Embarking on a wedding rehearsal is like setting the stage for the perfect performance; it ensures that every cue, step, and vow is flawlessly executed on your big day.

This guide will walk you through each essential element, making sure your ceremony flows seamlessly and leaves you free to soak up every joyous moment.

1. Introductions

• Begin by introducing everyone involved in the rehearsal. Each person should state their name and how they know the couple. Make it quick, though, if there are a lot of people!
• The Wedding Planner should explain their role, emphasizing that they ensure everything runs smoothly and on schedule. They will give all of us the cues and problem-solve if anything unexpected happens.

2. Places
   • Guide everyone to their designated spots for the ceremony.
   • Practice walking into these places, ensuring everyone is comfortable with where they will stand. This is the most important and biggest part for everyone. That's why we do it first.
3. Ceremony Run-through

First, show everyone their standing positions, do a very quick run-through - then do it again. The second time start at the end of the aisle, all lined up like on the big day.

• Procession

Discuss and practice the timing of music cues for the procession of groomsmen, bridesmaids, and the bride.

Make sure everyone knows:

1. The order of the lineup
2. How to walk in
3. Where to stand

• Bouquet Handoff
• Decide whether the bride will hand off her bouquet at the end of the procession or just before the vows.
• Dress Fluffing
  • Someone needs to get the dress just right for the flurry of photos. You spent big money on that dress; let's make it shine!
• Welcome and Commitment
  • Run through the welcome message and the commitment statement, “I Do!”
• Reading and Vows
  • Organize the setup for any readings and the timing for the vows. Practice the handoff of the vow book, which also serves as another chance to pass the bouquet if you want to hold it some more.
• Rings
  • Decide who will place the rings in the officiant's hand—usually the ring bearer or the best man.
  • Practice the ritual:
    • Place the left hand in of your partner's left hand  ring at the fingertip.
    • Repeat after the officiant.
    • Slide the ring on (don’t forget moisturizer!).
    • Flip left hands over for a seamless transition.
    • Repeat for the bride.
• Pronouncement and Kiss
  • Practice the pronouncement and ensure the officiant steps aside for the kiss.
  • Remember, a great kiss lasts a bit longer for the photographer—don’t be shy!
• Signing—My recommendation is to do the signing afterwards in a private room. Then, you can have the room to yourselves. Take some time to recover!
• If you do want it in the ceremony so everybody witnesses that it is legal, the flow is better after the kiss and before the recessional.
  • Walkthrough on how to approach the signing table with a music cue. (No music is really quiet - and awkward!)
  • Typically, the bride sits with her bouquet on the table, the groom stands nearby, and witnesses are beside them. Essentially, you're posing for photos.
  • Signing order: Bride, Groom, Witness 1, Witness 2, and the Officiant.
  • After signing, the bride and groom bring the bouquet to the center.
• Recessional
  • Practice the recessional with music cues.
  • Try a dip kiss in the aisle for a memorable moment.
  • Once the couple reaches the end of the aisle, the wedding party exits in pairs.
  • Conclude with a thank you and introduce the MC for any announcements and photos.
• Photography Moment
  • Take a moment for a quick photo with your officiant before you do all those family photos.