Wedding Rehearsal

Purpose of the Wedding Rehearsal

The wedding rehearsal serves several different purposes. First and foremost, of course, is to rehearse the wedding. It also serves as a meeting place for those who haven’t yet been acquainted. If the parents of the bride and groom haven’t met, the wedding rehearsal is probably when it will happen. It’s also the night when the bridal party meets as a group. It’s important they establish a rapport as they’ll be working and socializing together for most of the wedding day.

Make any introductions before the rehearsal begins. Everyone should know each other’s names, and the role they will be playing in the wedding.

The Wedding Rehearsal Night

Generally, the wedding rehearsal is held the night before the wedding. This way, the procession order and ceremony details are fresh in your mind the next day. If it’s more convenient to hold the rehearsal the weekend before, or even during the week, by all means go ahead and do so. There is nothing in the rule book that states a wedding rehearsal has to be held the night before the wedding.

Keep in mind however, that the rehearsal dinner immediately follows the rehearsal. Make sure you’re scheduling both events during a time when the most people can attend.

Who Conducts the Wedding Rehearsal

If you hired a wedding coordinator, she will be the one to handle the wedding rehearsal. She’ll make sure to go over all of the details and practice every thing that needs to be practiced until it flows effortlessly. If there is no wedding coordinator and your venue or church doesn’t have one, the officiant will usually take charge.

What to Bring to a Wedding Rehearsal

• If the bride and bridesmaids are wearing new shoes, especially shoes with high heels, they may want to bring them along for practice.

• Remember the “bow hat” made for the bride during the wedding shower? This is actually to be used for a “bouquet” during the wedding rehearsal. Now, this is not at all mandatory, but many brides do go along with it for fun.

• If a runner will be pulled down the aisle for the bride’s service, this too will be needed at the rehearsal. The groomsmen should know how to pull the runner along effortlessly, and the bride should practice walking on it in her heels. No bride wants to trip on her wedding day.

• Bring along any special music.

• If children are to be in the wedding, bring a basket for the flower girl and a pillow for the ring bearer. It’s especially important for the youngest attendants to practice.

The Rehearsal Dinner

The groom’s family should host the rehearsal dinner. It doesn’t matter if it’s held at a home or restaurant, it’s to be a festive occasion. Technically, only those who participated in the wedding rehearsal are to be invited. Though it’s not unheard of for siblings, grandparents and dates to be invited as well.

Toasts are made at the rehearsal dinner and gifts for the attendants are passed out. While a good time is encouraged for all, don’t spend the night partying. You want to be well rested for the Big Day!

The Next Day

On the day of the wedding, everyone will feel like old friends. Even those who didn’t know each other before, will feel at ease in each other’s company. The best part is that the wedding ceremony will go off without a hitch.