Do You Really Need a Wedding Ceremony Rehearsal? My Honest Take
One common question I get asked as a Sydney marriage celebrant is: “Do we need a rehearsal?”
Here’s my honest answer: most of the time, no.
A good celebrant should be able to calmly guide you on the day itself. They’ll arrive early, scope the space, check the sound, and chat through the logistics with your wedding party. By the time you’re ready to walk down the aisle, everything will already feel smooth and under control.
Why a Rehearsal Usually Isn’t Necessary
Experienced celebrants know the drill. We do this all the time - guiding couples and their wedding parties through the flow is part of the job.
You’ll already have had conversations beforehand. I always speak with my couples ahead of time about logistics, timing, and setup, so there are no surprises on the day.
I’m there early. On the wedding day, I arrive well before guests to walk your party through who goes first, how to pace themselves, and where to stand. Calmly. Clearly. Confidently
When a Walk-Through Helps
That said, there are times a run-through is useful:
If your venue is brand new (to you or to me). I like to do a site visit to make sure we’re exact about where everything will be set up.
If you’re someone who finds comfort in practice. There’s nothing wrong with doing a quick walk-through - but it doesn’t need to be formal or involve your celebrant. Sometimes just walking the space with your wedding party can help everyone feel more settled
The Most Common Nerves
Here’s what I see most often: the first person walking down the aisle is nervous. They’re thinking: “How do I know when to go? How fast do I walk? Where do I stand?”
The good news? A calm celebrant will take that stress off your shoulders. Before the ceremony begins, I always gather the wedding party, run through the order, the timing, and the pacing - even do a quick “pretend walk” if needed. By the time guests are seated, everyone knows exactly what to do.
My Honest Advice
Relax. Breathe. Choose an experienced celebrant who’s got you (aka - me! 😉). A full rehearsal with your celebrant isn’t necessary for most couples. What matters is having someone who will calmly guide you and your wedding party when it counts: on the day itself.
Thanks for reading!
