Why a Wedding Rehearsal Matters (2024)

1. Getting Everyone on the Same Page: A wedding involves more than just the couple. From bridesmaids to groomsmen, a well-practiced wedding party ensures everyone knows their role. The rehearsal helps everyone understand cues, entrances, and exits, fostering confidence for a coordinated ceremony.

2. Choreographing the Ceremony: Timing is everything in a wedding ceremony. The rehearsal allows the couple and the wedding party to fine-tune the choreography – from the processional to vows and ring exchanges. Practice ensures a seamless flow on the actual day.

3. Testing Logistics and Technicalities: Weddings come with technical challenges – sound systems, lighting, and music cues. The rehearsal is the perfect time to test and troubleshoot these elements, ensuring everything works smoothly on the big day.

4. Minimizing Stress: Weddings can be stressful, and nerves can run high. The rehearsal acts as a stress-buster, familiarizing everyone with the venue and routine. This familiarity reduces anxiety, contributing to a more relaxed and enjoyable wedding day.

5. Problem-Solving and Contingency Planning: No plan is foolproof. The rehearsal helps identify potential issues and allows for contingency planning. Whether it's adapting to unexpected delays or rearranging seating due to weather, a well-rehearsed wedding party can handle challenges with ease.

• Arrive at the venue with your personal decor items (if you are allowed to leave items at the venue overnight)

• Take a moment to introduce the wedding party members and family members who may not be acquainted.

• Start the rehearsal with everyone in their designated spots at the altar. This is the moment to space your wedding party exactly how you envision. Practice the recessional from this position to ensure everyone is comfortable and coordinated.

• Move to the entrance point and organize the processional. Begin with family members, followed by the groom and his parents, groomsmen, best man, bridesmaids, maid of honour, flower girls, ring bearers, and finally, the bride and her parents. Once the bride reaches the altar, the maid of honour can give her dress a final fluff and take her bouquet.

• With the wedding party in their places, have the officiant give a run-through of the order of the ceremony. This includes practicing the signing of the license, the first kiss, and the recessional. Ensure everyone is clear on their cues and timing.

• Run through the ceremony once more, making any necessary adjustments. This is the time to perfect the details, ensuring a flawless ceremony on the actual wedding day.

• Wrap up the rehearsal and enjoy a celebratory dinner. Take this time to relax, savor the moments, and get a good night's sleep.

• Assign someone to fluff your dress before you walk down the aisle.

• Keep the little ones happy with candies or treats.

• Bridesmaids should hold their bouquets at belly button height.

• Bridal party should avoid chewing gum and wearing sunglasses.

• Groomsmen should fold their hands in front, facing the same direction.

• Create a visually appealing arrangement by having the bridal party stand in a slight semi-circle.

• Maid of honour fluffs the dress and takes the bouquet (remember it when exiting).

• Brides escort should be on her right side when walking down the aisle.

• Groom should do a hug/handshake to the brides escort

• Groom should go first for vows and ring exchanges.

• Couple should give their vows to the officiant before the ceremony.

• Ladies on the left, men on the right when facing the altar.

• Kiss a bit longer than you think you need to for that perfect captured moment.

• Officiant should move aside for the couple's kiss.

• Allow the couple to fully exit the aisle for optimal photo opportunities.

• When the couple is half way down the aisle they should do a kiss and dip for that beautiful photo.

• Each couple should link arms and exit together, proceeding only when the couple in front is halfway down the aisle.

Photos: Andrew James Abajian

Brittany Mahood Photography