Your wedding rehearsal may not be the most glamorous part of planning, but it’s one of the most important. A well-organized rehearsal ensures everyone knows their role, timing, and placement, making the wedding ceremony flow effortlessly.

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Step 1: Schedule the Rehearsal in Advance

Wedding rehearsals usually take place 1-2 days before the wedding and last about 30-60 minutes.

Timing Considerations:

✅ Book early – Venues and officiants have limited availability, so schedule ASAP.
✅ Keep it short & focused – 30 minutes is usually enough for a simple ceremony.
✅ Plan for travel time – If you’re hosting a rehearsal dinner, ensure there’s enough time to transition smoothly. Communicate to your attendees whether they should come dressed for dinner.

💡If your venue isn’t available for a rehearsal, practice in a nearby park, backyard, or hotel space instead!

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Step 2: Decide Who Should Attend

Not everyone needs to be at the rehearsal—just the key players.

Who Should Be There?

👰 The Couple – Of course!
💍 Officiant – If possible, have them lead the run-through of the actual script.
👯‍♀️ Wedding Party – Bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, and ring bearers.
👪 Immediate Family – Parents and anyone who will be processing down the aisle.
🎶 Musicians or Readers – To practice their roles.

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Step 3: Walk Through the Ceremony Step by Step

A structured run-through ensures everyone knows their cues.

Order of Events to Rehearse:

1️⃣ Processional – Who walks down the aisle, in what order, and to what music?
2️⃣ Officiant’s Welcome – Where will you stand? Will there be a microphone?
3️⃣ Readings or Special Moments – Practice where speakers will stand.
4️⃣ Vow & Ring Exchange – Will you be reading vows? Holding a microphone?
5️⃣ The Kiss! – (It might sound silly, but knowing when and how to transition makes it smooth!)
6️⃣ Recessional – Who walks out first, and what happens next?

💡 Do a full run-through twice—once slowly to explain everything, then again at normal speed.

💡 Use markers or tape at the venue to show where everyone should stand—especially for outdoor weddings where spacing might be unclear.

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Step 4: Troubleshoot Potential Issues

Avoid wedding-day surprises by solving potential problems in advance.

🔊 Sound Check – Can everyone hear the officiant? Do the microphones work?
👣 Walking Pace and Standing Notes – Ensure everyone walks slowly and naturally (not too fast!). Instruct the gentlemen to hold their right hand over their left, and ensure the ladies are holding their bouquets low enough to not block their dresses.
🎵 Music Cues – Check that songs start and stop at the right moments.
🌬 Weather Plan – If the ceremony is outdoors, discuss the backup plan in case of rain.

💡 If the ceremony location has uneven flooring, steps, or long aisles, have everyone practice walking down carefully—especially if wearing heels!

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Step 5: Transition Smoothly to the Rehearsal Dinner

Once the rehearsal is done, it’s time to celebrate!

Rehearsal Dinner Tips:

🍽 Keep it casual or formal—whatever fits your style! But don’t try to make it a mini-wedding!
📜 Give a short welcome speech – Thank your wedding party & family.
🎁 Distribute gifts – If giving wedding party gifts, this is a great time.
🥂 Have fun! – The hard part is over; now enjoy the evening!

💡 If you have out-of-town guests arriving later, consider a welcome drinks gathering after the rehearsal dinner so more people can join!

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A well-executed wedding rehearsal ensures your ceremony flows smoothly, your wedding party feels confident, and you feel calm and prepared. Need help keeping everything organized? Let’s chat!