How long should wedding rehearsal take?

An hour is what we schedule for the rehearsal, but in reality the actual rehearsal takes 20 to 30 minutes from start to finish at the most. Obviously some officiants take longer than others, but to work out the processional, the line up, where and how to stand, any ceremony details, the recessional, etc.

What happens during a wedding rehearsal?

During the wedding rehearsal, you'll do a complete practice run (or maybe a few) of your wedding ceremony from start to finish at the actual location of your wedding. This ensures everyone involved in your ceremony knows the order, pacing, when to walk, and where.

How far in advance is a wedding rehearsal?

As soon as you can make the reservation, do it, but the general consensus is at least three to six months in advance of the date. By three months out, couples have a good idea how many guests will be attending and they can plan the rehearsal accordingly.

Who is supposed to attend the wedding rehearsal?

The Rehearsal

Before the dinner can happen, anyone who plays a role in the ceremony should attend the wedding rehearsal. This includes the officiant, the wedding party, readers, and parents.

What time should rehearsal dinner end?

Try to wrap the evening up no later than 10 p.m. to ensure that everyone gets enough beauty sleep before the big day, but more importantly, relax and enjoy yourself; it's the kick-off to “your” wedding!

Run a Wedding Rehearsal: How to Make It Fun and Successful (In 5 Steps)

Who speaks at rehearsal dinner?

Who Gives a Rehearsal Dinner Toast? The host of the rehearsal dinner (traditionally the father of the groom in a heterosexual couple) gives the first speech. This person is followed by members of the wedding party that won't be speaking at the reception (typically anyone other than the maid of honor and the best man).

What is the groom's family supposed to pay for?

The groom's family is responsible for corsages and boutonnieres for immediate members of both families, the lodging of the groom's attendants (if you have offered to help pay for this expense), and sometimes the costs of the rehearsal dinner.

Do parents need to be at wedding rehearsal?

Who attends the Ceremony rehearsal? The wedding couple, the bridal party and their significant others, child attendants (flower girls and ring bearers) and their parents, the wedding couple's parents, and any other family members, including grandparents who will be participating in the processional.

Do parents go to wedding rehearsal?

The most important people to have at your ceremony rehearsal are anyone who will be participating in some way, whether it's walking down the aisle or doing a reading. Of course, the bride, groom, parents, and officiant need to be present (since you've all got starring roles!).

Do aunts and uncles come to rehearsal dinner?

Family. Of course your parents should be in attendance at your rehearsal dinner along with your grandparents and your siblings. You are not obligated to invite your extended family, but most couples do include aunts and uncles; especially ones they are close to.

Who pays for the rehearsal dinner?

Both the groom's parents traditionally organize (and pay for) the rehearsal dinner. This can range in size from a small occasion for members of the wedding party only to a grand soiree (never to outdo the wedding, of course) that includes half or more of the wedding guests.

What do you wear to wedding rehearsal?

"For formal rehearsal dinners (not black tie), men should wear dark suits and ties, and women should wear cocktail dresses or long gowns. For semi-formal rehearsal dinners, men should wear jackets, suit pants (or slacks) and ties, and women should wear cocktail dresses or pantsuits or dressy skirts and blouses.

Do you decorate for a rehearsal dinner?

When it comes to rehearsal dinner decorations at a restaurant, try to keep it to a minimum unless your budget is a little more generous than the average American. This event doesn't last nearly as long and very few people will see them. There's not much sense in spending money you don't really have to.

How long is rehearsal ceremony?

Consider timing

Usually, the ceremony rehearsal begins around 5:30 p.m. and typically lasts about 30 to 45 minutes.

Does the bride walk down the aisle during rehearsal?

The bride is never supposed to practice walking down the aisle during her rehearsal. Apparently, this practice will bring bad luck or evil spirits to the bride.

What is etiquette for rehearsal dinner?

How Formal Should the Rehearsal Dinner Be? No matter how formal your wedding is, your rehearsal dinner can be as informal as you wish. Hold it a restaurant, in your home, have a barbecue in the park—it's all perfectly acceptable. “There aren't really any hard and fast rules for rehearsal dinners,” says Whitmore.

Do spouses go to rehearsal dinner?

Usually, the wedding party is invited to the rehearsal dinner along with their significant others - spouses definitely included. If the dinner is meant only for the wedding party, a written invitation should indicate this preference. Still, ask your husband to double-check with his friend if you're unsure.

Do grandparents attend rehearsal dinner?

As mentioned above, "Your rehearsal dinner should consist of your bridal party, their spouses, your parents, grandparents, and siblings," Tolento says. "This is essentially the people closest to you that were chosen to take a special part in your day."

Does the pastor come to the rehearsal dinner?

The wedding officiant — a minister, priest or other official — is sometimes invited to the rehearsal dinner, along with the spouse. This is not mandatory, but if the couple or their families have a close relationship with the officiant, it's a gesture of appreciation.

How much money should the groom's parents give?

“We suggest no less than $100, but prefer $350 or more since that is an average fee for most wedding musicians when compared to others involved with the ceremony.” Another cost the groom's family takes care of is the officiant's lodging.

Who walks mother of groom down aisle?

The most traditional choice is for a groomsman to walk the bride's mother down the aisle. This can be an especially good choice if the two sides of the wedding party are uneven or if you'd like to give this gentleman some additional spotlight.

Does mother of groom get ready with bride?

She can spend a little time with both the bride and groom.

If that's the case, she may want to start her morning with the bride and her group, then leave once she has her hair and makeup done. After, she can head to the groom's getting-ready area to help him prepare for his walk down the aisle.

How long is rehearsal dinner?

Most rehearsal dinners last two to three-plus hours. Give your guests at least 30 minutes to 1 hour to travel between the wedding rehearsal venue and the rehearsal dinner venue, if they're different places.

Do you serve dessert at rehearsal dinner?

Now on to dessert. Traditionally, the groom's cake is served during the rehearsal dinner as well. Of course, you can serve it alongside the wedding cake on your wedding day, but every good party needs something sweet!

Do you give parents gifts at rehearsal dinner?

Give gifts to the ring bearer and flower girl as well. Gifts for parents and in-laws are optional. The bride and groom should not expect to receive gifts at the rehearsal dinner, unless the gift is considered an early wedding present.