rehearsal to-dos + tips
Having a rehearsal before your wedding is important to not only feel prepared day-of but to also help everyone curb their 'pre-game' nerves ;) It's not every day you stand in front of possibly hundreds of people confessing your love for someone! Check out these tips to conduct a great wedding rehearsal!
What if we can't rehearse at the venue?
Not a problem! Rehearsals are all about ceremony flow, you can conduct this anywhere!
Who should be there?
Anyone who is directly involved in the ceremony and processional!
Officiant
Bridal Party including littles!
Ushers
Parents
Readers (+gift bearers if applicable)
What is a good processional lineup?
Officiant
Mother of Bride + Escort
Bridal Party (ending with Best Man + Maid of Honor)
Flower Girl + Ring Bearer
Bride + Escort
What should the flow of the rehearsal be?
Begin by lining up your bridal party.
Remember it is in opposite order than you initially think Maid of Honor and Best Man go last!
Practice walking down the aisle to your appropriate locations. Once set, critique the lineup and adjust as needed.
Practice Bride "hand-off" to groom. Who hugs who?
PRO TIP: Once you are facing your significant other, hold on to your flowers as your maid of honor adjusts your dress. Once she is done, THEN hand back your flowers.
Maid of honor practices handing her bouquet back and adjusting bride's dress
Officiant run through the flow of the ceremony at a high level
Officiant talks through the ring exchange
Officiant talks through the vow exchange
Practice ending! Yes.. THE MOMENT WE HAVE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR.
Officiant steps out from behind the couple and announces final statement
Practice this a few times! This helps the officiant to know exactly where they should move to.
Couple kisses
Couple turns to crowd
Officiant announces couple
Bride grabs flowers from Maid of Honor
Couple walks down aisle
Couple kisses AGAIN near the end of the aisle
Once the newlyweds kiss at the end of the aisle, the bridal party will join their partner at the center of the aisle and process out. You do not need to walk slowly as you exit!
The officiant is the last to leave after the bridal party and sometimes makes an announcement for the guests to join the cocktail hour
The most important piece to remember at your rehearsal... SIGN YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE! Now is a fantastic time to have your witnesses sign your marriage license so you do not need to worry about it after the ceremony (the couple has already signed it at the Clerks office). The only person who needs to sign it after the big day is the officiant and THAT is when it's official.