Ceremony Rehearsal
The rehearsal is very important, but is often rushed because everyone wants to get to the rehearsal dinner and party. Don't waste this valuable time to fine-tune your wedding ceremony. If something isn't right, stay until you're satisfied.
The ceremony rehearsal is the perfect time to discuss any potential problems in advance with the bridal party and officiant.
The rehearsal is usually held at the ceremony location the night before the wedding. However, if the ceremony location is unavailable, the rehearsal can be held at an alternative location.
Who Attends the Ceremony Rehearsal?
It is important that all necessary people involved in ceremony, attend the rehearsal. Those who need to attend are:
- The bride and groom
- All members of the bridal party
- The officiant
- Musicians
- All individuals involved the ceremony (such as readers, lighting candles, etc)
- Parents of the bride and groom
Ceremony Rehearsal Tips
- Make sure that everyone that should attend knows the time and location of the rehearsal. The goal is to get everyone there on time!
- Let your Officiant run the rehearsal. He or she should give directions to everyone in terms of the flow, order of events, where and when to enter and where to stand at the altar.
- Don't try to add anything new to the ceremony that wasn't already talked about and agreed upon with your Officiant. It will only add confusion to the ceremony and the rehearsal.
- The Bride and female attendants should practice walking down the aisle to make sure that everyone follows the same pace. Children (flower girls and ring bearers) may need extra practice time to make them feel comfortable walking down the aisle.
- The Officiant should also instruct the ushers on how to seat mothers, grandmothers and wedding guests. Click here for More Tips of Seating Guests. They should also receive instructions on rolling out the aisle runner if one is being used.