Have a rehearsal people!
The Wedding Rehearsal: Why a "Practice Run" is Your Secret Weapon
We’ve all seen the movies: the wedding rehearsal is usually portrayed as a dinner full of awkward speeches and too much wine. But before the party starts, there is the actual rehearsal—the 30 to 60 minutes you spend at the venue walking through the ceremony.
While it might seem like just another task on an already packed schedule, the rehearsal is the glue that holds the wedding day together. Here is why skipping it is a risk you don't want to take.
1. It Calms the "Stage Fright"
Even the most outgoing couples get a hit of adrenaline (and nerves) when they see a hundred faces staring at them.
The Benefit: Walking the aisle, standing at the altar, and practicing the hand-off from a parent helps desensitize those nerves.
The Result: When the music starts for real, your brain shifts into "I’ve done this before" mode, allowing you to actually be present in the moment.
2. Choreography for the Chaos
A wedding party can range from two people to twenty. Without a rehearsal, the processional can look like a disorganized line at the grocery store.
Spacing: A rehearsal ensures your bridesmaids and groomsmen know exactly how far apart to walk.
The "Landing": It answers the age-old question: "What do I do with my hands?" Your coordinator or officiant will show the wedding party how to hold their bouquets and where to stand so the photos look symmetrical and polished.
3. Nailing the Audio and Transitions
If you are having live music or specific cues (like a song change the moment the doors open), the rehearsal is the time to sync.
The Officiant's Cues: Your officiant can practice the "Please be seated" or the "Who gives this person away?" moments so there are no awkward silences.
The Logistics: If you have a flower girl or a ring bearer, this is their chance to see the "big room" so they aren't intimidated by it the next day.
The "Peace of Mind" Checklist
During a rehearsal, you'll finalize these small but crucial details:
The Pace: Ensuring the music doesn't end while the bride is only halfway down the aisle.
The Hand-off: Practicing the transition from walking with a parent to joining your partner.
The Microphones: Checking for "dead zones" or wind interference if you're outdoors.
The Recessional: Making sure everyone knows which exit to use so you don't walk into a closet!
Who Needs to Be There?
Role
The Couple
Wedding Party
Parents
Officiant
Coordinator
The Final Verdict
Think of the rehearsal as the "Technical Rehearsal" of a Broadway show. You’ve done the work, you’ve bought the costumes, and you know your lines—now you just need to make sure the stage feels like home. Once the rehearsal is over, you can head to dinner knowing the "work" is done, and the next day is purely for celebration.
