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 finalise 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 whereto 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 questionsor problems on the wedding day. Reiterate that their contact person should not be the bride or groom!