Can you go without a rehearsal with bridal party?

Hi Julia - in my experinece (20+ years) - I have formed the view that rehearsals are really over-rated and I rarely (if ever) do them.  It's not rocket science to fugure out where the boys will stand and where the bridesmaids/will walk in from and stand - and most couples I find do not want to run through the ceremony word-for-word as it will detract from the actual day.  Rehearsals with me - is generally me drawing a little diagram when I meet the B&G, showing how it works and most brides say "we don't need a reahearsal for that" :) 

I know other celebrants will disagree but as I said - I rarely (if ever) have an on-site rehearsal and I avoid them :) 

Run-sheets are good so people where to be at what time - I reckon that's all you need.  

Regards - Craig Moran - Celebrant.  

Hi Julia

In the same way that you would at least think and practice what might need to be said either during the ceremony or at the reception, a rehearsal is a valuable exercise in which you take part. It can reassure everyone about those few coordinating things that are required to give your ceremony that little "wow" moment. Knowing where to stand is pretty easy, but knowing how long it will take you and your bridal party to walk down to your places with music playing is a little harder to "guess" on the day. You don't necessarily need all of the bridal party in attendance for the rehearsal, but they will all need to know who needs to do what on the day. I also provide a sketched outline and a rehearsal run sheet for you to take away and even give copies to those who may not be able to attend the rehearsal. A rehearsal need only require about 30 minutes, and I am guessing that is less time than it takes for you to try on your shoes, flick through bridal magazines or get the boys organised for their suits....

Hi Julia, a very good question. I have found that a printed rehearsal diagram works well where the bride and groom can see where they will stand and pencil in the the names/positions of the bidesmaids and groomsmen (and sometimes where guests will be sitting/standing) while at the same time running through how the ceremony will evolve on their day. Usually this is in my office when the B&G come to sign the declarations a week or two before the wedding. This always has a positive response from the B&G knowing how it will be on their day. I always ask that whoever is to do a reading to please come and introduce themselves at least 10mins prior to commencment of the ceremony.

All the very best for an amazing day!

Sonia

Hi Julia, I always encourage my couples to have a ceremony rehearsal, and all are happy to do so.  Plus, it's a fun time for the wedding party, and all involved in the ceremony, to get together before the big day. Sometimes, practical reasons will preclude a rehearsal, if key people involved cannot be present, etc.  In this case, I would create the ceremony format in consult with my couple and ensure all involved know their role on the big day.  A rehearsal ensures all - including me, the Celebrant - are familiar with the venue, the people, the format and all the little details which contribute to the presentation of a beautiful wedding ceremony.  Plus, it allows, time for final ammendments, if needed.  Wishing you a wonderful wedding!  Cheers, Kylee

A rehersal is very important, so that the bridal party practice where to stand and who walks forward first etc playing their music, helping mums of flower girls to guide them gently towards me, reassuring everyone we will work through together.

Also on this day a statutory documents have to be present by me and signed by the couple.

After all this everyone can relax knowing the plan, for the big day.

Cheers

Angela

It does matter whether large or small a rehersal is to be arranged  saves a lot of confusion and stabilizes everyone in wedding party including me, getting to know me. A big help mental and emotionally! I prefer rehersal the weekend before wedding ceremony and gives the bridal couple time to  sort other items in that coming week , 

Hi Julia,

Sure you can go without a rehearsal but nothing can replace it.  Rehearsals in my opinion are invaluable.  Rehearsals do a number of things.  

They allow everyone in the bridal party to come together - particularly important if some members are not known to others.

People learn most easily by doing so a rehearsal where you and your bridal party actually step through where and when they are going to walk, sit, turn, regroup etc.  is the best way to do this.  Logistics or how people move in a ceremony often need practice.  A run sheet and its instructions can be misunderstood resulting in strange interpretations of the instructions.

If you are lighting candles or tying the knot with ribbons it is important to practice actually doing so.  It's not always as easy as it seems. The result on the day will be so much better.

In the end it's up to you but a rehearsal will make your wedding day run much more smoothly, it will reduce the stress of the day and allow everyone to enjoy the main event, your wedding.

All the best,

Naomi Taylor

An onsite rehearsal is always a great option but not always convenient for the entire bridal party.  As a celebrant, I advise my couples to consider holding an onsite rehearsal with as many of the bridal party attending as possible and if this is not convenient or possible, we run through the entire rehearsal at our final meeting.  This way you, the bride and groom, know exactly what is going on and can pass details on to your bridal party.

Some couples don't have bridal party or only have 1 or 2 bridesmaids / groomsmen in their ceremony.  It doesn't matter how many, young or old, it is entirely your discretion as to whether you hold the rehearsal or not.

One tip I will give, when an onsite rehearsal has been played out, the wedding ceremony on it's day is much more organised, the bridal party (including bride and groom) look far more relaxed and confident and your photos are amazing!!

Good luck in your decision.  Congratulaitons and have a wonderful, fun and romantic wedding dy!!

Best wishes, Joanna Grist

Hi there, you don't have to have a rehearsal but I believe that it really does help both the bridal party and the Celebrant. If you have the opportunity to hold a rehearsal on-site, you have the opportunity to make any last minute changes, to time the music to your entry and everyone knows what will happen on the day.

Everyone has different ideas about this but my wedding package always includes the options of an onsite rehearsal where possible and most of my brides welcome this.

It is up to the couple whether they would like a rehearsal or not.  I prefer to have a rehearsal it steadys the nerves for the bridal party as there are no surprises.  A rehearsal I did with a couple last Friday night in their home was hilarious.  Everyone had so much fun and on the day it all went to plan.  A runsheet can definitely be handy on the day of your wedding for the Celebrant and the organisers of the venue, everyone will then be on the 'right' page.  Good luck with your wedding, I am sure it will be perfect, you will get plenty of tips on this website.

A rehearsal is not demanded but it will ease any nerves on the big day if everyone knows what they're doing, where they're standing and what they need to say, if anything.

If the whole bridal party cannot be present, then a rehearsal with those people who can be there is a great idea. It can also be great fun!