15 Questions to Consider When Rehearsing Your Ceremony

Rehearsals can do wonders for helping soothe nerves, as you are able to physically understand everything that is going to happen during the ceremony; to feel it in your body.
This process can even help to empty the well of emotions that are building up as your wedding day approaches. 

If for any reason, you can’t schedule a rehearsal with me before your ceremony, here are 15 questions to consider when planning how your ceremony will flow.

All of the amazing images from Brianna and Sean’s wedding were taken by the wonderful Tennille Fink.

(Note: I will always prioritise a cuppa tea or phone call to go over these points in the week leading up to your wedding.)

Not all weddings feature a bride and a groom, so to be inclusive of all couples, I’m referring to the parties of the couple as Party 1 and Party 2.

1. Is Party 1 or Party 2, (or both), making an entrance? Where will they enter from?

Bri entering the ceremony space with her mother and father as her escorts.

Sean waiting for Bri to arrive.

2. Are you having attendants (bridesmaid, bridesmate, groomsmen, grooms gal, I Do Crew)?
Is there a particular row, tree or landmark that the 1st attendant will reach which will prompt the next attendant to walk?

3. Will there be a pause before Party 1 or Party 2 begin their entrance once all the attendants have walked down the aisle? 

4. If you are having children with roles as attendants, where would you like them to sit/stand after they have walked down aisle? Will their parent or carer be close by?

5. Is your entrance song long enough for all of you to reach the ceremony space?

6. Is there someone escorting you down the aisle, confirm what they will do once you reach the ceremony space. i.e. greet Party 1 if they are already there, with a hug or a kiss? and then give Party 2 kiss before sitting down etc…

7. What side will you and your attendants stand on?
This can be which ever side you want - all the traditions that suggest the groom should be on the right (his left) are extremely outdated. The groom is traditionally on the right so his sword arm is free and he can draw his sword to fight off marauders who are coming to steal the bride - and bridesmaids were decoys - dressed the same as the bride - so that the bride didn’t get kidnapped!
These ideas were in place because marriages were generally land deals.
So… super sexist and not really relevant to 2023.

Bri and Sean chose to buck tradition and have Bri stand on the right, and her parents sat on the left so they could have a better view of her face during the vows.

8. Would you like to repeat vows after me or have them written down on cards?
Vow cards are best and I can hold on to them and hand them to you at the right time - I will prepare these for you once you have sent me your vows.

9. How will you get the rings?
Be sure the ring bearer delivers both rings before the ring exchange.
Best to have both rings in one box and the ring bearer displays the rings to both parties.
Don’t grab your own ring - take your fiancé’s ring as you will then gift it to them.
For example, Party 1 takes Party 2’s ring, and vice versa. 

10. Do you have a family member or friend performing a reading?
Confirm if they will have a print out or if I have the reading material to print for you.

11. Where will your signing table be?
Don’t arrange it so you have to cross your guests to get to it, as they will all want to congratulate you before it’s all finished.

12. Have you confirmed who your two witnesses are? They need to be over 18, understand English and be human. Sorry - no doggie witnesses. :)

13. Will your attendants follow you back down the aisle after your ceremony concludes?

14. What directions do you want to give your guests for straight after the ceremony? Photos or straight to the party?
This will be covered in the planning process, but good to consider again during the rehearsal time. 

15. Live music or device? Have you prepared all of the songs you would like played?
If saved on a phone, please download the playlist and put the phone on airplane mode for the ceremony so it can’t receive calls or texts.

Bri and Sean didn’t need to worry about music on a device as they had the incredible Hamilton Band.

If you take the time to think through all the items that are relevant to you on this checklist, you’re covering off all the moments that could trip you up on the day.

Big love and good luck, 

Cara