As Chicago-based wedding planners, the Fierce Productions team will support you every step of the way. A major perk of booking us, whether for full planning or just coordination, is that we guide you through your wedding rehearsal.

So, what exactly is a wedding rehearsal? Well, it’s when you practice the wedding ceremony a day early! The purpose is to make sure everyone is on the same page, so the actual ceremony goes as smoothly as possible.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about wedding rehearsals:

Who needs to attend a wedding rehearsal?

Everyone involved in the ceremony: the couple, the officiant, the wedding party, those involved in the processional (so potentially parents, grand parents, etc.), and any readers or folks involved with ceremonial traditions. If you have any flower or ring bearers, then have them included as well (or at least the parental figures if you have children as those roles).

Does a wedding rehearsal have to be at the wedding venue?

If it’s possible, we highly recommend having the rehearsal at your ceremony venue, because you can actually place yourself in the space, and practice walking down the aisle YOU will walk! Make sure to check with your venue while booking cause sometimes there might be an event the day before, or a slight fee. If it’s not possible to host it at the venue, it’s not the end of the world. Just make sure you have somewhere with a bit of space. It can be someone’s backyard, a restaurant, or a hotel. You can always check if the restaurant you want to host your dinner at also hosts wedding rehearsals.

What is the process for a wedding rehearsal?

Typically you walk through the whole ceremony; processional all through the recessional. You explain the order of events, and stand ideally where you will stand during the ceremony. You go though the major moments, like readings, vows, rings, etc. You want to make sure you go through everything, so there are no questions, confusions, or miscommunications during the ACTUAL ceremony. (You don’t put the rings on, just make sure you know who is carrying them, and when you need to get them). We will talk through the type of microphone the officiant will use, where you might want to stop during the recessional for a kiss or dip photo moment, where parents/grandparents will sit and how to hand off florals after you walk down the aisle. All the nitty-gritty details. The ceremony tends to be one of the moments couples are most nervous for, so being able to walkthrough and practice this before the real ceremony allows our couples to truly enjoy their day! Please note, if you want to keep certain readings secret, you can just tell the readers where to stand, and have them make up some dialogue to get the general idea.

How long should the rehearsal be?

We always recommend reserving an hour in your calendar. This allows you enough time to walkthrough everything a couple times should you need it. It also gives a bit of wiggle room incase a few of your members might be late, and it might also give you a few minutes to greet the members involved in the ceremony. If you don’t use the full hour, then lucky you, you can use the time to mingle, head to the rehearsal dinner early, or freshen up!

What is the purpose of a rehearsal dinner?

Typically everyone involved in the ceremony gets treated to the rehearsal dinner. It guarantees everyone involved is there for the wedding, and traditionally, it became a way for the groom’s side to contribute to the wedding. Of course, you don’t have to follow traditions! Both sides can pay, you can keep is super casual, have a party instead, or have none! It’s whatever makes you comfortable!

DO YOU HAVE A BOLD VISION FOR YOUR WEDDING?

Fierce Productions is a Chicago based event planning company specializing in curating unique, bold, non-traditional weddings and events. Our talented team of professionals can handle all of your event needs including planning and coordination, design and styling, vendor and talent management, fundraising, marketing support and beyond - get in touch to learn more!

What to Expect During the Wedding Rehearsal