A wedding ceremony rehearsal is typically held the day before the wedding (or on another day, depending on venue availability). This is a time for your officant and wedding planner to review the processional, ceremony aspects and recessional with the wedding party.

Here are some of the things that will be reviewed during the rehearsal:

Where and when the processional participants should meet
What order the wedding party will enter and stand in
How the attendants should stand at the altar
The order of the ceremony, including any special rituals
Where to go after the recessional

Who should attend the rehearsal?

The couples’ attendants (sometimes called bridesmaids and groomsmen), including children that are in the wedding party (traditionally flower girls and ring bearers)
Parents and grandparents of the couple, if they are walking in the processional
Anyone participating in the ceremony, like readers, sponsors, soloists, etc.
The officiant, if possible, if not the planner will get a copy of the ceremony order in advance
And of course, the couple!

How long does a rehearsal take?

If everyone is on time, paying attention, and cooperative, the rehearsal should last about 30 minutes.
However, we allocate an hour to allow for late arrivals, saying hello and offering introductions as needed, and any other announcements.
If your venue is in an area with heavy traffic, difficult parking, or a security gate, we suggest asking the rehearsal attendees to arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.

What about the rehearsal dinner?

Rehearsal dinners (or lunches or brunches) are usually scheduled immediately following the rehearsal, although they do not have to be.
Anyone involved in the rehearsal is typically invited to the dinner, with their significant other.
It’s also common for out-of-town guests to be invited to the rehearsal dinner too, but depending on your families that number could get quite large! Perhaps consider a welcome party after dinner to greet your out-of-town guests.