Rehersal

I think you're overthinking it. It's not necessary though if you really don't want to do one.

Not at all. I didn't even walk down the aisle during the rehearsal. It was more staging, "OK, person Z will be standing here, person Y will be standing there. The processional needs to run for about X long cause you have four pairs walking down the aisle...." stuff like that. It felt *nothing* like the actual wedding.

It's just staging, just like Zoe said.

It's just staging. I can't imagine not having a rehearsal. We have too many people who need to be in too many places.

My sister did a rehearsal the day of because not everyone could make the rehearsal two nights before her wedding. We rehearsed in a park the day before when everyone was available and then right before the ceremony. She didn't though as she was not seeing her groom at the time (it was before the first look). It was a little strange to me since we had rehearsed before even though it wasn't at the venue and walking isn't that hard.

As a director - a rehearsal (even the final dress rehearsal) never takes away from the excitement of opening night.

A wedding rehearsals won't take away from the actual wedding at all.

We were so giggly and awkward at our rehearsal, and it was all so casual, that we didn't feel like we were taking anything away from the wedding. You're chatting throughout and thinking about where everyone needs to be, it really didn't feel like a wedding. If you're worried you could always skip walking down the aisle. And your wedding day will be so special and amazing that a rehearsal won't come close to it.

You don't actually practice the vows at the rehearsal.

I have never done a rehearsal with music or vows. It's basically placement and it's pointless for 99% of all weddings.

I would leave the music and vows out...it's supposed to be quick and to the point for everyone to know when and where to walk. You don't actually go through the whole thing. Keep it quick and leave the ceremony for the day of.

It won't take away anything from the real day. You won't be as dressed up, won't have a big crowd watching, won't be taking it as seriously, and probably will shorten down a lot of the ceremony - basically you'll just be running through where to stand, when to do what, letting singers practice if they want, etc. Don't worry!! Use it more as a time to have fun with your wedding party and to feel a little more confident on what to do the day of.

We did a rehearsal and it didn't take anything away from the actual ceremony the next day. I learned that our unity candle song made everyone cry. I was able to crack to a joke at the rehearsal to break it up, but it gave me a glimpse of how it would be on our wedding day (so I was prepared for his tears). It also gave the BP a chance to get to know each other a little better and feel comfortable with their escort.