You’ve planned every detail of your couple’s big day, but the wedding ceremony rehearsal is your chance to make sure everything runs like clockwork when the actual moment arrives. A smooth rehearsal sets the tone for a seamless wedding day, and as the wedding planner, it’s YOUR job to make sure that everyone—couple, wedding party, and even the parents—knows exactly what to do. Don’t worry though, today, I’m going to walk you through how to run a wedding rehearsal as a wedding planner, even if you have no idea WTF to do.
Want to skip straight to the good stuff? Grab my complete playbook on running rehearsals like a professional here.
The Importance of a Wedding Ceremony Rehearsal
First things first: why does a rehearsal matter? It’s not just about showing the bridal party where to stand. It’s about getting everyone on the same page, eliminating confusion, and giving your couple peace of mind. The goal is to avoid any hiccups on the wedding day and to smooth over the nerves that naturally come with such a big event. Think of it as a stress test—a chance to run through every detail, troubleshoot any potential issues, and set everyone up for success.
A word to the wise though: this is NOT the time to “iron out” any last-minute details. That should already be done by the time you show up at the rehearsal.
Now, this is what it looks like to run a wedding ceremony rehearsal as the planner:
Pre-Rehearsal Preparation
As with any wedding task, preparation is key. I know I don’t have to tell you that! A successful rehearsal doesn’t just happen—you need to plan for it! Here are a few steps to make sure you’re ready to hit the ground running:
- Coordinate with the Officiant: If at all possible, they should be there. Make sure they are available for the rehearsal so that they can help you establish the ceremony flow.
- Create a Detailed Timeline: Just like on a wedding day, you’ll want a timeline for the rehearsal to make sure everything goes smoothly and nothing gets missed. As you run through things, have your wedding ceremony timeline ready (that includes everything from the procession to the recessional, musical cues, and seating arrangements).
- Communicate with the Wedding Party: Send rehearsal details in advance to the bridal party, parents, officiant, and anyone else involved. Include the time, location, and their roles so everyone knows where to be and when.
Arrival & Set-Up
When the time comes to run the rehearsal, make sure you arrive early to greet everyone, set up, and get organized. Your energy will be contagious, so make sure your “game face” is on and you’re ready to bring positivity (regardless of any last-minute circumstances).
As the wedding party and family start to arrive, gather them together. I’ve always found it helpful to, before starting, explain the purpose of the rehearsal and what to expect. You need to be an authority here (which doesn’t mean you need to be bossy). Couples expect you to take the leadership role and if you don’t, someone else will.
From there, take a second to assign roles. Make sure it’s clear who’s doing what—who walks with whom, who’s escorting the parents, who’s holding the rings—no detail is too small. I’ve also found it helpful to have printed “day of timelines” that are exclusive to the wedding party (and only have the details that THEY need).
Run Through the Processional
Now it’s time to walk everyone through the main event—the processional.
Run Through the Processional:
- Guide everyone through the entrance, order, pacing, and music cues.
- Provide tips on matching steps with music.
- Confirm everyone’s comfort with their role.
Coordinate Musical Cues:
- Communicate timing and cues with live musicians or audio playback.
- Make sure they know the exact moment to start/stop playing.
Manage Ceremony Flow:
- Walk through every step, from the vows to ring exchanges and special readings.
- Make sure the wedding party knows where to stand and how to transition.
Rehearse the Recessional:
- Practice the exit, making sure everyone understands the order and timing.
- Confirm the music cues and energy for the celebratory walk back.
Getting the rehearsal right means less stress on the wedding day itself. By practicing transitions, musical cues, and timing, you help avoid awkward pauses, confusion, or missteps that could disrupt the moment. Plus, a well-executed rehearsal builds trust in your role as the planner, showing the couple and their loved ones (including that overbearing bridesmaid) that they’re in capable hands.
This preparation allows everyone to be fully present and enjoy the experience, knowing that every detail has been thoughtfully considered and rehearsed.
Closing the Rehearsal
As you wrap up the rehearsal, it’s important to end on a high note, leaving everyone feeling excited and ready for the big day. Start by giving some final instructions, reminding everyone of key timelines—like when they need to arrive, where they need to be, and any other critical wedding day details. This is your chance to make sure everyone feels clear and confident about their role.
Then, turn your attention to the couple. Make sure to offer up some heartfelt words of encouragement, letting them know that everything is under control and that they can relax and enjoy their day. Your positive energy and enthusiasm will be contagious, and it will help the couple feel reassured and excited about the celebration ahead. Ending on this upbeat, supportive note will set the tone for a joyful, unforgettable wedding day.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Run a Wedding Ceremony Rehearsal as a Planner
What should I do if members of the wedding party seem nervous during the rehearsal?
It’s completely normal for some people to feel nervous, even during a rehearsal. As the planner, be the calm, reassuring presence they need. Remind them that the rehearsal is just practice and that it’s okay to make mistakes now. Encourage them by saying that everyone is here to learn and that any missteps will be ironed out before the big day.
How do I handle timing issues if someone is walking too fast or too slow?
Timing can be a tricky aspect, especially if someone feels rushed or nervous. Encourage them to listen to the music and match their steps to the beat. You can also suggest they count their steps or take a breath at specific points to slow down. Rehearsing this a few times should help them find the right pace.
How can I keep everyone focused if they’re chatting or distracted?
It’s easy for people to get caught up in the excitement, but it’s important to maintain focus. Set expectations at the beginning of the rehearsal by kindly reminding everyone that you need their full attention to make this run smoothly. Use a firm but friendly tone to guide them back on track if conversations start to take over. Remember, you’re the leader here!
How can I handle a wedding party member who’s late or missing during the rehearsal?
Life happens, and sometimes people run late or miss the rehearsal entirely. If this happens, try to run through the rehearsal without them and have someone stand in their place. Make a plan to catch them up as soon as they arrive or schedule a quick, one-on-one walkthrough at a later time to make sure they’re prepared.
How do I handle an overly opinionated family member trying to take charge?
Stay calm and confident. Acknowledge their input, but politely remind them that you’re there to ensure the couple’s vision is realized. You can say something like, “Thank you for your suggestion. We’ve got everything covered to make sure the ceremony goes smoothly, just as [the couple] envisioned it.” Redirecting the focus to the couple’s wishes helps reinforce your role as the professional in charge.
What if the couple seems overwhelmed or anxious during the rehearsal?
Reassure them that feeling overwhelmed is normal, but that’s why you’re there—to handle the details so they can enjoy their day. Remind them that you’ve managed countless weddings, and they’re in great hands. Offer to go over anything they’re concerned about and encourage them to take a deep breath and trust the process.
Mastering the Wedding Rehearsal
As the planner, mastering the wedding rehearsal means mastering the wedding day. But if you want an even more in-depth framework on how to lead a wedding ceremony rehearsal, I’ve got you covered. My Wedding Rehearsal Framework Playbook takes you step-by-step through everything you need to confidently run a successful rehearsal.
This Playbook includes:
- A pre-rehearsal questionnaire to gather all the key details from your couple in advance.
- A step-by-step guide on how to run the rehearsal from start to finish.
- Scripts so you know exactly what to say during the rehearsal, eliminating any guesswork.
- Bridal party timelines and examples to keep everyone on the same page.
By the end of this Playbook, you’ll have all the tools you need to tackle your next wedding rehearsal with confidence. Grab your copy of the Wedding Rehearsal Framework Playbook here and become the go-to planner that couples trust with their big day.
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I don’t need another pair of wide leg linen pants.
I need to wear the damn ones I already own.
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Happy anniversary to the bess thing. 11 years married, 12 together, and lifetimes to go. 💜 so grateful for every second of it @jasonkistoo
You know that moment when someone really sees you?
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Yes, there were strategy sessions. Yes, there was hot seat coaching. Yes, there were breakthroughs you could feel in your bones.
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Xo,
Candice
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