Q. Most of our wedding party (including us) have been to a lot of weddings already, so this isn’t the first time any of us have been in a wedding. So, do we really need to have a wedding ceremony rehearsal?
A. – Yes, you do. Try to imagine a Broadway show being staged without rehearsals! Can’t imagine that happening, can you? That’s because it doesn’t happen! Lots of money, time, effort, and talent have been invested in this event so it’s important to have a rehearsal to help ensure that what was meant to happen – does! Your wedding ceremony rehearsal is no different!
Your wedding is your version of a staged production. You are not only the producer, but you also will play a starring role. Even if your bridesmaids and groomsmen have been in several weddings, they haven’t been in yours! The rehearsal will make sure that all the players know their places, and when key things are to happen. Even the simplest ceremonies can benefit from a practice run. After all the time and effort that has gone into the planning, you don’t need someone “winging it” on your big day.
The officiant and/or wedding planner/coordinator will take you and all the other participants through the procedures. He/she has presided over many wedding ceremony rehearsals and understands the general mood. But they too know it is important to make sure that everybody, including your wedding party, readers, musicians/DJ, and vocalists, knows their cues, and know what to expect.
Equally important is for any children who are part of the ceremony to be at the rehearsal. This gives them a chance to practice walking down the aisle and learn where to stand or sit. They get to practice carrying a ring pillow, or cute sign, or flower girl basket, or whatever it is you’d like for them to do. They should also know that they are expected to be on their best behavior during the entire ceremony. This is not playtime!
Parents of both the bride and the groom should also be at the rehearsal. While their role during the actual ceremony is minimal in comparison to the members of the wedding party for example, it is helpful for them to know when they are to be walking in, when and how to light the tapers for the unity candle (if there is one), and when to exit.
Who should be present at the rehearsal? Simply put, if they are involved in the ceremony itself in any way, from members of the wedding party to your ceremony musicians, they should be at the rehearsal.
Wedding ceremony rehearsals don’t have to take very long. Forty-five minutes of guided concentration on the ceremony will help sooth anxiety the next day and also help ensure “rave reviews.”
Photo Credits:
Ceremony Rehearsal – Richie Graham via Flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Wedding Ceremony Musicians – Jennifer Morrow via Flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Children in Ceremony – Cliff via Flickr (CC BY 2.0) (cropped from original)
Hearts, Joy, Love!
Jean
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