What exactly happens during a wedding rehearsal (not dinner)?

It depends on the officiant, but usually it's just a walk through of the ceremony. We practiced the processional and the officiant went through all the key parts of the ceremony; presentation of the bride, we had a small ceremony for our parents, readings, vows, ring exchange, unity ceremony and the pronouncement. She made sure everyone who had a role during the ceremony knew what it was and when that would be.

@mrsmack - Oh I see, so your officiant organized and led everything rehearsal related, not you. That sounds a lot easier to manage! Just tell everyone show up at this time at this place, easy peasy

The rehearsal is a practice for the ceremony. So you will want the bridal party, any parents or readers attending as well. All I've attended had the officiant as well.

You do a run through of the ceremony; entrance, any special readings/parts, exit. It doesn't usually take long at all but, it is a good time to make sure people know who they're walking with and what to expect.

I've also heard that it might be the first time you are meeting some of your vendors on site, so it could be an opportune time to go over any last minute instructions or details with vendors and the DOC/planner.

Oh so basically it's just a half hour or so meeting to go over things. That makes things a lot easier

I don't think you would be meeting your vendors on site during the rehearsal which will either be the day before or day of. There shouldn't be any last minute instructions. Vendors will likely require any changes be communicated at least 2 weeks prior.

@firstoneat56 - I guess I was just thinking if there's some specific spots or angles at the venue you would like photographs of, etc. Does the photographer (or other vendors like decorators or florists) usually scope out the venue in advance? Or does the DOC take care of all that?

We walked through the ceremony, then went and ate. I gave gifts to WP that night.

That also depends on the vendor. My photographer did research on the venue and drove past it on her own to get a look at the venue. I didn't see or speak to any of my other vendors at the rehearsal, I checked in with them at the venue the day of. Usually with the rehearsal the officiant is the only vendor that's there, but some vendors may work differently.

Hi akshali2000! Some photographers might scope out the venue in advance if they're curious, but if you want your vendors to attend your rehearsal you'll need to schedule that and pay them additionally for their time. My planner already included her presence and running of the rehearsal in her planning package!

As pps have said, the rehearsal is just a walk-through of the ceremony. "Here's where you'll stand and wait beforehand...here's your processional order... practice the readings... etc." It's really quick and just to make sure that everyone knows what's going on for the ceremony!

Typically it's just a walk through so the bridal party knows where they are going. The officiant is there also to help smooth things over!

@WWLynnie - ah, good point. Thank you. Then is there any time where you would usually have a quick meeting with the photographer (or other vendors) on site?

A quick walk through, who's going first, second. When are readings, vows. Who stands where. And sometimes the first time the entire bridal party meets. We have 2 oot party. Most have met my cousin, but most haven't met 1 GM. And good for any children involved.

I never had a meeting with my vendors at the venue site. They each scheduled meetings at their offices with us about 2 weeks or so before the wedding. Again, if you want them to meet you on site to go over final details, they will likely charge you for that time. The majority of our vendors had experience at our venue before and we provided them with our contact person at the venue if they had any questions.