Couples: Tips for Wedding Rehearsal Success

Rehearsals are fun and should be easy! Sometimes rehearsals are overthought and take a really long time. Just remember that your planner is there for you on the wedding day. No need to stress about the little things. They will tell you when to go, where to place your hands, to take your wallets of your pockets and cue the music. All you have to do is show up!NOT EVERYONE HAS TO BE PRESENT AND WE HAVE TO START ON TIME

Let me be very clear- not everyone has to attend. And quite honestly, if your brother is running 20 minutes late, I’m so sorry but we need to get started for a lot of reasons.

1. Starting late reflects poorly on the couple and the planner, people have been so considerate to take time off of work and it should be respected.

2. It costs money for overtime with staff and the venue.

3. It can make you late to plans that follow, also costing more money there.

4. It's not rocket science, we can fill people in later.

I've actually conducted a lot of rehearsals without the ring bearer and flower child! So if they can show up on a wedding day and follow instructions, no reason why your big people friends can’t.

That to say, don’t stress about it and allow them to wrap things up at work so they are 100% focused on you and not distracted when they do arrive. You’ll be much happier!

LOCATION OF REHEARSAL

Another helpful thing to know- we don’t have to do your rehearsal at the venue. Often, the venue is booked with another event or wedding the day before. Or perhaps the venue is an hour out of town and you want to have a rehearsal dinner in town. Easy peasy!

Alternative locations:

• Hotel conference room
• Nearby park
• Grandma's backyard

The whole point is to put names with faces for everyone. This is often the first time a lot of people are meeting and it’s helpful for everyone to know who they are paired with or what order they will enter. Apart from that, your planner can totally handle everything! Spacing and timing happens organically on the wedding day no matter how rehearsed or perfected, so offsite rehearsals still work out great. Your planner will spend a moment with you on the wedding day to look at the altar and just make sure you are on the same page about where everyone will stand.

TIMINGA rehearsal shouldn't take more than 30-60 minutes depending on headcount and number of questions. When picking a start time, here are things to consider:

• Local traffic
• Hair and makeup
• Dinner location and travel time
• It doesn't have to be done right before dinner!

It's not uncommon for rehearsals to be in the morning or afternoon to avoid traffic issues, followed by a fun day of being together!

SCHEDULING THE REHEARSAL AND REHEARSAL DINNER

Due to many factors, industry standard is to allow rehearsal bookings within 30 days of the wedding. Definitely go ahead and make your dinner plans and send invitations! You planner will find a great option for you and all will work out well! But no, you may not be doing your rehearsal and rehearsal dinner back to back, such are the times! In fact, many couples are doing a brunch or day at a brewery rather than a dinner, or both!