About Wedding Rehearsals

Wedding rehearsals are a celebrated tradition that creates a sense of community and excitement for the entire wedding party. A wedding rehearsal serves to make sure everything is in order, all the problems resolved and all the parties present for the wedding. Wedding rehearsals usually take place the day or night before the wedding day. In some cases, rehearsals are done earlier the same day for a night wedding, but it usually takes place in the days prior to the big day.

History

As weddings have evolved into full budget, larger scale productions, there are several industries set up to cater to brides and the wedding parties. It shouldn't come as a surprise that, with such an increase and production, the wedding rehearsals have seemingly become events in and of themselves.
Wedding rehearsals are usually attended by the bride and groom, all members of the bridal party, the wedding consultant, flower girls, ring bearers, the pastor or officiant of the wedding, the parents of the groom and the parents of the bride. Other family members and close friends are sometimes invited. The musicians, band and DJ (if applicable) might all attend the rehearsal. Readers, if used, should also be in attendance.

Significance

A wedding rehearsal can be a time that both families come together to celebrate the union of the beloved bride and groom. Sometimes in-laws meet one another for the first time during a wedding rehearsal. It's also a time that is less formal and structured than the actual wedding.

Function

A wedding rehearsal is when those involved go through the actions and motions that will occur during the wedding. Young children, like the flower girl or ring bearer, especially benefit from rehearsing shortly before the wedding. The officiant, bride and wedding planner make sure that all people involved in the wedding are present and accounted for at the start of a rehearsal.
Places are sometimes marked, but they are usually explained to the members of the wedding. A groom is typically placed at the altar or front of the wedding setting. The best man stands beside the groom. A ring bearer either stands beside the groom or walks down the aisle. The bridesmaids walk down the aisle, followed by the maid of honor. A flower girl will precede the bride in many scenarios. The timing and arrangement is up to the bride. The father of the bride and the bride typically are the last to go down the aisle.
Things can sometimes stop and start during the rehearsal. The flower girl and younger bridesmaids may need special marching practice and practice with props. Traditionally, the bride uses a bouquet made from bows of presents given at her wedding shower. After handing the bouquet over, the lines and vows are often rehearsed, especially if the bride and groom have written their own vows. The exits are also rehearsed so that everything flows smoothly from start to finish.

Benefits

Wedding rehearsals help the wedding planner see exactly what she needs to do. It lets all of those who are a part of the wedding make sure they know exactly where to go. It establishes that all members of the party are present and still committed to being a part of the ceremony. It can ease the nerves of the bride. It can prevent major and minor embarrassments that would have happened in front of all the other guests. It can help give confidence to the bridal party and others.

Considerations

A wedding rehearsal is usually followed by a rehearsal lunch or dinner. This is a way that the wedded couple can give back and say thank you to the people that have traveled so far and put so much of themselves into the union and ceremony. It should be elegant, yet simple. The placings should be set so that future in-laws can truly get to know one another. The bride and groom are typically set side by side or at the heads of the table. Bridesmaids are set side by side. The best man is often put next to the groom. This is considered a thank you to the wedding party, and it's a smaller scale celebration in anticipation of the big day to come.