Wedding Rehearsal: A Walk-Through Of The Big Day

A wedding rehearsal is a practice session for a wedding ceremony, usually held the day before the wedding. It involves a run-through of the ceremony, including the processional and recessional, to ensure everyone involved knows where to be and when. This includes the wedding party, parents or grandparents, and anyone with a role in the ceremony, such as readers or singers. The wedding officiant, venue manager, or wedding planner/coordinator typically guides the rehearsal, ensuring everyone is clear on their movements and roles. The rehearsal is followed by a rehearsal dinner, a pre-wedding tradition where the couple's relatives and friends meet, socialise, and exchange gifts and gratitude.

A run-through of the ceremony

A wedding rehearsal is an event where the people involved in a wedding ceremony can practice what will happen on the day. It is usually held the day before the wedding. While it is not mandatory, it is particularly useful for larger, more formal weddings, and weddings where children are participating.

The wedding officiant, venue manager, or wedding planner/coordinator will go over each aspect of the ceremony, from the processional to the recessional. This is a good opportunity to iron out any issues and answer any questions. It is also a chance to go over small but important details, such as where to place bouquets for the best photos, or what to do with hands during the ceremony.

The rehearsal should begin with everyone taking their places where they will be standing during the ceremony. It is important to practice walking in and out, and to ensure everyone knows where to stand. The officiant is usually one of the first to enter, so it is not possible for them to cue each group. This is the responsibility of the coordinator or wedding planner, or a friend or family member.

Next, read through the ceremony headings, so everyone knows the order of the ceremony. Don't read the entire ceremony word-for-word, and save the vows for the big day. Make a note of any readings, candle lighting, or sand ceremonies, and when the rings will be presented. Double-check that any items needed during the ceremony will be there on the day.

Now, practice the recessional. Start with the kiss and/or 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 leave enough room between each couple for the sake of pictures.

Finally, practice the processional. The officiant, groom, best man, and groomsmen usually enter first, followed by grandparents, the groom's parents, and the mother of the bride. Then come the bridesmaids, maid of honour, and flower girl. The bride and her escort should be the last to enter.

Who should be invited

A wedding rehearsal is a run-through of the ceremony, usually conducted the day before the wedding. It is important to have a wedding rehearsal if your wedding is formal and large, especially if you have children participating in the ceremony.

The wedding rehearsal is usually attended by those who will be participating in the wedding ceremony in some way, whether it's walking down the aisle or doing a reading. This includes:

• The wedding party (bridesmaids and groomsmen)
• The couple
• Parents of the couple
• Officiant
• Readers and performers
• Flower girl and ring bearer
• Ushers
• DJ or other performers

It is also customary to invite out-of-town guests to the wedding rehearsal, especially if you are having a destination wedding. This is a nice gesture to make them feel welcome and give them something to do the night before the wedding.

If you are having a small, intimate rehearsal dinner, you may want to limit the guest list to the wedding party and their plus-ones, immediate family members, and the officiant.

However, if you are having a larger rehearsal dinner, you can also invite close friends, aunts, uncles, cousins, and other extended family members.

The rehearsal dinner is a great opportunity to thank everyone who has helped with the wedding preparations and to spend quality time with family and friends before the busy wedding day.

Who should be in charge

A wedding rehearsal is a run-through of the ceremony, usually conducted the day before the wedding. While there is no rule that says you must have a wedding rehearsal, it is a good idea, especially if your wedding is more formal and larger in scope.

So, who should be in charge of the wedding rehearsal?

Well, the wedding officiant, venue manager, or wedding planner/coordinator will typically go over each aspect of the ceremony. However, it is not always necessary or even advisable for the officiant to run the rehearsal. Instead, it is often the coordinator at the ceremony site or the wedding planner who takes charge. Many couples also ask a friend or family member to help run the rehearsal and cue everyone for their entrance. This person should be assertive enough to get the group to pay attention without being overbearing. Teachers are often a good choice for this role.

It is important to have continuity between the rehearsal and the ceremony on the wedding day, so the same person should be in charge of both. This will help to ensure that there is no confusion on the big day.

If you don't have a wedding planner or coordinator, or if you want to involve another person, you can certainly take charge of the rehearsal yourself, along with your partner. This can be a great way to save money and have more control over the process. There are many guides and resources available to help you run your own wedding rehearsal effectively.

Rehearsal dinner

A wedding rehearsal is a practice session for the people involved in a wedding ceremony, usually held the day before the wedding. It is an opportunity to walk through the ceremony proceedings, from the processional to the recessional, ensuring everyone knows where and when to gather, the order to line up, and when to enter and with what music. It is particularly recommended for formal and large weddings, or those with children participating.

The wedding rehearsal is typically followed by the rehearsal dinner, a pre-wedding tradition in the United States. It is a "party before the party", bringing together close friends and family before the wedding. The dinner is usually hosted and paid for by the groom's parents, but modern traditions allow for flexibility, with some couples choosing to pay for it themselves. The dinner provides an opportunity for the couple to thank everyone who has helped with the wedding preparations and to present small gifts. It is also a chance for relatives and friends of the bride and groom to meet and socialise.

The guest list for the rehearsal dinner typically includes immediate family members, the wedding party, their guests, and sometimes out-of-town guests, though the final list is at the couple's discretion. The dinner can be formal or informal, and may include a theme, with specialised menus, venue, and décor. It is often held within close proximity to the wedding venue or the hotel where guests are staying.

The rehearsal dinner is an opportunity to kick off the wedding celebrations, bringing together loved ones for a memorable evening of fun, food, and toasts before the big day.

Reducing stress and increasing preparedness

A wedding rehearsal is a practice run-through of a wedding ceremony, usually held the day before the wedding. It is an opportunity for the wedding party to familiarise themselves with the order of events, their entrances and exits, and any readings or special traditions that will be included in the ceremony. While a wedding rehearsal is not mandatory, it is particularly useful for formal and large weddings, and those that involve children.

A wedding rehearsal is an effective way to reduce stress and increase preparedness for the wedding ceremony. Here are some reasons why:

Familiarity and Confidence

By walking through the ceremony proceedings, participants can familiarise themselves with the order of events, their cues, and any traditions or rituals involved. This familiarity helps to reduce anxiety and increase confidence, as people know what to expect and can visualise themselves successfully performing their roles.

Smooth Execution

The rehearsal ensures that everyone involved, from the wedding party to the officiant, is on the same page regarding the ceremony's flow. This coordination minimises the chances of chaos or confusion on the wedding day, making the event run more smoothly.

Attention to Detail

A good rehearsal coordinator will pay attention to the small details that can make a big difference on the wedding day. For example, they may instruct the groomsmen on what to do with their hands while standing with the groom or advise the bride and bridesmaids on the best height for carrying their bouquets to ensure optimal photo opportunities.

Problem-Solving

The rehearsal provides an opportunity to identify and address any potential issues or challenges. By running through the ceremony, participants can anticipate problems, such as a long aisle causing delays or the need for a specific musical selection. This foresight allows for the development of solutions and contingency plans, reducing stress on the actual day.

Emotional Support

Wedding rehearsals can foster a sense of camaraderie and support among the wedding party. The shared experience of practising together can strengthen bonds and provide an opportunity for the couple to feel supported and celebrated by their chosen attendants. This sense of unity can help reduce pre-wedding jitters and provide a source of comfort and encouragement.

Time Management

Rehearsing the ceremony helps establish a clear timeline for the wedding day. Participants can gauge the duration of each segment, from the processional to the recessional, and plan their movements and actions accordingly. This time management ensures a well-paced ceremony and allows for efficient coordination with other wedding-day activities, such as photography, cocktail hour, or the reception.

Frequently asked questions