Wedding Rehearsal Walkthrough

A wedding rehearsal is a practice ceremony for the wedding party, usually held the day before the wedding. It's a chance for the couple, wedding party, parents, and anyone performing a reading to run through the ceremony from start to finish, including the processional, recessional, and any readings. The rehearsal ensures that everyone knows where to stand, when to walk, and what they need to do. It's also an opportunity for both families to spend time together before the wedding. The rehearsal is typically followed by a small celebration or dinner, which can be a great opportunity for toasts, speeches, and last-minute instructions.

Walk-through of the ceremony

A wedding rehearsal is a great way to ensure that everyone knows what to do on the big day. It is a chance to practice walking and standing, which is harder than you might think! The rehearsal is also an opportunity for both sides of the family to get to know each other before the wedding.

Start in the Middle

Instead of starting with the processional (entrance), begin by getting everyone into position where they will be standing during the ceremony. This is because you are mainly practising walking in and out, so knowing where to stand is the first step. The standard positions are for the officiant, parents, and attendants. It is important to have the wedding party evenly spaced and standing at a slight angle so that guests can see each person in the wedding party.

Speak Through the Ceremony Headings

Take a look at the ceremony draft and read through the headings aloud, so everyone knows the order of the ceremony. Don't read through the entire ceremony word-for-word or say the vows—save that for the wedding day! Make a note of any wedding ceremony readings, candle lighting, or sand ceremonies, and when the rings will need to be presented. Double-check that any items needed during the ceremony, like candles or a table, will be available.

Practice the Recessional

Since everyone is already in place, practice the recessional as if the ceremony has just ended and you are walking out. Start with the kiss and/or the presentation of the couple, and exit in the proper order. The wedding party will usually exit in pairs, followed by the flower girl and ring bearer, and then the parents and grandparents. It is important to make sure that each couple exiting the ceremony leaves enough room between themselves and the couple in front of them.

Practice the Processional

Now that everyone knows where to stand, practising the entrance should be easy. Line everyone up in the order they will enter. The officiant, groom, best man, and groomsmen usually enter first, followed by the grandparents, the groom's parents, and the mother of the bride. Finally, the bridesmaids, maid of honour, and flower girl enter. The bride and her escort should be the last to enter.

The Handoff

The last item to practice is what happens when the bride and her escort reach the front of the ceremony and stand in front of the officiant and groom. If the escort is the bride's parent, they should give her a kiss and congratulate her. The escort then typically shakes the groom's hand, the bride hands her bouquet to the maid of honour, and the escort moves to their seat. The bride and groom should then be standing facing each other, holding hands.

Run Through Again

Now that everyone is in place, practice walking back out and back in one more time to make sure everyone knows what to do. The rehearsal should not last more than 20-30 minutes.

Remember, this is just a suggested walkthrough, and there are many variations to the ceremony order. For example, same-sex weddings may have a completely different order for the processional and recessional, or they may enter together or have no wedding party at all. Feel free to customise the ceremony to reflect your relationship!

Who should be in charge

The wedding rehearsal is an important part of the wedding planning process, and it is crucial to have someone in charge to ensure that everything runs smoothly. While some officiants offer "rehearsal coordination" as part of their services, it is often unnecessary and sometimes even counterproductive for them to run the rehearsal. Therefore, the responsibility usually falls on either the wedding coordinator or a designated friend or family member.

If you have hired a wedding coordinator, they can help direct the wedding party and ensure that everyone knows what to do. This takes the pressure off the couple and allows them to relax and enjoy the moment. The coordinator can also answer any questions or address any concerns that may arise during the rehearsal.

However, if you do not have a wedding coordinator, it is advisable to ask a friend or family member to take charge. The best person for this role is someone who is assertive and can effectively guide the group without being overbearing. Teachers are often a good choice, as they are experienced in managing large groups. Be sure to provide them with a copy of the ceremony draft and any other relevant information ahead of time so they can familiarise themselves with the proceedings.

Ultimately, the goal of the wedding rehearsal is to ensure that everyone knows what they are doing on the big day. By having a designated person in charge, whether it be a professional coordinator or a trusted friend or family member, you can rest assured that your wedding rehearsal will be well-organised and efficient.

Where to stand

A wedding rehearsal is a crucial part of the wedding preparation process, ensuring that everyone knows their role and what to expect during the ceremony. Here is a detailed guide on where to stand during the wedding rehearsal:

• The wedding rehearsal is not about practising the entire ceremony but more about knowing where to stand and walk. It is essential to start by getting everyone to their designated positions during the ceremony. Knowing where to stand is the first step, as it impacts the processional and recessional.
• The standard positions for the wedding party include the officiant, parents, and attendants. The wedding party should be evenly spaced and positioned at a slight angle relative to the guests. This arrangement ensures better visibility for the guests and enhances the overall visual appeal for photographs.
• Bridesmaids should hold their bouquets in front of them with both hands, while groomsmen can decide to clasp their hands in front or behind their bodies. Consistency is critical for a cohesive look in the photos.
• The wedding party should be positioned symmetrically, with the same distance between individuals on the left and right sides. They can form a straight line, diagonal line, or curved line based on the shape of the ceremony space.
• The couple getting married should stand close together, ideally near enough to hold hands. It is essential to ensure they are facing each other and making eye contact.
• Readers or individuals performing readings should position themselves based on the microphone setup. If there are two microphones, one for the officiant and one for the readers, the readers should stand in front of and to the side of the couple. If there is only one microphone, the couple can move to one side, creating space for the readers.
• The person responsible for the rings, whether an adult or a child, should be designated beforehand. They should stand behind the couple, centred but ready to step aside during the first kiss to avoid photobombing!
• The officiant, who is usually one of the first to enter, will not cue each group. Instead, a coordinator or wedding planner will manage this aspect. Alternatively, the couple can ask a friend or family member to coordinate the rehearsal and cue entrances.
• The wedding rehearsal should be a quick process, typically lasting 20 to 30 minutes. It is recommended to block out an hour, considering arrival and chat time, the actual rehearsal, and answering any questions.

Order of events

A wedding rehearsal is a practice for the wedding ceremony, usually held the day before the wedding. It is an opportunity for the wedding party to run through the ceremony step-by-step, including the processional and recessional, and to ensure everyone knows where to stand, when to walk, and what they are tasked with. Here is a suggested order of events for a smooth and efficient wedding rehearsal:

• Start with the ceremony headings: Begin by reading through the ceremony headings, so everyone knows the order of the ceremony. This includes the processional, any readings, candle lighting, ring presentation, and the recessional. It is not necessary to read the entire ceremony word-for-word or say the vows—save that for the big day!
• Line up the wedding party: With the approval of your officiant, start by lining up the wedding party as they would be during the ceremony. This includes the bride, groom, wedding party, parents, and any other participants. This way, everyone knows where they will be standing and who they will be walking with.
• Practice the recessional: This is how the wedding party will leave after the ceremony. Start with the couple, followed by the maid/matron of honor and best man, and then the remaining wedding party in pairs. The bridesmaid and groomsman who are farthest out will be the last to exit, followed by the parents.
• Practice the processional: After the recessional practice, regroup and line up for the processional. This is how the wedding party will enter the ceremony. Traditionally, the groomsmen, best man, and groom enter first, followed by grandparents, parents, and then the bridesmaids, maid/matron of honor, and flower girl. Finally, the bride and her escort enter.
• The handoff: Practice what happens when the bride and her escort reach the front of the ceremony. This may include a kiss or congratulations from the escort, a handshake between the escort and the groom, and the bride handing off her bouquet.
• Run through the ceremony: With everyone in their places, briefly run through the ceremony from start to finish. This includes any readings, vows, ring exchange, and other elements you have chosen to include.
• Repeat as needed: Go through the entire process again if needed, to ensure everyone is comfortable with their roles and the flow of the ceremony.

A wedding rehearsal should be quick and efficient, typically lasting no more than 20-60 minutes. It is a chance for the wedding party to familiarize themselves with the ceremony and their roles, so that everything runs smoothly on the wedding day.

The dress code

If the rehearsal dinner is held in the early evening, the dress code is likely to be less formal than if it were held later at night. The location of the event is also a good indicator of the dress code; an upscale restaurant, hotel, or country club will likely require formal attire, whereas a cocktail bar, winery, or tasting room calls for semi-formal attire. For more casual venues, such as a brewery, tavern, pub, or backyard barbecue, you can opt for a semi-casual outfit. If the event is held during the day, a smart-casual look is usually appropriate.

It's important to remember that the focus should not be on you, so avoid anything too flashy or distracting. Steer clear of loud prints, sequins, or anything overly sexy. And of course, don't wear white unless specifically requested by the bride or groom.

For women, a cocktail dress is always a safe choice, but you can also opt for a jumpsuit, silk suit, or flowing maxi dress. Men might choose a button-down shirt and chinos or a suit, with accessories like custom cufflinks, patterned socks, or a trendy tie or pocket square.

If in doubt, don't hesitate to ask someone from the bridal party about the dress code. It's better to be safe than sorry!

Frequently asked questions