Wedding Rehearsals: Why Should Couples Have Them?

We've all heard the quip, "Why would I need a wedding rehearsal? I know how to walk!" However, a wedding rehearsal involves much more than just rehearsing your walk (let's be honest, some members of your wedding party may benefit from the practice!). Everyone participating in the processional should know in advance where and when to meet, how to line up, when to enter, what music to play, and where to sit or stand.

This section of the ceremony can easily become disorganized without proper guidance. Little things like how to walk down the aisle (hands in pockets or clasped together?), who should do what and when (ring bearer, best man, etc.), how long each part of the ceremony should last, and how long the vows should be, and how to pose for pictures are all things that a good rehearsal coordinator will cover. These preparations must be carefully executed to guarantee a beautiful wedding celebration.

Who is invited to a wedding rehearsal dinner?

The wedding couple (obviously), the wedding party, and anybody else who will be involved in the ceremony should all be invited to the wedding rehearsal. This might include parents or grandparents going down the aisle during the processional and priests providing a reading. Anyone who has to move at a specific point throughout your ceremony should show up.

If you have a wedding planner or organizer, they should also be present for your rehearsal. They may assist in identifying possible problems and communicate with other providers, like your DJ, to keep them updated on what will happen throughout the ceremony. Finally (and most crucially, in our opinion), you should invite your officiant. Your wedding officiant will take the lead and oversee the wedding rehearsal. They will have a wealth of expertise and can adequately take you and your wedding party through a rehearsal of your big day.

What about the rehearsal dinner?

The rehearsal dinner gets much attention these days. A rehearsal dinner is a terrific opportunity to enjoy the company of your wedding party immediately before the big day when everyone is enthusiastic if you want to make it an occasion. It's a terrific chance to meet the future in-laws and hear any toasts that won't fit into the wedding day. But if you'd prefer to hold a pizza party after the practice, that's OK too!

Is a wedding rehearsal essential?

It may appear to be more burdensome as an additional thing to prepare for your wedding. However, the rehearsal will really assist in relieving tension and set you up for a fantastic event. 

Still not convinced? Here are the reasons why you should have a wedding rehearsal and some extra rehearsal advice!

• To direct attention to where it belongs.

The entire purpose of your wedding is to commemorate your marriage. It's very easy to be bogged down in the nitty-gritty of dress fittings, cake tastings, and venue visits. However, the main reason for the party is the ceremony when you become a married couple. If one aspect of the day requires more outstanding care, it is the ceremony. Your officiant will be able to deliver that message to your group and re-center everyone on the significance of the day during your wedding rehearsal.

• To get rid of any pre-wedding nerves.

We're not claiming that attending a wedding rehearsal can eliminate butterflies from your stomach on the big day, but it can help. The unknown generates a lot of anxious energy. But if you practice your wedding ceremony and know precisely what to expect, you won't have those concerns.

A wedding rehearsal is also an excellent opportunity to ask questions and state your concerns. Your officiant is there to answer the questions and make you feel comfortable as you go into your ceremony. If you're worried about walking in your new shoes, nailing the first kiss, or where to store your vows, you may rehearse or repair them during your rehearsal.

• Third, you'll know where to go, sit, and stand.

You may believe you know how to walk down the aisle, but a wedding rehearsal is about much more. Here is what you may consider:

Will you both go down the aisle, or will one of you stand at the front?

Are you heading down the aisle alone, with someone else, or with others?

Are you looking for musical cues?

If you're carrying flowers, who will be in charge of them, and when will you hand them over?

Where will you go to get your marriage license signed?

• So everyone at the wedding party understands where to go, sit, and stand.

It's not only about you and your significant other; it's also about your wedding party. While many members of the bridal party may frown at the prospect of practicing walking in a straight line, you'll discover there's a lot for them to practice.

Will your wedding party walk down the aisle or stand in front?

What is the processional order? Who in your wedding party walks first, second, and so on?

What will their tempo and spacing be like as they go down the aisle?

Where are they at the end of the aisle? Will the locations be marked? Is it a straight line or a diagonal?

Will they stand or sit? If so, are the gaps labeled?

How should they hold the flowers if they're holding them? Would you prefer that they keep their hands out of their pockets if they wear pants with pockets?

What is the recessional order?

Also, consider the persons who will be engaged in your wedding ceremony but are not necessarily members of the wedding party. These honorees might be your parents, grandparents, siblings, or those having a unique role in the event, such as readings or singers. They can also learn more about their duties during the wedding rehearsal.

Will they take part in the processional? If so, how should they be done?

What will their seats be? Are these locations labeled?

Is it simple to get to the front if they need to? What are their plans?

• To give your children some practice.

We must not overlook the children! You must have a wedding rehearsal if you have children at your wedding party. Most children have little experience performing in front of large audiences. They would benefit greatly from clear instructions and opportunities to perfect their craft.

Having a wedding rehearsal won't guarantee that your little one won't freak out and refuse to walk down the aisle, but it will help.

• To learn how the rings get to you.

It's not just about getting everyone where they need to be on the big day; it's also about the important stuff, like the rings! Who is transporting your rings? Is a member of the wedding party in charge of the rings if you don't have a ring bearer? When are they going to be delivered to you?

The same is true for every other critical thing you'll need for your ceremony - your vows, a unity candle, or the unique pen you'll need to sign your license - you need to know where it's being stored, how it'll get to you, and how it'll return home securely. And you can find out all of this at your wedding rehearsal! If you have a child as your ring bearer, save the rings till immediately before they go down the aisle. Nothing spells calamity like a five-year-old clutching two little objects for more than a few minutes.

Another suggestion: Are you unsure where to place your vows? Inquire with your officiant! Your officiant will gladly bring the vows to your wedding and present them to you at the front.

• Don't worry, a wedding rehearsal will not mar the ceremony's enchantment!

One common complaint we hear from couples is that they don't want to have a wedding rehearsal because they are afraid it will mar the romanticism of the actual ceremony. And we can assure you that it will not! The critical parts of your ceremony will be covered at your wedding rehearsal. It is not the complete version of your tradition.

So you won't be able to recite your vows or hear the officiant utter the words that will be said on your wedding day. And believe us when we say that even if you wanted to practice your vows, nothing would equal the wonderful moment you utter them for real at your ceremony.

Wedding rehearsal tips

Are you sold on the wedding rehearsal? We certainly hope so! After all, the wedding rehearsal is all about relieving tension and making everyone feel more prepared for your spectacular event. Here are a few additional pointers to make your wedding rehearsal run smoothly:

• Begin at the far end of the aisle. We know it sounds funny, but when planning your processional, start with everyone at the end of the aisle in their proper seats for the ceremony. You can then have them run it from the top and go down the aisle since they'll know where they're heading when they arrive!
• Allow yourself more time. While the rehearsal may only take fifteen minutes, you should allow yourself at least an hour. People will be late with a large gathering, and it will take some time to get everyone settled and ready to leave. You should also include time for queries and extra practice if necessary.
• Can't get into your ceremony location in advance? That's fine! One challenge couples have when organizing their wedding rehearsal is not having access to their ceremony site in the days leading up to their wedding. While you should preferably practice in the exact location of your wedding, you can do it off-site. All you need is ample space and imagination to design an aisle, chairs, and the people around you.
• Focus on scheduling. We highly advise against scheduling your rehearsal dinner on the same day as your wedding. Because you have access to the venue, arranging your rehearsal on the morning of your wedding may be tempting, but this is not a good idea. The wedding day may be stressful, and things frequently fall behind schedule. Suppose individuals are preoccupied with getting ready, fixing their hair, or taking photographs. In that case, the rehearsal may be sparsely attended or skipped entirely.

Furthermore, the purpose of the wedding rehearsal is to go through the ceremony when you're calm and have time to sort out any concerns. That will not be the case on your wedding's hectic morning.

Conclusion

Finally! The big day has arrived after several months of preparation. It's time to start planning the wedding of your dreams, from picking out the perfect location and colors to designing and sending out elegant invites. It is essential to do a wedding rehearsal to iron out any wrinkles in the ceremony's timeline and ensure that all participants know their roles and responsibilities. The BridalFusion.com wedding rehearsal guide will serve as a valuable checklist for the hosting couples. Everything from the ceremony's sequence to time and other aspects is answered in this post and should be covered throughout your practice rehearsal. So, go ahead and have a hassle-free wedding practice.