How To Plan A Wedding Rehearsal?

Frequently, we are asked, "How long does a rehearsal take?" Simply put, the timeframe is one hour. We set aside an hour for the practise, but in actuality, it only takes around twenty or thirty minutes. Some ministers take longer than others, but often less than 30 minutes is needed to figure out the processional, lineup, where and how to stand, any ceremonial elements, the recessional, etc. The remainder of the time is typically spent waiting around for the bride's party to arrive at the ceremony site, bring in the necessary wedding accessories, greet guests, and introduce themselves. The rehearsal provides a chance for the wedding party to get to know each other and familiarise themselves with the wedding location and schedule, as well as the specifics of their roles.

The rehearsal for your wedding is a significant event. It's the first time you and your wedding party have met, so naturally you're giddy. You should make sure the practise for the ceremony goes well before you hurry off to the celebratory meal. Here, therefore, is a detailed explanation of how to organise a rehearsal for a wedding. (If someone other than yourself (the wedding planner, the officiant, or a family member) has volunteered to lead the rehearsal for your ceremony, please make sure they get a copy of the material below.)

The wedding rehearsal is a crucial step that must precede the rehearsal supper. Usually held before the rehearsal dinner, the wedding rehearsal is a run-through of the ceremony. Who should you invite, what should you bring, and what should you expect them to do once they arrive? Here is a quick reference for nailing the wedding rehearsal and feeling confident on the big day.

Who Should Be There?

Everyone from the officiant (duh) to your parents, readers, and bridal party should be present at your rehearsal. Here is your time to set the tone and tempo for the ceremony and make sure everyone knows what they're supposed to be doing. This will offer your guests an opportunity to get comfortable with the rituals before the big day.

What Should We Bring?

The officiant at your ceremony may be able to give you some pointers on what should be included in your rehearsal. It's possible that he or she will want a unity candle or some other major ritual prop. Programs can help guests follow along and get acquainted with the ceremony before it begins. Last but not least, bring the colourful ribbon bouquet your bridesmaids made for you during the bridal shower.

How Does Long Will It Take?

The rehearsal should take less time than the actual ceremony, ideally around 30 minutes. Some couples choose to hold the rehearsal at a different time than right before the dinner, which is when the majority of guests will be present. Only make sure everyone who has to be there is there.

What Do We Do?

A rehearsal is really a walk-through in disguise. Your officiant will lead the rehearsal so that everyone can have a feel for what to expect and can work out any kinks before the big day. If everyone in the bridal party puts their heads down and pays attention, it's a breeze.

Being in charge of the first few wedding rehearsals can be a daunting task. Most wedding planners agree that this is the least fun part of arranging a wedding. It is crucial to determine who will be in charge of leading the rehearsal for the ceremony one week in advance and to coordinate with church coordinator or the officiant who will be present at the rehearsal. It's helpful to be aware in advance that certain religious leaders prefer to take charge personally.

Also, you may enquire whether the musicians who will be performing at the event would be interested in attending the practise.

Assess Rehearsal Space

There are two parts to this stage that must be accomplished before we can move on to the rehearsal proper. The location of the rehearsal needs to be discussed with the couple in advance. Only other thing to think about is if the rehearsal will be held at the same site as the wedding.

Unfortunately, we've had a lot of problems with the rehearsal facility being unavailable. Is it wise to put off the dress rehearsal? No way, no how, no how! The location could be anything from the restaurant where the rehearsal dinner is being held to a public park, a condo party area. All we need is an auditorium with a centre aisle wide enough for us to walk down and find our seats in the imaginary first row.

When we go to the rehearsal spot, whether it's the actual wedding venue or someone's back deck, we need to do some rapid preparation as we call everyone to attention.

Inform Everyone What Will Happen

With no introduction from the minister, the dress rehearsal began. First we were ordered to wait while he peppered the bridal couple with questions and made plans, and then we were given further instructions. We had no idea what his plan was, how long we would be there, or when it would end. The saddest part, however, was watching happy people, shells in hand, splashing around in the waves and sipping margaritas just a few feet away. Specifically, may we please enquire as to the timeframe during which we may depart this establishment?

The only thing worse than being compelled to attend something you have no interest in is not knowing what's going on or when it will finish. Let's not make our couple and their loved ones feel bad!

An effective officiant will take the time to introduce themselves at the start of the rehearsal and then go on to detail the steps, timing, and other aspects of the ceremony they will be leading.

Ceremony Discussion

A boring rehearsal would entail the officiant reading the entire ceremony out loud as the guests sat around waiting for their moment. Not necessary in this case! As the officiant, you should know that this is not a dress rehearsal. In other words, everyone else is only practising!

Talking through the performance is the first step in any rehearsal process. That said, it doesn't imply a word-for-word perusal. Basically, we're just practising the ceremony so that everybody is comfortable with the format. It's a high-altitude look at what goes on between when they file in at the rear and when they file out the back door.

To do this, we bring in a script of the entire ceremony and run through all the stage directions, including where individuals should sit and stand, when they should enter, and so on. Give the two people your full focus and make it clear that you are open to adjusting anything that isn't working. Don't be afraid to raise questions or open up the discussion when you're unsure.

We intend to take charge without coming across as aggressive or superior. And let us never forget that the ceremony is not the officiant's to conduct. In a word, the couples.

While it's expected that many individuals may have questions as we go along with this discussion, it shouldn't slow us down. To reiterate, this is only a dry run. During the walk-through, you will get a feel for the layout, iron out any kinks, and build up muscle memory.

Ceremony Walkthrough

After the rehearsal is through, everyone stands in the order they will walk in and the ceremony begins. The same goes for our speech, which will not be read aloud, or the vows, which will not be read aloud.

During the walk-through, we are practising the moving pieces, signalling people's cues, ensuring that they are walking at the correct speed, and looking for asymmetry in their posture.

Every transition in the ceremony, as well as any actions requiring the use of one's hands, is practised in detail during rehearsals so that everyone feels comfortable and sure of their roles (ring exchange, signing, etc.).

Perform a Re-Run

People taking part in the dress rehearsal are starting to feel exhausted. Here is where we inject them with vigour. We reassure them that the upcoming repeat, which will last for only four minutes, will be over soon. We promise that they will soon have their minds completely blown.

We're going to show everyone that we know exactly when to enter, what to say, and where to stand by watching the rebroadcast.

So, we do a do-over of the walk-through without changing anything that didn't need to be. Your wedding is the main event, but everyone will remember the ceremony. The bride's party will seem elegant and at ease as they move through the ceremony. Participants will move gently, in time with one another, and emulate the actions of those around them throughout the ritual.

Remember that the rehearsal is also a joyful social event. Plan on spending up to 45 minutes on the rehearsal in case any members of the bridal party are late.