Get prepared for your
wedding rehearsal
Written by
Heather A. Muckle Heather
A. Muckle Minneapolis, MN
Get prepared for your wedding rehearsal
The “big day” is approaching and you are probably focusing your time
and energy on making it perfect. But, don’t forget to plan and prepare
for you wedding rehearsal. It is important to recognize the details
you will want to iron out at the rehearsal so your wedding day runs
smoothly.
Know what will be said
Meet with your officiant plenty of times before the wedding and
discuss in detail what will be said at the wedding ceremony. Even the
smallest detail---saying, “I do”, or “I will”, may make a difference
to you. It’s important to finalize as many details about the ceremony
as possible so you can concentrate on rehearsing, rather than having
to make decisions. Also, it is important that you and your officiant
are on the same wavelength with how the ceremony will flow. All of
these details should be discussed prior to the rehearsal, as well.
Pick a good time & place
Many people choose the evening before the ceremony to rehearse.
Usually this ends up to be a Friday night, which is probably
convenient for most people. However, if you choose to rehearse on a
weeknight, double check with your families and wedding party members.
Many people have family obligations in the evenings, or have to work
early the next day. Confirm that your time will work for the majority
of the people before you book the time.
If you are having the traditional dinner after you rehearsal, try to
pick a restaurant or location close to the rehearsal site. It will
save on time, and be convenient for most people. It also makes it much
easier to form a “car chain”. Many people may not know where the
restaurant is located. The closer it is, the easier it is to follow
other cars or carpool.
Make introductions
It is likely that many people will be meeting for the first time at
the wedding rehearsal. Make a point to introduce everyone. Nothing is
worse for an out-of-town bridesmaid than spending a weekend with a
bunch of strangers! To help these strangers remember each other, try
to give a good introduction. Rather than, “Harry, meet Sally.” Try,
“Harry, this is Sally. She is from Seattle and she is a stewardess.”
It makes it easy for Harry to remember---Sally, Seattle,
stewardess—when he sees her next.
Pick partners
Don’t wait until practice time to decide who will be walking down the
aisle with whom. This should be decided beforehand. If possible, put
some thought into your decisions. If people don’t get along with each
other, or may look strange walking together, don’t pair them up.
Take care of the little ones
Try to get the children to the rehearsal ahead of time to explain to
them what is going on. It may be their first wedding, and they may not
understand what a wedding is. Try to talk to them about the event and
explain what their important job is. If they are not standing for the
ceremony, be sure to show them where to go after their job is done.
Have them walk down the aisle a few times before the “crowd” gets
there to practice with them.
Bring props
Bring your bouquets, ring bearer pillow, flower girl basket, and any
other “props” that will play an important part of the ceremony. The
children will need them for practice, and you will need to practice
the moments when you need to hand your bouquet and/or gloves to your
honor attendant.
Reminders
Before you let anyone leave, remind them again of the times they need
to be available the next day and what they need to bring with them. If
you have time beforehand, you can make a schedule and a short list for
your family and attendants. Also, refer them to a person they can
contact if they have any questions or problems on the wedding day.
Reiterate that their contact person should not be the bride or groom!
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