standing/kneeling, Eucharist, etc. Is there another person at the church you can talk to about this or another Catholic Church nearby?