Your rehearsal is the last big piece before your wedding day that people tend to push to the wayside. You really don’t want to feel unorganized or stressed during this section, so here are some things you can do to have an enjoyable time right before your big day.

Figure out your Outfits

Plan the clothing, jewelry, shoes, accessories for you and your future spouse. Try to pick shoes that won’t hurt because you’ll need to save your feet for the actual wedding day.

Write the Processional Order

The processional is for who is walking down the aisle when at the ceremony. Make sure to add full names for your coordinator to find people easily. When setting everyone up, make sure you have the People of Honor (traditionally “maid of honor” and “best man” ) always the nearest to the last person walking (traditionally the bride and father of the bride). This means when you walk in and walk out that they will be in two different orders. Your coordinator should have this covered though!

Have your Ceremony Outline for Officiant

Maybe check in with them at the start of the day in case you need to print it yourself for them. You’ll run through it briefly by section, not line by line (save that for the actual wedding day!).

Gather all Ceremony Decorations/Items

Any items that you need at the ceremony that you are allowed to bring ahead of time should be packed and ready to go. Some churches will let you set up ahead of time and some other venues may not. This means you should have unity ceremony items, flower baskets, ring pillows, ceremony readings, or any other traditional items you may need.

Gather any Items needed for the Rehearsal

If you’re doing any setup at the rehearsal dinner location, make sure you have any decorations, food, drinks, or gifts for the wedding party or family members that you plan on bringing.

Put all your Tips in Envelopes

It is best to have them labeled with each vendor you plan on tipping. You can give this to your wedding coordinator, family member, or wedding party member at the rehearsal for them to distribute on the wedding day.

Pack your Reception Decorations

If you’re going to a hotel and have any other decorations you need for the wedding that you can’t bring ahead of time, make sure it is all packed and ready to bring with you to the hotel.

Pack all of your “Getting Ready” Items

You’ll need to bring these things with you for wherever you’re staying for the night and then wherever you’re getting ready in the morning.

Bring Timelines for your Family/Friends

Only write the times they need to know and where to be so you don’t overwhelm them. This usually will be less than a page long.

I highly recommend having a coordinator or planner there to help you through the actual rehearsal, but there are some things you can’t have your coordinator do to fully prepare you. Look over this blog post as a checklist to make sure you and your partner are as prepared as possible. Your coordinator will take care of actually running the ceremony for you so you won’t have to hopefully worry about much when you’re actually there. Your officiant may know how to also run a rehearsal if they have worked weddings before too. Make sure to enjoy yourself and soak up the last day as fiancés!

If you would like more help to plan your wedding, you can reach out to me at hello@firmlyrootedevents.com. I will get you started on my email list for monthly tips and my checklist so that you can stay on track while planning your wedding.