It was one of those military do-over 'weddings' that is really a vow renewal even though they called it a wedding and everyone knew the kids were already married. Despite that, everyone had a good time even if it was quite interesting. The ceremony start time was noon according to the invite. The groomsmen/ushers (both teenagers) didn't know they were supposed to seat anyone so the mom of the bride had to tell everyone a couple days before when to show up and where to sit. The pianist didn't know that she was supposed to play music before the ceremony. Btw, there was no rehearsal at all. The dad of the bride didn't get around to rolling out the aisle runner until quarter after noon. Everyone else in the wedding party was dressed quite elegantly but the choice of bridesmaid dresses stood out like a sore thumb because they didn't go with anything else at the wedding. The bridal party entered to no music at all at 12:30 but the bride had her own song (Wagner's Bridal Chorus) that the pianist didn't bother to practice because she said it was too difficult so stumbled through that. The ceremony itself was completely backwards. Short exchange of vows followed by "now pronounce you man and wife" and the kiss. Then they lit the unity candle but they weren't coordinated as to what to do with the taper candles afterward, whether to keep them lit or blow them out, which a rehearsal would have assisted with. Following that, was a short message from the pastor and then everyone headed to the fellowship room of the church for the reception. Even with a tiny guestlist (30 people not counting the bride and groom) with open seating, it ended up being chaotic getting everyone situated with the only instructions being no one sit at the head table (the tables were set up in a U shape with the bridal party in the middle). Simple lunch buffet immediately afterward went over well but they could have had a much better setup for the beverages which were at the head of the buffet line. Everyone knew it was a dry wedding so there was no surprise there. Even with pre-dinner toasts, there was no issue with clinking of glasses to get the couple to kiss as that didn't cross anyone's mind. Interestingly, the chocolate fountain was a huge hit but there were a very limited number of skewers so the challenge was figuring out how to get the fruit off the skewer so the person behind you could use it. The chocolate itself was very thick so didn't splatter because it wasn't able to. The parents of the bride ordered way too much cake for the guest list and most of it was wasted even though it was good.
However the guests were left to fend for themselves for at least 45 mins after dinner while the bridal party went across town to the park for outdoor pictures. When the group returned, they started opening packages and cards. First dance and father/daughter dance followed that (no other dancing), then they decided finally to cut the cake before everyone headed outside to send the couple off with bubbles before heading out themselves unless they decided to stay and help clean up.
Everyone said they had a great time and no one gossiped about anything but it was definitely an odd wedding.