Will We Rehearse At Our Rehearsal Dinner? Tips for Rehearsing For Your Wedding
By Meghan Ely, OFD Consulting
Despite the name, not every couple rehearses during their wedding rehearsal dinner, and that’s okay. Some couples prefer to run through the ceremony earlier in the day, while others combine the two events for convenience. There’s no one “right” way to do it. It all comes down to your schedule, venue, and how formal (or informal) you want things to feel.
If you’re leaning toward rehearsing at or around your rehearsal dinner, there are a few key details to keep in mind. Here’s how to make your rehearsal run smoothly and set the tone for a relaxed, confident wedding day.
Photo credit: Alicia Parks Photography
Don't get stressed - get Let's Get Rehearsed’s FREE rehearsal dinner guide packed full of everything you need to plan a welcome party, from saving money to celebrating the night before the big day!
Keep It Short
A solid 20–30 minutes is usually all it takes to walk through the key parts, like entrances, timing, and cues. Keep things focused and efficient, especially if you have guests waiting for dinner.
Elena Markwood, Owner and Lead Planner at Adoration Weddings & Events, says, “Don't speak every word of the ceremony - this is an opportunity to go over logistics so the actual ceremony can run smoothly, but you still want it to be special to hear the officiant's message and speak your vows on your wedding day. Go over the details you need to review, but save the rest for the wedding!”
The goal is to help everyone feel prepared, not to create extra pressure. If you sense things dragging on or people losing focus, it’s totally okay to wrap it up and move on. After all, the real magic happens on the big day—and a little flexibility goes a long way.
Let’s Get Rehearsed Editor’s Note: For more, be sure to check out this post on the ideal timeline and schedule for a rehearsal dinner and advice on how long your rehearsal dinner should last.
Share All The Details
Don’t assume everyone knows where to go and when to be there. Send out a quick message or include the details in your wedding weekend itinerary so your key players know exactly what’s happening.
“Let the wedding party be aware of the logistics, such as parking, attire, and location of the rehearsal. Is the rehearsal in the same room as the dinner? Or, is it in a separate location? Is it in a public or semi-public location?,” recommends Kawania Wooten, Principal Consultant at Howerton+Wooten Events.
It might seem like over-communicating, but clear instructions will save you from answering a dozen last-minute texts while you’re trying to get ready or enjoy your evening. Your future self will thank you for being a little extra organized up front!
Let’s Get Rehearsed Editor’s Note: For more, shop our collection of printable rehearsal dinner specific itineraries and invitations.
Photo credit: Zhaun Frias Photography
Don't get stressed - get Let's Get Rehearsed’s FREE rehearsal dinner guide packed full of everything you need to plan a welcome party, from saving money to celebrating the night before the big day!
Get It Done Before Dinner
If you’re planning to rehearse and then head straight to dinner, aim to rehearse before the food starts flowing. Once guests sit down to eat and the drinks start pouring, it’s a lot harder to gather everyone’s attention (and energy) for a walkthrough.
Craig Peterman, Owner of Craig Peterman Photography & Videography, notes, “Grab the key people, the wedding party, parents, and the officiant, and just walk through the basics. Where to stand, when to walk, who’s following who. That’s it. No need to overcomplicate it.”
Getting the rehearsal out of the way early also means you can fully relax and enjoy the rest of the evening.
Alex McClard, Owner of Vision in White Events, adds, “We tell those who need to rehearse to arrive 30 minutes early so we can do the rehearsal quickly before the remaining guests arrive. We always tell everyone to get there 10 minutes early so we can start on time. After that, they can just start mingling and head right into the rehearsal dinner.”
The dinner is a time to celebrate, not stress about where the ring bearer is supposed to stand. Treat it like a warm-up, then let the rest of the night be all about connection and celebration.
Photo credit: Alicia Parks Photography
Don't get stressed - get Let's Get Rehearsed’s FREE rehearsal dinner guide packed full of everything you need to plan a welcome party, from saving money to celebrating the night before the big day!
Rehearse In Your Actual Space
Whenever possible, try to do your rehearsal in the actual ceremony space. There’s something incredibly helpful about seeing it in real time.
“Face the same direction - ideally in the same spot as the ceremony,” suggests Mary Angelini, Owner of Key Moment Films. “Many people have a hard time visualizing spaces. Being physically present in the actual ceremony space is the ideal way to rehearse the ceremony. Especially when nerves and excitement hit, having a solid rehearsal can help make the ceremony look smooth and well-executed.”
If your venue isn’t available, try to find a similar setup nearby. Even a rough mock-up helps people get a sense of what to expect.
Consider The Time Of Day
Timing is everything, especially when it comes to your rehearsal. If you’re rehearsing in the exact spot your ceremony will take place, try to time it with the big day.
Rebecca Love, Owner of Rebecca Love Photography, shares, “We always suggest rehearsing at the exact time that the wedding will take place, especially if it's an outdoor wedding, so they have a good idea of what the lighting will be. For example, they may need to move some things around if there is a shadow on one person and the sun on the other.”
Practicing at the right time not only helps your wedding party feel prepared, but it also gives your photographer and officiant a more accurate view of the setting and flow. Plus, catching those small details in advance can help you avoid any last-minute surprises.
Photo credit: Blaine Siesser Photography
Don't get stressed - get Let's Get Rehearsed’s FREE rehearsal dinner guide packed full of everything you need to plan a welcome party, from saving money to celebrating the night before the big day!
Put Someone In Charge
You don’t have to be the one calling the shots during the rehearsal. In fact, you shouldn’t be! Designate someone to take the lead and guide everyone through things.
“Having your wedding planner and/or officiant present at the rehearsal offers authority and guidance, keeping everyone on track and informed so you can quickly get to the dinner gathering to follow,” highlights Carin Hunt, Wedding Specialist at Coconut Palm Inn. “Everyone will stress less with the pros by your side.”
Having a point person helps things run smoothly and keeps everyone on track. Make sure they know the general flow of the ceremony and who needs to be where. Bonus points if they can project their voice and keep things focused!
Decide On Your Exit
Your wedding ceremony exit might seem like a small detail, but it sets the tone for what comes next—your celebration! Whether you want to pause at the end of the aisle for a photo op, dance your way out, or head straight to a private moment as newlyweds, now’s the time to talk it through.
Erin Dabbs, Lead Photographer at Erin Ren Photography, reminds, “Be sure to plan your exit down the aisle! Do you want to walk down hand-in-hand, with your flowers, or surprise your guests with a dip? Practice it in real-time at your rehearsal dinner!”
Whether you choose to rehearse right before dinner or earlier in the day, the goal is the same: to make sure everyone feels confident and ready for the big day. A little planning and communication go a long way in making your rehearsal smooth, efficient, and even fun.
Keep things simple and don’t forget to enjoy the moment. You’re one step closer to “I do”!
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Wedding PR expert Meghan Ely loves celebrating every stage of the planning process—including rehearsal dinners. She’s also a national industry speaker—learn more about her work here or visit her at meghanely.com.