Wedding Rehearsal Guide: What to Practice, Who Should Be There, and How Long It Takes

Planning a wedding rehearsal can feel like one more thing on an already full plate. But in our experience (15+ years and hundreds of weddings across DC, Virginia, Maryland, and the East Coast), a solid wedding rehearsal is the difference between a ceremony that feels confident and one that feels… wobbly. And yes—your guests can tell.

Here’s the truth: most couples don’t need a long rehearsal. They need a clear one. The wedding rehearsal is where you answer the questions that cause the real day hiccups: Which side do we stand on? Who fixes the train? When does the music start? Where do the rings live? Who hands the bouquet off? And the big one: How do we get everyone down the aisle without it looking like a middle school field trip?

This guide covers exactly what happens at a wedding rehearsal, who should be there, how long a wedding rehearsal takes, and how to run it like a pro—even if you don’t have a planner. We’ll also talk about what to do when things go wrong (because they will, at least a little), plus the red flags we see over and over.

If you’re also building your day-of schedule, check out our Wedding Day Timeline guide—your rehearsal will go 10x smoother if the ceremony timing is already mapped out.

What a wedding rehearsal actually is (and what it isn’t)

A wedding rehearsal is a logistics rehearsal, not an emotional rehearsal.

You’re not rehearsing how to cry (you will). You’re not rehearsing your vows like actors (please don’t). You’re rehearsing movement and cues—so everyone knows where to be, when to move, and what to do with their hands.

What happens at a wedding rehearsal (the real checklist)

Most rehearsals include:

• Processional order walkthrough (who walks with whom, and when)
• Where everyone stands at the front (and how you’re spaced)
• Microphone handoffs (if any) for readings
• Officiant cues (rings, vows, kiss, announcement)
• Unity ceremony timing (candle, sand, wine box, etc.)
• Recessional (who exits first, and where you go right after)
• Quick discussion: where people should be before ceremony starts
• A short Q&A so your wedding party can stop texting you at midnight

What it’s not

• A full dress rehearsal (unless you’re doing a cultural ceremony with complex attire)
• A time to debate ceremony wording for 45 minutes
• A place to “wing it” and hope it works out
• A substitute for a coordinator (though we’ll show you how to run it without one)

Hot take: If your rehearsal turns into a therapy session about family dynamics, you’re doing it wrong. Handle the feelings later. Handle the walking now.

Who needs to attend the wedding rehearsal (and who really doesn’t)

This is the fastest way to keep your rehearsal short: only invite people who affect the ceremony mechanics.

The must-have list (the people we’d bet money you’ll need)

In our experience, you want these people there:

1. You and your partner
2. Officiant (or the officiant’s rep if they can’t attend)
3. Wedding party (maids, groomsmen, mixed party—anyone walking or standing)
4. Parents / guardians who are walking in, being seated, or doing readings
5. Grandparents only if they’re part of the processional seating plan
6. Readers (even if they’re not in the wedding party)
7. Musicians or DJ if they’re running ceremony audio (or at least a clear stand-in)
8. Planner / coordinator (if you have one)
9. Venue rep if they control doors, lighting, or access timing (optional but helpful)

If you’ve got a ring bearer and flower girl, bring them if you can—but don’t panic if they can’t make it. Kids are unpredictable. We plan for that.

Who’s optional (and can honestly skip it)

• Friends who are “helping” but not participating
• Out-of-town guests
• Extended family who just wants to watch
• Anyone who will derail the rehearsal with opinions

One thing we see over and over: Couples invite 30–50 people “so they feel included,” and the rehearsal becomes a chaotic social hour. Then nobody hears the instructions. Then the ceremony starts late the next day. It’s a chain reaction.

Special roles people forget to invite

These roles matter more than you’d think:

• The person holding the rings (best man, MOH, officiant, ring box person)
• The person holding your bouquet during vows (often MOH, but assign it)
• Ushers (or whoever is seating guests)
• The person in charge of the marriage license (yes, that’s a job)

Optimal rehearsal timing: when to schedule it (and how long it takes)

Let’s answer the big search question plainly: how long is a wedding rehearsal?

How long is a wedding rehearsal?

Most rehearsals fall into these ranges:

• 30–45 minutes: simple ceremony, small wedding party, no special music cues
• 45–60 minutes: most weddings (the sweet spot)
• 60–90 minutes: large wedding party, multiple readings, unity ceremony, tricky entrances
• 90+ minutes: only if you’re doing a complex religious/cultural ceremony and you’re actually practicing those elements (not just talking)

In the DC metro area, we often see ceremonies in venues with tight access windows (especially churches and historic sites). That can force a shorter rehearsal. You can still do it—you just need a plan.

The best day and time to rehearse

Most couples rehearse the day before the wedding, often late afternoon.

But “the day before” isn’t a magical rule. It’s just convenient.

Here are the options we recommend:

Option A: Day-before rehearsal (most common)

• Best for: traditional timelines, local wedding parties, venues with available time
• Ideal start time: 4:00–6:00 PM
• Why it works: people remember it the next day, and you can roll into rehearsal dinner

Option B: Two days before (underrated)

• Best for: Friday weddings, or when the venue is booked the day before
• Ideal start time: 5:00–7:00 PM
• Why it works: less rushed, fewer vendor conflicts, more venue access

Option C: Same-day “micro rehearsal” (only if you must)

• Best for: destination weddings, tight venue schedules, small wedding party
• Ideal time: 90–120 minutes before guests arrive
• Reality check: hair/makeup delays and nerves make this tougher

Hot take: If you’re getting married on a Saturday and your rehearsal is at 9:00 PM Friday night, you’re setting yourself up for a tired, cranky wedding party. Earlier is better.

How rehearsal timing affects your photography and video

If you want to keep your wedding day relaxed, don’t treat the rehearsal like an afterthought. A clean rehearsal helps us do our job too—especially for ceremony coverage.

If you’re curious how ceremony coverage works from a camera standpoint, our Ceremony Videography and Wedding Photography Guide pages break down what we’re watching for (and why consistent cues matter).

Comparison Table: Typical rehearsal lengths by ceremony complexity

Where to do the rehearsal: venue, church, or “close enough”?

The best rehearsal location is the actual ceremony location. Period.

If you can’t access it, use something with similar dimensions—like a hallway, a backyard, or a room at the hotel. You’re mainly practicing spacing, order, and cues.

If you’re rehearsing at a church

Churches often allow rehearsals only in a specific window—like 5:00–6:00 PM—and they may have rules about aisle runners, candles, or where photographers can stand.

Ask these questions ahead of time:

• Which doors do we enter from?
• Where do we line up?
• Are there rules about music or microphones?
• Are there restrictions on movement near the altar?

If you’re rehearsing outdoors

Outdoor ceremonies have their own chaos: wind, sun, bugs, and uneven ground.

Practice:

• How slowly you need to walk (usually slower than you think)
• Where everyone stands so you’re not squinting into the sun
• How you’ll handle a veil/train in wind

Processional walkthrough: the part everyone messes up

The processional is the #1 place we see confusion—because everyone assumes they’ll “just know” what to do.

They won’t. That’s why you rehearse.

Step 1: Lock the processional order (don’t keep it fluid)

Write it down. Print it. Text it.

A typical order (not the only one) might look like:

1. Officiant (already at front, or enters from side)
2. Grandparents (seated by usher)
3. Parents (seated or walked)
4. Wedding party (pairs or singles)
5. MOH / best man (last of party)
6. Flower girl / ring bearer (optional)
7. Partner A + escort (or solo)
8. Partner B (often last)

Contrarian opinion: Stop obsessing over “traditional” order if it doesn’t fit your family. The goal is clarity and meaning, not checking boxes.

Step 2: Practice the “lineup” (where people stand before the walk)

This is where rehearsals go off the rails.

Assign:

• Which side each group lines up on
• Who holds bouquets
• Who fixes trains/veils
• Who has the rings
• Who holds phones (answer: nobody)

Step 3: Practice walking speed and spacing (the key to not looking chaotic)

We coach wedding parties to aim for:

• 8–12 seconds between pairs (longer if the aisle is long)
• A comfortable walking speed (not a sprint, not a funeral march)
• Eyes up, shoulders back, hands relaxed

If you’re using music, pick a cue point (more on that later). If not, the officiant or coordinator can nod each group forward.

Step 4: Practice where people go at the front

This includes:

• Where each person stands (and how tight or spread out)
• Whether wedding party is on both sides or one side
• Where attendants place bouquets (if they do)
• Whether people step up/down to a platform

One real-world scenario: We had a couple last spring at a DC historic venue where the “front” was a narrow brick patio. The wedding party walked up and had nowhere to go. We adjusted to a “half-moon” formation and had two attendants sit in front row seats. That’s rehearsal gold—fixing the physical reality before guests arrive.

Ceremony run-through: what to practice (and what to skip)

Once the processional is clean, the ceremony run-through is basically cue management.

The ceremony segments you should rehearse

You don’t need to speak every word. You do need to rehearse these moments:

1) Welcome + opening remarks (just where you stand)

• Where you and your partner stand
• Where the officiant stands (and if they move)
• Microphone placement

2) Readings (the awkward shuffle moment)

Practice:

• Where the reader starts from
• Where they stand while reading
• How they exit without blocking you

If there’s a mic stand, decide if it stays center or off to the side. Center mic stands can ruin sightlines and photos if they’re placed badly.

3) Vows (personal, repeat-after-me, or both)

Practice:

• Who holds the mic (if handheld)
• Where vow books go (pocket? held by officiant? on a table?)
• Whether you’ll hold hands (we love it, but make sure it doesn’t tangle bouquets)

4) Rings (the moment everyone panics about)

Practice:

• Who has the rings
• How they get to the officiant
• Where hands go so the photographer can actually see the ring go on
• What you do if the ring doesn’t slide easily (it happens)

5) Unity ceremony (if you’re doing one)

Practice:

• Where the unity items are placed
• How you walk to them and back
• Music cue timing (start music when you arrive? or when you begin?)
• Who removes props afterward (so the table isn’t photobombing your kiss)

Hot take: A unity ceremony is optional. If you’re only doing it because Pinterest told you to, skip it. Most ceremonies feel tighter and more emotional without the extra “activity.”

6) The kiss + presentation

Practice:

• Where you stand for the kiss
• Whether officiant steps aside (they should)
• How long you kiss (2–3 seconds is perfect)
• When you turn to face guests after being announced

This is also where we care about camera angles—your officiant stepping aside is huge for both photo and Ceremony Videography coverage.

Recessional practice: the fastest way to end the ceremony confidently

The recessional is the part that should feel celebratory—not confusing.

Recessional basics

Standard flow:

1. Couple exits first
2. Wedding party follows (pairs or singles)
3. Parents/grandparents exit (sometimes)
4. Guests dismissed (often by officiant or ushers)

Practice the “first 10 feet”

This matters more than you’d think. The recessional energy is highest right then. Practice:

• Turning together
• Taking 3–5 steps, then smiling at guests
• Not stopping to hug people halfway down the aisle (save it for later)

Decide where you go immediately after you exit

This is a huge stress reducer.

Pick one:

• A private room for 5 minutes (our favorite)
• Straight to family photos
• Straight to cocktail hour entrance

If you haven’t planned post-ceremony photos yet, our Wedding Day Timeline guide will help you choose a flow that won’t eat your entire cocktail hour.

Music cue coordination: the quiet detail that makes everything feel polished

Music cues are where rehearsals get surprisingly technical.

Even if you don’t have live musicians, you still need a cue plan.

The three ceremony music moments that need clear cues

1. Pre-ceremony seating music (sets the tone)
2. Processional music (timing matters)
3. Recessional music (start immediately after announcement or kiss)

Optional:

• Unity ceremony music
• Reader background music (rare, but sometimes done)

Who calls the cues?

Pick one person. Not three.

Options:

• Coordinator (best)
• Officiant (works well)
• DJ/band leader (common)
• A trusted friend (if no pros are involved)

How to coordinate cues without overcomplicating it

We recommend a super simple cue sheet:

• “Track A starts at 4:58 when doors open”
• “Track B starts when officiant nods”
• “Track C starts on ‘I now pronounce you…’”

Don’t script it down to the second. Script it to a moment.

Comparison Table: DJ vs live musicians for ceremony cue control

Cost ranges are typical in our region; luxury bands and church ensembles can push higher fast.

Officiant coordination: what you need from them (and what you don’t)

Your officiant is basically the ceremony director. If they’re calm and clear, the ceremony feels calm and clear.

What to confirm with your officiant at the rehearsal

Run through these specifics:

• Where they’ll stand (and whether they’ll move aside for the kiss)
• How they’ll cue rings, vows, and kiss
• Microphone plan (lapel, handheld, stand)
• Pronouncement wording (especially for last names)
• Any restrictions from venue/church
• Marriage license signing plan (where and when)

If your officiant is a friend (not a pro)

Friend officiants can be amazing. They can also accidentally make the ceremony 38 minutes long.

Help them succeed:

• Ask them to keep remarks to 3–6 minutes
• Have them print the script in large font
• Encourage a slow speaking pace (nerves make people talk fast)
• Assign someone to hold the mic if needed

The rehearsal step-by-step agenda (our team’s real-world format)

If you’re wondering what happens at a wedding rehearsal in order, here’s the structure we’ve seen work best—especially when you don’t have a planner.

0) Start with two rules (1 minute)

• Phones away
• Everyone pays attention for 45 minutes, then you can party

1) Identify the leader and the cue caller (2 minutes)

• Leader: coordinator/officiant/wrangler
• Cue caller: who tells music to start

2) Walk the processional twice (15–20 minutes)

• First time: slow, talk through it
• Second time: realistic pace with music cues (even if it’s someone humming)

3) Place everyone at the front (5 minutes)

• Fix spacing
• Fix bouquet placement
• Confirm where readers stand

4) Run the ceremony beats (10–15 minutes)

• Readings: walk up, stand, exit
• Vows: where your hands go, mic plan
• Rings: handoff and placement
• Unity: walk to it, do it, return

5) Practice the kiss + pronouncement + recessional (5 minutes)

• Officiant steps aside
• Couple exits first
• Wedding party follows

6) Q&A + reminders (5–10 minutes)

Cover:

• Arrival time on wedding day
• Where to park/enter
• No drinks before ceremony (if that’s your rule)
• Who has emergency kit items
• Where everyone should be for pre-ceremony photos

If you need help building those arrival times, our Wedding Day Timeline guide is the place to start.

Small details that make the rehearsal (and wedding day) feel easier

These are the “nobody tells you this” points.

Decide where bouquets and hands go

• Bouquets typically go in the left hand (so right hand is free for rings)
• During vows, you can hold hands, but decide where bouquet goes (MOH takes it)

Trains, veils, and dress logistics

Assign one person (usually MOH or a trusted attendant) to:

• Fluff the train before you walk
• Fix the veil after hugs
• Carry a small emergency kit (tape, pins, stain remover)

Microphone reality check

If you’re outdoors, you need amplification. Period.

We’ve filmed ceremonies where guests heard 20% of the vows because someone thought the “natural ambiance” would carry sound. It won’t.

And if you care about video audio (you should), good mic planning is everything. Learn more in Ceremony Videography.

Where vendors stand (yes, it matters)

If your venue allows it, your photo/video team may attend the rehearsal. Even if we don’t attend, we love when couples share:

• The processional order
• Any “surprise” moments
• Officiant restrictions (no flash, no movement, etc.)

That helps us plan coverage described in Wedding Photography Guide.

When things go wrong at rehearsal (because real life happens)

Let’s talk about the chaos. We’ve seen all of this.

Someone doesn’t show up

Common: a groomsman is late, a parent is traveling, kids are melting down.

What to do:

• Rehearse with stand-ins
• Text a simple summary afterward (processional order + where to stand)
• Don’t punish them emotionally the night before your wedding

The venue is locked / access is limited

It happens more than you’d think.

What to do:

• Ask the venue for a backup rehearsal spot on-site (lobby, side room)
• Practice the order and cues anyway—even without the exact aisle
• Get clarity on where you line up and what doors open when

The officiant changes the script last minute

If it’s minor, it’s fine. If it’s major, speak up.

What to do:

• Confirm the structure: welcome, readings, vows, rings, pronouncement, recessional
• Make sure they know your must-haves (cultural elements, name pronunciations)
• Keep it respectful but firm—this is your ceremony

Family drama shows up early

A parent is upset about seating. A sibling is angry about walking order. Someone makes it about themselves.

What to do:

• Appoint a buffer person (planner, wrangler, or trusted friend)
• Redirect: “We’re practicing logistics right now”
• Handle the emotional conversation later (and preferably not by you)

The processional looks… awkward

Common issues:

• People walking too fast
• Uneven spacing
• Couples linking arms in a way that looks stiff
• Wedding party not smiling because they’re panicking

What to do:

• Have everyone take a breath
• Remind them: walk slower than feels natural
• Practice again with a count (seriously)

“What NOT to Do” at your wedding rehearsal (Red Flags we see constantly)

This section is tough love. But it’ll save you.

Red Flag #1: Starting 30 minutes late because “everyone’s chatting”

Starting late is how you end up rushing, missing key steps, and arriving late to dinner.

Fix: Put a hard start time in writing and assign a wrangler.

Red Flag #2: Inviting too many people

A rehearsal isn’t a pre-party. It’s a short working session.

Fix: Keep it to participants only.

Red Flag #3: Changing the processional order five times

Indecision makes everyone nervous.

Fix: Pick an order and commit. The ceremony won’t be “better” because cousin Jake walked earlier.

Red Flag #4: Not practicing the recessional

People focus on the entrance and forget the exit. Then the ceremony ends and everyone freezes.

Fix: Always practice the recessional once.

Red Flag #5: No plan for music cues

Music starts too early, too late, or not at all—yes, we’ve seen it.

Fix: Assign a cue caller and write down cue moments.

Red Flag #6: Assuming kids will do what you practiced

Kids are kids. Practice helps, but it’s not a guarantee.

Fix: Have a “kid backup plan” (a parent walking with them, or letting them sit).

Red Flag #7: Treating the rehearsal like a performance evaluation

This is not the time to criticize your wedding party’s walking skills.

Fix: Keep it light. Clear instructions, kind tone.

Decision framework: do you need a rehearsal, a walkthrough, or a full ceremony run?

Not every wedding needs the same level of rehearsal. Here’s how we’d decide.

If your ceremony is simple and small

You can often do a 20–30 minute walkthrough:

• Processional once
• Where everyone stands
• Recessional once
• Done

If you’ve got any of these, do a full rehearsal (45–90 minutes)

• More than 6 people in the wedding party
• Multiple readings
• A unity ceremony
• Live musicians
• Outdoor ceremony with tricky entrance
• A friend officiant
• Any complex family seating dynamics

If your venue has strict rules

Do a rehearsal even if it’s short. Rules change everything.

And if you’re building your plan from scratch, read Wedding Day Timeline first, then come back here. Timeline clarity makes rehearsal clarity.

A realistic rehearsal dinner tie-in (because this is usually the same night)

Most couples go straight from rehearsal to rehearsal dinner. Great. Just don’t let dinner swallow the rehearsal.

Ideal flow

• 4:30 PM rehearsal starts
• 5:15 PM rehearsal ends
• 5:30 PM travel/photos (optional)
• 6:30 PM dinner begins

Budget reality (DC metro averages)

Rehearsal dinners vary wildly, but here are real ranges we see:

• Casual restaurant dinner: $45–$85 per person
• Private room / semi-private: $85–$140 per person
• Upscale buyout vibe: $150–$250+ per person

If you’re hosting 25 people, that’s roughly $1,100–$6,000+ depending on style and alcohol.

Hot take: A rehearsal dinner doesn’t need to be fancy. But it does need enough food. Hungry wedding parties are cranky wedding parties.

Action items: your rehearsal planning checklist (do this this week)

If you only take one thing from this article, take this: write it down and assign jobs.

One week before

• Confirm rehearsal time and location with venue/officiant
• Send processional order to wedding party
• Confirm music person + cue caller
• Confirm who has rings, vow books, and license
• Share ceremony timing with photo/video team (super helpful for coverage planning in Wedding Photography Guide and Ceremony Videography)

One day before (before the rehearsal)

• Bring printed processional order (2 copies)
• Bring a copy of ceremony script (or outline)
• Bring the actual rings (or at least ring boxes)
• Decide bouquet handoff person
• Decide where you go right after recessional

Immediately after rehearsal

• Text a summary to anyone absent
• Confirm arrival time and where to meet on wedding day
• Put rings and license in a safe place (not a random purse that gets left at the bar)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a wedding rehearsal usually?

Most wedding rehearsals take 45–60 minutes. If your ceremony is simple, you can finish in 30–45 minutes. If you’ve got a big wedding party, multiple readings, a unity ceremony, or tricky music cues, plan for 60–90 minutes.

What happens at a wedding rehearsal?

You’ll practice the processional, confirm where everyone stands, run through key ceremony moments like readings, vows, rings, unity rituals, and then practice the recessional. You’ll also coordinate music cues and confirm who’s responsible for rings, bouquet handoffs, and the marriage license.

Who should attend the wedding rehearsal?

Invite anyone who is walking in the processional, standing at the front, doing a reading, or running ceremony music/audio. That usually includes the couple, officiant, wedding party, parents involved in seating/walking, readers, and the coordinator (if you have one). You don’t need to invite extended family or out-of-town guests.

Do we need to rehearse if we have a coordinator?

Yes—though it may be quicker. A coordinator makes the rehearsal more efficient, but you still want to practice entrances, spacing, and cues so the wedding party isn’t guessing in front of your guests.

What if someone in the wedding party can’t make the rehearsal?

Use a stand-in and rehearse anyway. Afterward, text them the processional order and their exact job (who they walk with, where they stand, and when they exit). On the wedding day, give them a 2-minute refresher before guests arrive.

Should our photographer or videographer attend the rehearsal?

It’s not required, but it can help—especially for ceremonies with restrictions or complex cues. If they’re not attending, send them the processional order and any special moments so they can plan coverage (our approach is explained in Ceremony Videography and Wedding Photography Guide).

What time should the rehearsal be the day before the wedding?

Most couples do 4:00–6:00 PM the day before, especially if there’s a rehearsal dinner afterward. Earlier is usually better for energy and attention. Late-night rehearsals tend to drag and feel rushed.

Final Thoughts: a calm rehearsal makes for a calm ceremony

A wedding rehearsal isn’t about perfection. It’s about confidence.

If your wedding party knows where to stand, your officiant knows the cues, your music starts on time, and you’ve practiced the processional and recessional once or twice, you’re in great shape. And you’ll feel it in your body on the wedding day—less adrenaline, fewer questions, more presence.

If you want to go one step further, pair this guide with Wedding Day Timeline so your ceremony timing fits cleanly into the rest of the day, and check out Wedding Photography Guide and Ceremony Videography if you’re curious how good cue planning affects what you’ll actually see in your final photos and film.

If you’re planning a wedding in the Washington DC metro area (or anywhere on the East Coast) and you want a photo/video team that’s calm under pressure and knows how to handle real-world wedding logistics, we’d love to talk. Reach out to Precious Pics Pro through preciouspicspro.com and tell us what you’re planning—we’ll help you build a ceremony that feels smooth, emotional, and totally you.

Other natural internal link opportunities: Consider adding or linking to future wiki pages like Rehearsal Dinner Guide, Officiant Tips, Processional Order, Wedding Ceremony Music Guide: Prelude, Processional, Recessional, and Everything Between, and Wedding Ceremony Script Outline.