Guide to the Perfect Wedding Rehearsal

Whether you are a DIY bride or wedding planner looking for new tips towards a flawless wedding rehearsal, this one is for you! This guide to the perfect wedding rehearsal is all-encompassing and includes tips you didn’t even know you needed until now.

The rehearsal is not a favorite part of wedding preparations, but it shouldn’t be overlooked. Many times I’ve heard couples ask “do we really need a rehearsal?” and I always answer, “yes!” The rehearsal is as much for you as it is for those around you. So let’s dive into these tips for the perfect wedding rehearsal!

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Guide to the Perfect Wedding Rehearsal

Step 1: Plan for same time and place as the wedding ceremony

Most people understand the necessity of having the wedding rehearsal at the same location as the ceremony, but not everyone knows about having it at the same time. If you are having your ceremony indoors, the time of the rehearsal impacts you less. However, if you having your ceremony outdoors, practicing at the same time as your wedding ceremony is a great idea.

By practicing your rehearsal at the same time, you will have a better understanding of the conditions for the wedding ceremony, such as the temperature and location of the sun. Should your guests be in the direct sun, consider providing paper parasols, straw hand fans or hats to prevent overexposure. Consider offering sunglasses to your wedding party if they are staring into the sun for a long period of time.

If the temperature is cold, consider providing blankets for your guests to borrow during the ceremony. It will also tell you if the ground will be, dare I say, moist anywhere and if heel stoppers are necessary.

Remember, facial expressions are caught on camera and if your wedding party is surprised by anything mentioned above it will show in your photos, forever!

Step 2: Get everyone there on-time!

Starting the rehearsal on-time is more of a courtesy than anything. Your venue, officiant and everyone else involved is taking extra care to ensure your wedding day goes smoothly. Encouraging your wedding party to arrive in a timely fashion might include some extra coaxing.

Offer everyone a beverage (coffee or otherwise) or snack upon arrival. And/or say “last person to arrive at the rehearsal buys the group a drink!” to persuade prompt attendance.

Step 3: Start at the alter and work backwards

This might sound counterintuitive, but trust me when I say this step will save you time and confusion. When you and your wedding party know where to stand after walking down the aisle, it makes practicing the procession much easier. Think of it as knowing where the finish line is prior to starting a race.

Give each member of your wedding party a “marker”, not wholly dissimilar to a golf marker or garden stake, to place at their designated spot. This way they can land on the correct spot each time while walking down the aisle moving forward. There will be less comments from the peanut gallery such as, “where do I go again?” and “she is standing in my spot!”

Parents, grandparents/special persons and little helpers (flower girls, ring bearers, etc.) are usually seated towards the front of the guests. It’s generally recommended to have a “reserved” sign placed on these seats to ensure they are not taken by other guests.

Step 4: Practice the recessional

“May I now present Mr. & Mrs. _____” is one of the phrases that signals the end of the wedding ceremony. Once wed, it’s time to make your way back up the aisle. Brides, don’t forget to retrieve your bouquet from your maid-of-honor! Then clasp hands with your partner and begin the celebratory stroll through your guests. Stop partway to share a kiss and capture a great photo opportunity!

Once the married couple has “cleared the runway”, the wedding party can follow suit. Maid-of-honor greets the best-man at the alter before proceeding back down the aisle after the newlyweds. Then the next bridesmaid greets the next groomsmen, and so on. Parents, immediate family members and little helpers (flower girls, ring bearers, etc.) can stay at their seats and allow guests to filter out after the wedding party.

Step 5: Practice the processional – with music

There are many variations on the processional order depending on who you would like involved, whether or not you have ushers, etc. Below are two examples of processional orders:

Processional Order – option 1
– Officiant (if not already standing at the front)
– Ushers + Grandparents/Special Family members
– Father of the Groom + Mother of the Bride
– Groom + Mother of the Groom
– Groomsman(men) + Bridesmaid(s)
– Best Man + Maid of Honor
– Ring Bearer
– Flower Girl
– Bride + Father of the Bride

Processional Order – option 2
– Officiant (if not already standing at the front)
– Groom
– Groomsman(men)/Best Man + Grandparents/Special Family members
– Father & Mother of the Groom
– Bridesmaid(s)
– Maid of Honor
– Bride + Father & Mother of the Bride

There are so many different combinations out there and I encourage you to create your own. Some people have blended families and need lots of ushers, or wedding party persons pulling double duty. Some people opt to have no wedding party at all! The choice is yours.

Step 6: Practice any ceremony readings or traditions

You may have members of your wedding party selected to speak during your ceremony. Should there be specific ceremony readings, now is a great opportunity to practice them. It will lengthen your rehearsal, but there is no better time to ensure this part of the ceremony is covered.

There might also be traditions included in your ceremony. Mime through the motions of the tradition, be it a unity sand pouring, taking of communion, stomping of a glass, etc.

Step 7: Repeat steps 5, 6 & 4 – with music

Now that you have walked up and down the aisle once, it’s time to repeat the experience once or twice more. Practice makes perfect! It is wise to practice with the music selected, even if simply played from a phone or bluetooth speaker.

Start from the beginning, lined up and ready for the processional music. Everyone walks down the aisle, landing on their markers or taking their seats as needed. Bride practices handing off her bouquet to her maid-of-honor, and the best man practices handing off the rings to the officiant when it’s time.

Quickly run through the ceremony order noting the readings and traditions, and don’t forget to practice that closing kiss a few times, just in case. (wink!) Ceremony complete, then back down the aisle and you are done!

Step 8: Privately, practice reading your vows

I say “privately” for this next step as I find it very special for the first time you hear each other’s vows to be on the wedding day. Unless you wrote your vows together, keeping these precious words secret for another day is worth the wait.

But definitely practice saying your vows aloud. You will be happy you did so at least once before the adrenaline rush hits you at the alter!

Quick Note on the Rehearsal Dinner

Everyone involved with the wedding rehearsal should be invited to attend the rehearsal dinner. Please extend the invitation to your officiant as well. Whether or not to include plus ones is entirely up to you, however husbands, wives, those engaged, or otherwise promised partners would appreciate the invitation as well.

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Conclusion

I hope there is something you were able to take away from this Guide to the Perfect Wedding Rehearsal. Remember to Pin this post for when you are ready for next steps.

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