How to Run a Wedding Ceremony Rehearsal: A Step by Step Guide

This video will give you a step by step process for having a successful rehearsal. Here’s our step by step process:

Before running a rehearsal, take some time with the bride and groom to walk through the ceremony space. You need to know the flow, list for the processional, and knowledge of any special moments, needs or plans.

On rehearsal day arrive 15-30 minutes early at the ceremony venue. Orient yourself to the site, introduce yourself to the officiant, and pass out timelines or any sort of information needed by those attending.

2-3 minutes after the scheduled start time, I like to begin by getting everyone’s attention. But I don't yell, I just start talking. Say something like, “Welcome everyone, let’s get started!” Then I ask everyone to come to the altar area to begin. Once everyone is quiet and attentive, you'll introduce yourself and the officiant and then review how the rehearsal will go.

Your next step is to get everyone positioned. Seat the parents and grandparents. Then, position the wedding party where they will stand. Flower girls and ring bearers should be seated in the row of their parents. The couple should stand at arms length.

Next, practice the recessional. Generally, the wedding party recesses in the opposite order as they process.

After the couple is introduced and kiss, the Maid of honor should hand the bride her bouquet, then the couple should recess completely down the aisle. Then the flower girl and ring bearer, best man and maid of honor, followed by bridesmaids and groomsmen, and parents. Grandparents have the option to recess but may want to stay put if pictures will take place on the altar.

Now that everyone knows where to go, you can practice the Processional.
Line those who will process in the foyer area. For spacing, choose a ½ waypoint, to signal when the next person should begin. In some sanctuaries, all should bow at the first row.

There are a few extra moments to choreograph with the attendees to have a smooth ceremony.
1. Standing for the bride.
2. The hand off
3. Fixing the train
4. Review the ceremony
5. The kiss

Close with a thank you and a reminder that you will be available at the ceremony to remind everyone of the items discussed today. Distribute any remaining paperwork or ask for a member of the wedding party to hand it off if the person did not attend.

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[Ebonypinar]

What are those cards and do you have a template of them?

[leonardoicandelariojr]

I understood that the officiant is the person who will do the rehearsal I’m confused.