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What to do at the
rehearsal
The goal of the rehearsal is to give everyone a
comfort level on the ceremony proceedings. The
wedding party will walk through the ceremony so
everyone is clear on their parts and placement.
Invite to the rehearsal anyone that will participate
and require direction for the wedding ceremony. The
bride, groom, wedding party and officiant at a
minimum should attend. Young members of the wedding
party should have their parents invited too. It’s
nice to invite your parents, grandparents, other
significant family and out of town guests if there
is to be a dinner afterwards. If you can, have the
photographer, and videographer there to scope out
the best angles and positions, unless they are
already familiar with the location. If you have a
planner or coordinator, it’s good to have them there
as they will be the one directing the main event and
be able to meet the participants and get to know
who’s who.
At the rehearsal you will walk through the steps
required to ensure everyone knows what to do. It’s
important to have the music for the processional,
signing of the wedding certificate and recessional
so you can practice the timing going down the aisle
and ensure sound is sufficient. This is a good time
to give all the participants a copy of the schedule
and hand out any gifts, especially if the gifts are
to be worn at the wedding.
The rehearsal is usually held at the actual ceremony
site, and then a dinner will follow at the same
location or another location of choice. A day or
two before the wedding is best. Some participants
will be flying in, so you will need to give them
adequate notice to make travel plans.
The groomsmen will receive instruction on how to
seat guests and in particular the family rows. We
don’t usually have bride/groom sides anymore unless
you’re ultra traditional. Ask your officiant if
you’re concerned. You can, but don’t have to,
escort female guests to their seat with their male
companion following. It is sufficient to lead them
to their seats, saying “Please follow me”.
Depending on the guest list, save the first four or
five rows for immediate and extended family with a
‘reserved’ sign or ribbons. Immediate family is to
be seated just before the ceremony begins with
mothers last. Mother of bride seating signifies the
ceremony is about to begin. I like to seat the
groom’s family on the side behind the bride and the
bride’s family behind the groom so they can see
their loved one’s face as they’re getting married.
It’s a little non-traditional, but makes it more
meaningful and memorable. |
