Service Explanation: What Is Rehearsal Direction?

Today, we’re chatting about a service I offer called rehearsal direction.

Before I go any further, there may be some folks out there who don’t think they need a rehearsal. This may be true, but in most cases I HIGHLY recommend it. Did you get that? HIGHLY recommend it. 

photo by Joe Craig Photography

So, let’s first start with that question: Do you need to have a ceremony rehearsal?

This question is ultimately up to you, but I recommend it if you say ‘yes’ to any of the following:

• You have a wedding party larger than four people including yourself and your partner.

• You have any small children in your wedding party that aren’t just going to be held by an adult.

• You have a ceremony that involves participation of your family and/or wedding party members.

• You have a ceremony that involves several rituals and/or sections.

• You have any readers or other participants involved with your ceremony.

• You typically get nervous in front of crowds.

• Your ceremony will take place in a spot where the path isn’t super obvious.

Some or all of the above will usually fall into a couple’s plans, but having a rehearsal helps take some of the stresses off – trust me.

Now…

Why do you need rehearsal direction?

As part of my coordination services, I am more than happy to attend your rehearsal (not rehearsal dinner) to help direct the flow. Ultimately, I have four goals in doing this:

1. To keep you (and everyone else) on time for the rehearsal dinner and/or other events following the rehearsal.

Having several people in one room – and usually people that may not have seen each other in a while – can result in chats that go longer than anticipated. Having the DPNAK team there to help keep with the timeline is essential in keeping things moving and on time.

2. Be the voice of reason (and experience) amongst many different opinions.

Just as with #1, when you have a lot of people together, you will automatically have a lot of opinions. Chances are some of your wedding party will have recently been in a wedding and they will try and tell you how to do it which may or may not be the way you actually want to do it. We act as a middle person with the experience necessary to make sure everyone’s voices are respectfully heard but what was previously discussed (and desired) ends up being the final outcome.

3. Help you get what you want without you having to turn into a Bridezilla (or Groomzilla).

To go off of #3, when you have a lot of opinions coming at you, any time you disagree there is the opportunity that someone will assume you’re going into Bridezilla-mode – which again may or may not be true. With us there, you stay out of that seat.

4. Answer any questions that anyone has regarding the wedding day.

This is a GREAT opportunity for wedding party and family members to ask questions about the wedding day. This includes anything from limo pick-up times, hair appointments, dinner time – anything. We’re happy to answer any questions and make sure everyone feels comfortable for the upcoming wedding day.

To summarize, rehearsal direction includes:

• Up to one hour of rehearsal direction

• Lining up the wedding party, family members and other participants for the processional (a.k.a. the beginning part)

• Assisting wedding party, family members and other participants with where to be during the ceremony

• Answering any questions regarding the flow and structure of the ceremony – in addition to the Officiant

• Overseeing all aspects of the ceremony (including the rings, vows, candle lighting, etc.)

• Assisting with the recessional (a.k.a. the end part)

• Lining up all participants for the receiving line

• Explaining when the wedding party will arrive and what will happen when they do

• Explaining how to usher family members and guests

• Answering any questions regarding any part of the wedding day

• Handing out pocket timelines to all VIPs

In a nutshell, we’re there to help and make sure things go as smoothly as possible. Although I do always say, “a rocky rehearsal makes for wonderful wedding” so don’t worry if things don’t go perfectly. This is the time to iron out the kinks and make the mistakes before anyone else is watching.

Interested in our services? Get started by filling out this short form on our contact page and we’ll get back to you within just a few hours!

Want to learn more about having an awesome wedding rehearsal? Check out my 12 Steps To A Smooth and Efficient Wedding Rehearsal.