Perfecting Your Wedding Rehearsal: What to Practice for Your Big Day

Photo credit to Shelby Dry Studios

Your wedding day is a culmination of love, commitment, and a future filled with shared dreams. As you prepare to walk down the aisle and say "I do" to your partner, the wedding rehearsal serves as a crucial run-through, ensuring that every moment unfolds seamlessly. From the slow, graceful procession down the aisle to the tender exchange of vows and that unforgettable first kiss, here's a guide on what to practice during your wedding rehearsal to make your big day truly unforgettable.

Ceremony Procession and Seating Logistics:

Clarify the order in which the wedding party will enter the ceremony space. Typically, the officiant, groom, groomsmen, and bridesmaids enter first, followed by the ring bearer, flower girl, and finally, the bride. 

Determine where the parents, grandparents, and other important guests will be seated during the ceremony. Ensure that ushers or attendants are briefed on their roles in escorting guests to their seats. If you have family walking during the procession, don't forget your reserved signs to save those seats since guests will already have arrived and chosen their seating when your family walks down. You don't want to risk your immediate family not having a prime seat because they were a part of the procession.

Practice the timing of each entrance, ensuring that each member of the wedding party knows when to enter and where to stand. Coordinate cues with the music or processional song to maintain a smooth flow.

Photo credit to Shelby Dry Studios

Walking Down the Aisle: Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Walking down the aisle is a moment every bride dreams of, and it's essential to get it just right. During the rehearsal, take the time to practice walking slowly and gracefully, savoring each step as you make your way towards your almost-spouse.

Remember to maintain good posture and keep your eyes locked on your partner, letting the anticipation build with every stride. Keep your flowers at your belly button and lean the top of them forward just a touch, to ensure they don’t cover you up in photos and you do not capture pictures of flower stems.

Coordinate with your wedding party, ensuring that everyone knows their cue and the pace at which to walk. Encourage your bridesmaids and groomsmen to walk with confidence, adding to the overall elegance of the procession. By practicing the aisle walk during the rehearsal, you'll feel more relaxed and confident when the moment arrives on your wedding day.

Exchanging Rings:

Photo credit to The Picture of Love

Practice the logistics of exchanging rings, including who will be holding the rings before the exchange and how you'll retrieve them. Decide whether you'll exchange rings directly or if the officiant will pass them to you.

When placing the rings on each other's fingers, take care to do so gently and with intention. Slide the ring onto your partner's finger slowly, ensuring a comfortable fit without any awkward fumbling. By taking your time you also are allowing your photographer to get close up photos of this special moment.

The First Kiss: A Moment to Cherish

First and most importantly, ask your officiant to step to the side before inviting you to your first kiss.  This gets them out of the background of your first kiss photo.

You may want to do this before your rehearsal, but regardless, it’s important to take the time to discuss with your partner how you envision the first kiss. Whether it's a gentle embrace or a passionate lip-lock, make sure you're both on the same page. Consider the timing and angle to ensure that your photographer captures the perfect shot, preserving this special moment for years to come. Kissing longer than what feels normal gives your photographer the time to snap this moment.

Photo credit to Wildflowers n Wishes

Exit Strategy Logistics:

Plan the order of the recessional, including who will exit first and in what order. Coordinate with the wedding party to ensure a cohesive and celebratory exit from the ceremony. Having a designated meeting spot for all who are needed for post ceremony photos is a huge help to eliminate the potential of getting caught up chatting with your guests and delaying your timeline.

Have your officiant communicate any instructions to guests regarding the post-ceremony activities, such as transitioning to the cocktail hour or signing the guestbook. Providing clear signage or verbal announcements is incredibly helpful for your guests.

Photo credit to Olga Mohr Photography

Why Stop Halfway Down the Aisle Upon Exiting?

As you exit the ceremony as a newly married couple, stopping halfway down the aisle allows you to soak in the joy and excitement of the moment. It's a chance for your photographer to capture the fresh moments of pure bliss as you are now officially husband and wife. 

At this pause you may pose or kiss again, while your family and friends cheer and support you in celebration. If you’re doing a petal toss or bubble sendoff during this moment, this pause is crucial for your photo.

Your wedding rehearsal is the perfect opportunity to fine-tune every aspect of your ceremony, ensuring that it unfolds with grace and elegance. By practicing the aisle walk, perfecting the first kiss, and pausing halfway down the aisle, you'll create a wedding day that exceeds your wildest dreams. Having a wedding planner or coordinator can ensure you practice through all of these points, and free up any stress or uncertainty on wedding day.

Remember, the most important thing is to savor each moment with your partner and embrace the love that surrounds you. With careful preparation and plenty of practice, your wedding day will be a beautiful celebration of your commitment to each other, setting the stage for a lifetime of happiness together.