Parents not at Rehearsal

First and foremost, congratulations! I know it's a stressful time, but don't let anybody take away the joy of this time for you (I know, easier said than done). Know that you are not alone. There's always at very least one person who tries to live vicariously through the bride, or who is so used to getting their way that they can't stand to watch someone else run the show. Navigating already strained familial ties is (in my opinion) probably the worst part of planning the wedding.

To be honest, the best way to approach this depends on your hopes for your ceremony.

If you're okay with some missteps and blunders then don't borrow worry - let it be. The chances are slim to none that they will get the timing & order right after just practicing a few hours before. In some instances, if a party has great synergy it can be worked out or improvised. Outside of that, to expect your day of coordinator to be able to teach them the order, timeline and pacing while also trying to wrangle vendors and oversee design is implausible.

My recommendation, if you want as smooth a ceremony as possible, which is 100% reasonable, message each of them either individually or in a group and let them know if they cannot make it to the rehearsal they will need to be omitted from the processional. Make sure you coordinator knows this, too, so if they decide they're not going to show up to the rehearsal then by no means are they expected to teach them the processional order or timeline. To cover my bases, I would ask someone to be a backup for the flower girl if it becomes necessary. Feel free to invite them to the rehearsal as well, even if they don't end up having to take over the job, someone you specifically chose will likely make better company for the celebratory evening anyhow.

The only exclusion to this rule you may want to make is for your father, especially if it's important to you that he is the one to walk you. Your coordinator will stand a much better chance teaching one person than 3, especially since you will have practiced and can lead the way for him - and if the omitted parties refuse to acknowledge that, they can chew on it by themselves.

If you are non-confrontational, this may seem harsh, but it gives them the opportunity to either show up or show themselves out. It may be difficult, but avoiding it or just resigning to whatever they decide to do will only stress you out (more) on your wedding day while you are trying to get ready and handle a hundred other things.

It's important to set boundaries, especially on such an important day. Weddings have a way of exacerbating existing issues and we have an opportunity to either address them or to let them go.

The most important thing for you to remember, is that once you start your walk the only person you'll really see in that room is your husband. The day is about you and him sharing your love for one another and setting it in (figurative) stone. I hope you find the right resolution for you and I hope you and your husband get to have the best celebration of your lives together.

If they are driving 5-8 hours, then they are most likely staying in a hotel the night of the wedding and cannot do 2 nights away for economic or logistical reasons. I think you should just simplify the entrance and remove them from the professional. A long, formal walk is very boring for guests anyway. Really, if you're not that close to then don't fall for "obligation". Choose the choice easiest for you (and them) and cut them if they can't rehearse. There's no one way to wedding and you don't have to have bridal parties, escorts, flower girls etc at all. There have been couples on WW who have done away with all that and even walk themselves down the aisle. I'm sorry you feel rejected, but don't let them disappoint you any further. Get the wedding you want.