These days, full wedding rehearsals are becoming less common—and honestly, they’re often not necessary.
If you have an experienced celebrant and professional vendors, your ceremony will likely run as smooth as silk. Many celebrants no longer automatically include a rehearsal, although the Guidelines on the Marriage Act, which all Australian celebrants must adhere to, state:
Commonwealth-registered marriage celebrants must:Give the parties information and guidance to enable them to choose or compose a marriage ceremony, including information to assist the parties in deciding on whether a marriage ceremony rehearsal is appropriate or needed.
This means that if you feel a rehearsal is necessary, your celebrant must oblige. However, that doesn’t mean they can’t charge extra—especially if your venue is an hour’s drive each way!
In a celebrants' Facebook group, a fee of $500 was mentioned as a fair charge for rehearsals. Personally, my business brain can’t quite figure out that number!
The Good News: DIY Rehearsals Are Totally Doable
If you’re worried about logistics, a video call with your celebrant can resolve most concerns. Then, you and your wedding crew can take matters into your own hands with a DIY rehearsal! This can be done at your venue if convenient.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you nail it:
1. Start in the Middle
Begin by positioning the couple in the center, then decide where the rest of your crew will stand. If the dress has a train, ensure there’s extra space for the celebrant to move around. Check wind direction, shade, and sun placement for the best setup.
2. Practice Walking Out
The couple typically exits first, perhaps stopping for a kiss halfway down the aisle (a perfect photo opportunity) before heading to the group photo location. Once the couple is out of the aisle, the rest of the crew follows. When this feels smooth, anyone not involved in the entrance procession can leave.
3. Practice the Entrance Procession
Download your music in advance and decide the walking order and timing for your crew. Don’t stress about timing your entrance to end perfectly with the song—it’s lovely if it happens, but if not, the music can simply fade out once everyone is in place.
4. Practice the Handover
If a parent is walking the bride or groom down the aisle, they’ll typically kiss their child, greet the partner (handshake or hug), and then take their seat. Practice this moment so everyone feels comfortable.
Final Thoughts
While a full wedding rehearsal can be helpful for some, it’s almost always not
necessary. With a bit of preparation and the support of your celebrant, you can confidently navigate your big day without the added stress (or cost) of a formal rehearsal.
A DIY rehearsal is not only practical but also a great way to get everyone excited and prepared for the ceremony.
Remember, your wedding is about celebrating your love—so focus on what feels right for you.
Whether you go full rehearsal, DIY, or skip it altogether, the most important thing is that you’ll soon be walking down that aisle, ready to say “I do.”
Happy planning, and here’s to a wedding day filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories!
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