How to Plan the Ultimate Wedding Rehearsal
Sarah Sunstrom Photography
Hello, beautiful couples! I’m thrilled to guide you through one of the most important (and often overlooked) moments of your wedding week: the rehearsal. Think of it as your dress rehearsal for the show-stopping day ahead. It’s a chance to breathe, practice, and make sure everything flows effortlessly.
Why it matters:
A rehearsal isn’t just a formality. it’s your opportunity to make the processional feel natural, the vows feel genuine, and the exit feel celebratory. When you take the time to walk through your ceremony, it helps everyone relax, everyone knows their role, and you can eliminate any last-minute confusion.
When & where to schedule:
– Choose a time, ideally one or two days before your ceremony (or if that’s impossible, a few hours before your wedding day). This gives you immediate recall and momentum.
– Use the actual ceremony location if possible. If not, select a space that mirrors the layout (aisle width, seating arrangement, entrance direction) so your wedding party can practice in realistic conditions.
– Make sure all key participants attend: your planner (if applicable), your officiant, wedding party, immediate family, musicians or DJ, and any readers or special participants.
Create your rehearsal guest list:
Include:
Couple
Maid/Matron of Honor, Best Man
Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, Flower Girl(s), Ring Bearer(s)
Parents and/or Grandparents involved in the processional or ceremony
Officiant
Musicians, DJ, or anyone controlling music cues
Venue or wedding coordinator (if applicable)
Build your rehearsal script
Welcome and brief introduction: This is your moment at the rehearsal to set expectations — “We’ll walk through entrances, then ceremony order, then exits.”
Processional: Practice the order (who goes when, what music plays, where they stop).
Ceremony walk-through: Include the location of the officiant, your position, where the rings and vows will take place, any readings, unity rituals, and other relevant details.
Recessional: Practice the exit order, how you leave, and where you go for photos.
Check logistics: Music cues, microphone and A/V checks, décor placement, seating arrangements for guests, and timing (how long the ceremony should last).
Final run and adjustments: Walk it once more at a steady pace, addressing any awkward moments or confusion.
Assign roles and clarify responsibilities:
Make sure everyone knows:
Where they are standing or walking.
What music or cue prompts their action.
Where to go immediately after (for photos, for seating, for joining family, etc.).
Any special duties: ushering, handing rings, readings, lighting candles, etc.
This clarity eliminates confusion and helps everyone feel confident.
Cover the practicalities:
Ensure the venue layout is accurate: aisle width, seating count, entrance/exit locations.
Check the music or sound system: Can the officiant be heard? Are music cues clear?
Consider the lighting (especially for outdoor or evening ceremonies). Make sure your wedding party’s route is lit and guests’ vision is good.
Confirm where photos/videos will be captured. If your photographer or videographer is at the rehearsal, they’ll have an easier time on the big day.
Distribute a timeline or brief run-sheet to key participants so everyone has a reminder of when and where to be.
Rehearse your vows & special moments:
If you’re writing your own vows or planning non-traditional touches (hand-fasting, sand ceremony, unity candles), this is a good time to walk through them. Speak the lines out loud, but still keep the element of surprise and do not read your entire vows..
After the rehearsal, celebrate & connect:
Once the run-through is complete, consider gathering your wedding party (and maybe immediate family) for a light rehearsal dinner or casual meet-up. This is a time to relax, say thank-you for their support, share a toast, and build excitement for tomorrow. It’s also a great buffer between rehearsal and wedding morning.
Final thoughts and mindset:
Your rehearsal is not about creating perfection. Your rehearsal’s about creating familiarity and ease. It’s ok if things aren’t flawless; what matters is that everyone knows the path, feels comfortable, and is ready to shine when you step into that aisle.
So take a deep breath, smile, enjoy the moment, and trust that your planning has paved the way for magic. Tomorrow begins your beautifully orchestrated day…and you've set the stage with confidence.
Until next time…WEDologize!