Do I really need a Rehearsal? Pros, Cons & What I recommend
Planning a wedding in South West, Perth or Regional WA and wondering if you really need a rehearsal? Many couples ask me whether a rehearsal is necessary or just another stress. As a 2023 bride and Authorised Civil Celebrant in WA, I walk couples through the pros and cons. In this blog, you will learn what a ceremony rehearsal includes, how it saves time on the day, and whether it is right for your style of wedding.
What Is a Wedding Rehearsal?
A wedding rehearsal is a run-through of your ceremony. It is usually held at your venue or a similar space a few days before your wedding. The goal? To make sure everyone feels comfortable and confident about their roles on the big day.
We practise entrances, cue the music, figure out where everyone stands, and talk through key moments like the vows, readings, and rings. It is not about memorising or performing, it is about creating calm and clarity.
Pros of Having a Rehearsal
Familiarity with venue and flow: Being in the space ahead of time helps couples feel grounded. You get a feel for where you will stand, how heavy the microphone is, how to hold hands, where to place rings, and how long it takes to walk the aisle.
Reduces stress and boosts confidence: You will feel more relaxed knowing what is happening and when. If you are feeling nervous, walking through it helps ease those jitters.
Supports your wedding crew: Bridal party members, family, and readers understand their roles, cues, and timing. It helps everyone feel confident and less likely to ask, "Where do I go again?"
Sorts the logistics early: Things like aisle spacing, cueing music, and microphone hand offs are easier to troubleshoot in advance, not mid ceremony. Having said that, things will happen in a wedding ceremony and you just have to problem solve with the moment.
Are There Any Cons?
Logistics and time constraints: It can be tricky to coordinate everyone, especially if guests are travelling or working. For a Saturday wedding, your celebrant may already be booked on Friday.
Distracted parties: Let us be honest, wedding parties can be distracted and are too busy catching up. Rehearsals sometimes feel like herding cats, and it can be frustrating if no one is listening.
Losing spontaneity and flexibility: Rehearsals can sometimes make the ceremony feel too polished or scripted.
Plus wedding plans often change (weather, music, layout, ect) so setting rigid expectations in advance can cause unnecessary stress.Costs involved: Some venues charge a fee for rehearsal access, and celebrants may charge for time, travel & accomodation.
Music planning: Couples may not want to play their ceremony songs, if guests are staying onsite. Instead play a song of similar length to rehearse with.
Photographer not required: Most photographers do not attend the rehearsal, as they will have already scoped out the venue and planned key photo locations. There is no need to factor them into the rehearsal planning.
My Recommendation?
If your wedding involves a big bridal party, or special timing like cues in music, a rehearsal can make a big difference. For small or simple ceremonies, it may not be needed. Instead, I provide a detailed run sheet and a prewedding call to talk it all through.
Rehearsals are never mandatory with me, but I am happy to run one if it helps you feel calm and prepared. Some couples bring parents for a sentimental moment or just enjoy the chance to walk through the space together. Totally your choice!
Rehearsal Alternatives
Run sheet: I will send you a step-by-step outline of the ceremony
Video call: We can walk through each section together beforehand
Rehearsal without Celebrant: The couple and wedding party can still run through the basics without the celebrant present. If you want to practise entrance/exit or get familiar with the space.
On the day walkthrough: I always arrive early, do my own walk through and I will give your wedding party a mini briefing. I will then arrange the waiting wedding party to their positions and stand in the spot where I would like the walking wedding party to stand. I will also ensure the couple are centred in the aisle. No one wants off centre ceremony photos!
Final Thoughts
Rehearsals are not essential but they can be a really helpful way to ease nerves, iron out the small stuff, and create a smoother wedding day experience. If it suits your schedule and your budget, go for it. If not, do not worry. I will guide you through everything either way. Want to talk through what would work best for your ceremony? Let us chat.
Call That Celebrant © 2025 Elise is an Authorised Civil Celebrant based in Bunbury, offering relaxed, modern, and legally sound ceremonies across Perth, South West WA and beyond. Whether you are planning a big celebration or a small elopement, Elise provides expert guidance on wedding rehearsals, ceremony structure, and legal paperwork under the Marriage Act 1961.
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