To rehearse or not rehearse?

One of the questions which often comes up when we are working with couples in the initial planning sessions for their wedding is:

While there is no hard and fast rule, and there are circumstances that would prohibit the possibility of a rehearsal, the simple answer is “Yes”.

For many people, their wedding ceremony will the first time they have stood up in such a public way. There are big emotions associated with a wedding day, all heightened by the nervousness that comes with being at the forefront of a public event.

“Practice makes perfect” may be a cliché but this just underlines the truth in it. Doing something for the second time is always easier than doing it for the first time. Having done something once, you can use your memory to visualize how it looks and sounds.

A rehearsal doesn’t necessarily have to happen at the venue – and depending on the venue sometimes it can’t. But once you know the size of your space and the ‘movement’ involved in your ceremony, your own living room or back yard or local park can substitute for wherever you have planned to have the ceremony.

Of course, we understand the big difference between a ‘rehearsed’ play and a wedding ceremony. The purpose in rehearsing a play is so it will be the same every time, but we can tell you from experience, no two weddings are ever the same. A wedding rehearsal doesn’t take away from the spontaneity, it simply helps take away some of the nervousness. This is especially important if you have a wedding party – everyone will be more comfortable once they know where they have to stand, when they need to read or when they enter or exit.

Some of our clients have used their rehearsal as a celebration in itself, as often the wedding party will include members of both families, who may or may not know each other well. By having a meal or a drink afterwards, the participants further relax as a group.

Ultimately, you will decide if a rehearsal suits your plans, and if you are unsure, the celebrant will be key in helping you make the right decision.