Practice Makes Perfect
They say that "practice makes perfect", but that isn't the whole purpose of the wedding rehearsal. A lot of people seem to view that evening as a formality, but it is so important to making sure the next day runs smoothly and the bride & groom have an opportunity to thank everyone for taking time out of their lives to be there.
The day before the wedding can be thought of as a time to get the nerves out and to be sure that everyone knows where they need to be and what they need to do. Reviewing this with everyone who will play a role in the ceremony is so important to relieving any stress or questions that may pop up on the wedding day.
Details are not just for the wedding day.
Bring the ribbon bouquet from the bridal shower to the rehearsal. It may seem like a dated tradition, but it helps the rehearsal feel more natural when there is something to hold when walking down the isle.
Dress up for the rehearsal. Although this isn't the "big day", dress like it is. This will help each person be more attentive and feel that the rehearsal has a level of importance.
Make sure everyone who is participating in the ceremony has an opportunity to meet one another and is familiar with who will be doing a particular task with them the next day.
Have the officiant explain the order of the ceremony to everyone. Most people only think about standing up front, but forget about where they should be before that, how they'll get up front, what they'll do while the ceremony is happening, how they'll exit, etc.
Practice, practice, practice...and practice some more:
Practice lining up in the location and in the same order as if it were the wedding day.
Practice with the organist and any soloists to know what to cues to pay attention for.
Practice walking at the same pace and standing in the correct spot as if it were the wedding ceremony.
Practice the ceremony the whole way through so everyone is on the same page.
The wedding rehearsal is all about the ceremony participants. The wedding day is about the Bride & Groom.
Everyone should feel cool, calm, and collected at the wedding. The rehearsal helps everyone to visualize and feel comfortable with what the next day holds. Each ceremony participant was chosen for a special role by the Bride & Groom. Each person is giving up their weekend to be there. Each person is most likely renting or buying a new outfit (or two). Each person means something to the Bride & Groom and should be thanked for being there.
Pick a dinner venue that is close to the ceremony venue. The amount of driving everyone does throughout the weekend should be limited. Be thoughtful of each of them.
Giving gifts and thoughtful thank-you notes to each bridesmaid and groomsman is customary. Each member of the bridal party appreciates these so much more when the notes are personal and the gifts are practical for the wedding day.
Don't forget about family and other ceremony participants. Just because someone isn't in the bridal party, doesn't mean they shouldn't be thanked for their participation.
Have a welcome toast at the dinner. This will help to avoid the confusion of when to stop mingling and when to sit down to start eating. This is also a nice way for the Bride & Groom to point out publicly how appreciative they are to have each person there.
Bonus: if you can find a friend or family member who will be in town that evening and is willing to take a few photos at the rehearsal and the dinner. There will be a lot of photos on the wedding day, so to have a few of the people involved in the wedding party in a more casual atmosphere helps everyone get used to being photographed and being photographed with the same group as they will be at the wedding.
Photos By: Emily Venskytis
Church: Fox Chapel Presbyterian