Wedding Rehearsal Tips: Who, What and How
If you dig this article and want some more tips on wedding rehearsals and rehearsal dinners, check out my “12 Steps To a Smooth and Efficient Wedding Rehearsal” and “How To Plan The Timing For Your Wedding Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner”.
I can’t stress enough how important it is to hold a wedding rehearsal prior to your wedding day. But, what I want to talk about is how to plan for your rehearsal.
photo by Joe Craig
Who should you invite?
A wedding rehearsal is not just for you and your partner. It’s for your wedding party, your parents, your grandparents, your readers, your ushers and any other participants you may have. Anyone who is playing a role in the wedding should be invited.And they should all be invited to the rehearsal.
Now, if your great-Uncle who is escorting your beloved Grandma down the aisle isn’t able to make it, it’s not the end of the world, nor should you postpone the rehearsal. But the more that can come, the less confusion and questions the day of.
How much time should you plan for?
This is an important factor since most hold dinners and get togethers following the rehearsal. For most ceremonies, scheduling an hour to an hour and a half (if your group is often late) is ideal. You can start by asking your Officiant how long they anticipate your ceremony will be and how long you should set aside for the rehearsal. But most ceremonies that take anywhere from 20 minutes to 45 minutes, you can expect an hour long rehearsal or less (especially with a good coordinator). With a more traditional church wedding, your pastor will typically go through things in more detail and it could take longer than an hour. Now, this is keeping in mind everyone arriving somewhat on time. The later everyone arrives, the later it starts.
For more info on timing your wedding rehearsal, check out this article.
How do you tell your wedding party about the rehearsal?
There are many ways to invite your wedding party (et al) to your rehearsal and it depends on the level of formality you are going for. Invites can be sent in many ways from a text to an email to a paper invite.
If you have anyone in your group who is notoriously late, you may want to tell them the rehearsal is starting sooner rather than the actual time. (This works wonders, FYI)
photo by Joe Craig
What should you wear?
Ok, this one is always my favorite. I’ve had couples show up in beautiful cocktail attire and I’ve had couples show up in jeans. It depends more on where your rehearsal dinner is being held, but go with what you’re comfortable in. But I say it’s a good excuse to buy a cute dress.
What should you bring?
This will depend on your venue, but I recommend bringing as many items to your rehearsal as possible to take them off your plate the following day. It’s a great opportunity to either leave them with the venue or pass them along to your coordinator. This includes your programs, candles, reserved seating signs, etc.
IMPORTANT: You’ll also want to bring your marriage license to give to your Officiant.
Finally, the rehearsal dinner is a great time to present your gifts to your wedding party and parents (if you’re doing that sort of thankful thing).
