How to Direct a Wedding Rehearsal (For a Perfect Ceremony!)
Directing a wedding rehearsal can seem daunting for a new wedding planner or a planner who hasn’t directed one in a while. As a former luxury wedding planner of twelve years, I have led hundreds of wedding rehearsals. I’m excited to share my comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to direct a wedding rehearsal for a perfect ceremony!
This guide is intended to serve as a reference for a traditional ceremony. Please tweak it as needed to fit your unique couples!
Step 1: Gather the wedding party
Ask the wedding party to meet in a predetermined gathering spot about fifteen minutes before the rehearsal is supposed to start. They should assume this is the actual start time. Why? This helps you ensure you start right away as planned!
Once everyone has arrived, greet everyone and introduce yourself as the planner. Sometimes couples like to have their officiant, family member, or friend say a blessing. Be sure to ask if this is their plan in advance of the rehearsal so that you’re prepared.
Step 2: Set expectations
Start by let wedding party know what to expect and how long the rehearsal will take. Let them know that after rehearsal you’ll share an abbreviated wedding party timeline and answer questions about where to be and when to be there on the big day. This sets the tone for your time together and shows that you are prepared and in control.
Step 3: Head to the ceremony location
If you aren’t where the ceremony will take place, lead everyone to that location. Start by placing everyone where they will be sitting or standing during the middle of the wedding ceremony. This is so that they can make a mental note before practicing the processional and recessional, and it helps avoid confusion later on in the wedding rehearsal. This is a great time to mention where they should place their hands and the angle they should face their bodies.
Step 4: Acknowledge the family
Place or confirm with family where they will be sitting during the ceremony.
Step 5: Invite the officiant to run an abbreviated version of the ceremony
Typically, the officiant will share a high-level overview of their script. After they’re done, now is a good time to remind the couple of a few things:
Look at each other during the ceremony, not at the officiant.
If they are being escorted down the aisle, ensure they know how the pass-off will happen.
Confirm who will have the rings.
Step 6: Go over a few more reminders for the group
Now’s your chance to remind the couple, wedding party, and officiant a few things they may need to know on the wedding day.
What to do if the rings are forgotten
What to do if the rings are dropped
What to do with the bouquet before and after the ceremony
Step 7: Practice the recessional
Show the wedding party how they will exit the ceremony and share a few timing tips. The first wedding party pairing should wait until the couple reaches the last aisle before recessing.
Step 8: Practice the processional
Properly order the wedding party for the processional and remind them that you’ll be there to signal when they should walk.
Step 9: Practice the ceremony
You’ll have another opportunity to practice the ceremony order and details to ensure everyone feels comfortable.
Step 10: Practice the recessional (again)
As the wedding party and family are recessing out, pass out printed versions of the wedding timeline and remind them of the expectations of where everyone should be and when. Let them know that they should reach out to you with any questions (rather than the couple), and be sure to include your contact information!
Then, you will have reached the end of a fabulous wedding rehearsal! You got this, wedding planner!
Looking for more info on how to direct a wedding rehearsal? Within my educational membership and community for wedding planners, The Planner’s Vault, I offer an expansive Wedding Rehearsal Guide! Members get access to hundreds of high-value templates, spreadsheets, documents, and guides to grow their wedding planning businesses with less hustle and overwhelm. Learn more about The Planner’s Vault and get on the waitlist now!
