I’m often asked by my clients who should attend their rehearsal. Anyone who has a role in the actual wedding ceremony should be there. Below is a list of persons and their role.
Bride & Groom: The two are a given for attending the rehearsal since they are key components to the ceremony. They will need to practice the processional, being given away, walked through the order of the ceremony and the recessional.
Parents & Grandparents: They will also need to practice their entrance, the lighting of the unity candle (if applicable), where to sit, the father giving the bride away and the recessional.
Wedding Party: The maid/matron of honor, bridesmaids, best man, groomsmen, flower girls, ring bearer, bell ringer, etc. They are the supporting cast and will also need to practice the processional, where and how to stand, and the recessional.
Officiant: Keep in mind that most officiants do not attend the rehearsal, so it is important that the wedding planner meets with the officiant before the rehearsal. If the officiant attends he/she will need to know how they are walking in and with whom. The officiant or wedding planner will explain various points in the ceremony to entire wedding party based on the ceremony program.
Singers & Musicians: It is important for them to be there because everyone involved in the processional will need to practice walking to the actual music. The soloist will have the opportunity to sing and get comfortable with the musician(s) and sound system.
Readers: They will need to get comfortable with the microphone and sound system as well, have an opportunity to rehearse, and know where to sit to easily make their way to the front to do the reading.
Hostesses & Ushers: They usually greet the guests, have them sign the guest book, hand out programs, seat guest, etc. There will be some ocassions where the Ushers will have to escort grandmothers and/or mothers during the processional. It’s important for them to be in attendance so that they know exactly where to be, what to do and what tasks have chosen for them.
I can not stress enough the importance of having each participant in attendance. Not only will everyone know their roles, but it helps with finalizing the timing of the ceremony. All these things will ensure that any wedding day runs as smoothly as possible. More importantly, it‘s one less thing the bride will have to worry about on her special day.
