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Posted on: 5 April 2022

Your wedding ceremony rehearsal is a key part of the big day, but it's often overlooked amid all the competing priorities you have at this point. While most couples know the basics about what should be included in a rehearsal — like practicing walking down the aisle as pairs — a few unexpected tips will ensure yours goes smoothly and reduces stress. Here are a few of these tips you may not have considered. 

1. Do a Pre-Rehearsal Rehearsal

Many couples enter the rehearsal with only a vague idea of what they want the ceremony to look like. But the more you have worked out in advance between yourselves, the easier and faster this rehearsal will go. Meet in private beforehand to work out things like who will walk with whom, where everyone should stand, what announcements will be made, and who will do which tasks. 

2. Start at the Front

It may seem counterintuitive, but don't start the rehearsal of the processional at the beginning of the procession. Instead, place your wedding party and others (such as parents) in place at the ceremony location. This tells everyone where they should aim for and the look you're going for. Then, have them recess out and start the rehearsal over from the beginning. 

3. Name a Point Person

The bride or groom should not be in charge of corralling the wedding party and making sure everyone is where they should be. If you don't have a coordinator, ask a trusted — and assertive but tactful — friend to be the wedding party wrangler. Work with them ahead of time so they understand what you want. Then let the entire rehearsal party know that this is the person they should address with questions or concerns. 

4. Use a Stand-In

While the wedding couple needs to be at the center of the rehearsal plans, they benefit from taking a step back. After rehearsing once or twice, ask a friend to stand in for you and your partner. Then, observe the proceedings from one or more vantage points around the ceremony location. This helps you see your vision as others will see it so you can identify any weak points or unexpected problems. 

5. Practice It Fully

Most rehearsals practice only the moving parts. But you may want to go through the entire ceremony once from beginning to end. This ensures you know most or all of what the officiant will include, that they know any announcements they'll be responsible for, that your wedding party knows their cues, and that kids or pets can make it through the whole ceremony. 

Where to Start

Want more tips for planning a wedding ceremony rehearsal that gets the job done properly? Start by meeting with a ceremony event planner in your area today.