Your wedding day is fast approaching, and somewhere between finalizing the guest list and choosing your signature cocktail, you might find yourself asking, “Do I really need a wedding rehearsal?” After all, walking down the aisle seems simple enough, right?
As a retired wedding planner, I am a big proponent of wedding rehearsals. I say: yes, you do need one, and here’s why.
What Is a Wedding Rehearsal?
A wedding rehearsal is a run-through of your ceremony, typically held one or two days before your wedding. It’s an opportunity to walk through the processional (the entrance), the recessional (the exit), and every key moment in between. It’s not about perfection — it’s about preparation.
Think of it as a dress rehearsal for one of the biggest moments of your life. The goal is straightforward: ensure everyone knows where to go, when to go, and what to do.
Why You Need a Rehearsal
While the ceremony may seem straightforward to you, your wedding party may feel different. Common questions from bridesmaids, groomsmen, or family members often include:
- “When do I walk?”
- “Where do I stand?”
- “How fast should I go?”
- “Who am I walking with?”
A rehearsal eliminates guesswork and nerves. It builds confidence and ensures that everyone, from your flower girl to your officiant, knows their role and timing. By walking it out in advance, your ceremony will feel smooth, natural, and stress-free on the big day.
Don’t Forget Your Wedding Planner or Coordinator
If you’ve hired a wedding planner or day-of coordinator, make sure they’re running your rehearsal. They will:
- Direct the processional and recessional
- Help organize who stands where
- Manage the timing and flow
- Troubleshoot any potential issues before the ceremony
Having a pro lead the rehearsal takes the pressure off of you and ensures that every detail is addressed. Trust them, they’ve done this many times before, and they’ll be your calm in the chaos.
When Should You Have the Wedding Rehearsal?
Most couples schedule their rehearsal the day before the wedding, ideally in the late afternoon or early evening. This timing allows your wedding party and close family to arrive in town and settle in before meeting up to practice.
Here’s a typical schedule:
- Rehearsal: Around 4:00–5:00 PM
- Rehearsal Dinner or Welcome Party: Immediately following, around 6:00–7:00 PM
If your venue isn’t available the day before, don’t stress. You can:
- Rehearse two days before the wedding, especially if guests are arriving early.
- Hold a morning-of walk-through if absolutely necessary. Even 30 minutes of practice can help settle nerves.
The key is to find a time when most of the essential participants are available and focused.
Where Should the Rehearsal Be Held?
Ideally, your rehearsal should take place at the same venue as your ceremony. Practicing in the actual space helps everyone get familiar with the layout, where to walk, where to stand, and how everything flows.
But if your venue isn’t available, don’t worry! You can hold your rehearsal at an alternative location such as:
- A local park or backyard
- A community center or event space
- A large hotel conference room
- Even your living room, if it’s a small group!
The goal isn’t to perfectly mimic the ceremony space; it’s to make sure everyone knows the order of events and feels comfortable with what they’re doing. It’s less about the location and more about giving everyone a chance to walk through it together and shake off any pre-wedding jitters.
Who Should Attend the Wedding Rehearsal?
Not everyone needs to be at the rehearsal dinner, but anyone involved in the ceremony should attend the rehearsal. Here’s who you’ll want to invite:
The Couple
You’ll want to know the full ceremony flow and practice your entrance, vows, and exit.
Your Wedding Planner or Coordinator
Your Wedding Planner or Coordinator should run the show and coordinate all the moving parts and keep everything on schedule.
The Wedding Party
Bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, ring bearers, anyone walking down the aisle should be present to practice their part. If you have little ones in the ceremony, the rehearsal will help them feel more comfortable and confident in their role.
Parents of the Couple
Parents often play key roles in the processional and need to know when and where to walk or sit.
The Officiant
If your officiant is able to attend, they will typically guide everyone through the ceremony structure and key moments. Not all officiants attend the rehearsal. If your officiant is unable to attend, don’t worry, your planner or coordinator can guide you through the general flow.
Ceremony Performers & Readers
Whether it’s a friend doing a reading or a live musician, having them present allows them to understand their cues and timing.
Keep It Focused
It may be tempting to turn the rehearsal into a mini pre-party, but try to keep the guest list focused. Too many extra people can lead to distractions and delays. The rehearsal should be efficient, informative, and calm, so save the celebrating for the rehearsal dinner or welcome party afterward!