What to expect at your Wedding Rehearsal
As your big day approaches, you might be wondering what to expect at the rehearsal. Here are a few FAQ’s to help you to prepare!
Do we need a rehearsal?
This is a legitimate question that many couples ask. As fun as rehearsing your ceremony sounds, sometimes due to logistics, the addition of a run through can become a bit of a headache! Especially if your ceremony location isn’t close to home, or if you have a large wedding party. Trying to get everyone there at a set time can be a challenge. Also, if your wedding is on a Saturday then trying to fit in a time with your celebrant (who may be marrying someone else the day before your wedding) could be a squeeze too, although I will always do my best to accommodate a run through if required!
If your wedding party is small, or you are eloping- there isn’t much need for a rehearsal. It’s not a run through of the ceremony content- this is where we go through who is standing where, logistics of entrances and exits and the moving parts of the people involved. When we have our planning conversations, we will discuss rehearsals and decide between us if one is necessary. On the day, I will be able to arrange the Groom’s people, so the Bride’s people can mirror where they stand on the opposite side.
When is the best time to have a rehearsal?
Ideally the day or two before the ceremony is the best time to hold your rehearsal. This is so that it is still fresh in everyone’s minds.
I also recommend having your rehearsal as close to the ceremony time as possible, e.g. If you are getting married at sunset, rehearse at sunset. If you are tying the knot at 11am, rehearse at 11am.
Why do we do this?
Firstly, it’s great to see where the light will be hitting during the ceremony. We moved our entire ceremony location into a spot where we wouldn’t have dappled light, so that both of us were in the same light. You also don’t want to be standing with one partner squinting in the sunlight. View the angles like a photographer. It’s good to visit your venue prior to your ceremony at the same time a month or so before (as long as the seasons are similar light) so that you can see if the light is good. You may even change your ceremony timing based on this, so it’s crucial to know what the lighting is!
Secondly, if the weather is likely to be very hot when your ceremony is taking place, it’s a great opportunity to make sure that there is adequate shade for your guests. This is something that we will discuss during our earlier conversations as I like to make sure that the ceremony is smooth sailing for everyone!
Will we practice playing the music here?
This is something that I let my couples decide.
If you have a large wedding party or particularly intricate entrance, then it’s a great time to practice with the music that will be played on the day. It is also a good opportunity to get your nominated ‘music person’ to be there so that they can be confident and comfortable with hitting the ‘Play’ button. It might not seem like a big deal- but being responsible for the entrance and exit music can be quite nerve wracking on the day!
Some couples prefer not to play the music at their rehearsal, often my couples surprise their partner with the processional music choice and don’t want to let the cat out of the bag! Also, a lot of couples want to save the music moment for the wedding day- call me romantic, but I love seeing their faces light up the moment they first catch a glimpse of one another while the music plays, sigh!
Little People (and Fur Babies!)
If you have young children as part of your wedding party, it is a great idea to rehearse with them, especially if they are walking solo! Kids can tend to go rogue on the walk up the aisle, so practicing with them helps them to be sure of their route and final destination (I recommend a set near the front with a couple of lollies on it!)
Your fur baby may also be involved in your ceremony, woo hoo- I love doggos!!! I don’t think it is necessary for them to be at the rehearsal though, as you will have someone assigned to take care of them on the day. This is also a timely reminder to check with your venue that pets are allowed!
Giving Away
If you are being given away, then it is important to have that person present at your rehearsal. Practicing the walk down the aisle and the interaction once you get to your partner- will they hug, kiss, shake hands?- is a key part, it’s easy for things to look awkward if they haven’t been considered prior to the big day!
It is also helpful to take note of how wide your aisle will need to be- if both of your parents are giving you away, is the space allocated going to be wide enough? Consider that the skirts of your dress may be wider than the average person, so be sure to note this with your venue and whoever is setting up the seating for the ceremony.
Here is a list of the order in which I run through with my couples
The placement of everyone during the ceremony- first we set the groomsmen in place. Then we mirror with the bridesmaids.
Recessional- Once everyone knows where they are standing for the ceremony, we then practice the exit. Have a plan- where will your people be walking to? Pick a spot where you and your new partner in marriage will make a beeline for, so that you avoid awkwardly loitering at the end of the aisle! We can discuss this part in our pre-wedding meeting, I can give you suggestions.
Processional- Now that everyone knows where they are standing, we practice this part- it is now fool proof because BOOM, everyone knows their spot!
Giving away- This is the final part of the rehearsal if required. Get the person giving you away to practice their hug/kiss/handshake with your lover and they can find their seat.
DONE- time to head for a post rehearsal drink and to finalise your last minute preparations!
“Whether you decide on a rehearsal or not- your ceremony will be perfect- we’ve got this.”
