To Rehearse or Not to Rehearse: That is the Question

Ever been to any sort of production like a musical concert, a Christmas play, a broadway show or even a marching band routine?  Those folks just woke up one morning and decided that today was the day...they were going to put on a performance of a lifetime! Rehearse? No way! They've got it all under control, right? RIGHT?!

Wrong. Chances are, these performers spent hours upon hours rehearsing so that they know exactly where to stand, when to walk, what to say, where to go... you get it. A wedding is much the same way. There are different moving parts which require people to stand in certain spots, musicians to play at certain times, and an officiant to know exactly when those vows are to be shared. 

Rehearsals are important. They just are. It not only gives the wedding party a chance to spend more time celebrating the happy couple, it also provides a peace of mind that everything is ready and set to go for the production, er, ummm..I mean wedding. 

Once the rehearsal is over, you have the option of dismissing everyone and going about your business OR, you can have a catering company come in and provide a delicious meal. Or, better yet, do something that's not so common and invite your favorite food truck to come set up! Take the time for speeches, let your inlaws play that picture slideshow of your fiance when he was 5 and covered in mud, and most importantly, just embrace this moment: chances are, you won't all be in the same place, at the same time, with only these same people, for the same reason ever again. 

Money tight and you can't afford a formal rehearsal dinner? It's actually becoming more common to see wedding parties provide their own food for the rehearsal dinners. If your venue allows, create your own budget friendly meal like a taco bar, potato bar, pasta bar or even pizza. You know how Great Aunt Sally has been asking if there's anyway she can help? Well, let her bring desserts for the rehearsal dinner! Have Uncle Jim feel included and tell him you're just dying for him to grill out hamburgers and hotdogs like the grill master that he is. 

Venue won't allow you to bring in your own food or no time in the rental to sit down and eat? No problem! Make reservations at a nearby restaurant. If you're providing the meal for your guests, great. If not, just be sure to let everyone know that they're responsible for their own check.  Need another idea? How about inviting everyone back to your house for a more laid-back atmosphere? Bring in the pizza and beer and just hang out. These are your best friends, right? They're not going to care if sushi or lobster is on the menu - they just want to be a part of your celebration. 

Another important aspect that comes with many rehearsals, is the ability to use your time to bring in your items and decorate. Not all venues allow this, so be sure you refer to your contract. This is a perfect opportunity to make a couple trips to unload your vehicle, double-check those lists and be sure you've got everything ready for the fun to begin the next day. 

I know what you're thinking now - what if my venue (or my budget) doesn't allow time to rehearse, eat, drop off items or decorate? Well, there's not much that can be done for most of those things, but the rehearsal part and the dinner can be done somewhere else. Get your wedding party together and utilize the space you have access to - think backyards, churches or gyms.

As a venue owner, I've seen hundreds, HUNDREDS, of weddings. Many have taken the time to rehearse and some have not. Just because you choose not to have a rehearsal doesn't mean that everything's going to fall apart and you're left at the altar with a wedding party wandering around the parking lot. Communication is key and as long as you communicate with your wedding party, planner, officiant, DJ, musician...it can be done without a rehearsal and it can still be the beautiful wedding that you deserve. However, if given the opportunity to provide a rehearsal, take it. 

If you want to learn more about my venue, The Barn at Heritage Farm, located in the foothills of the Yadkin Valley Wine Region of Surry County, North Carolina, check out our website at www.thebarnatheritagefarm.com. You can find our availability, pricing information and ways to contact us to schedule a tour! We host indoor and outdoor ceremonies, provide picturesque views and book year-round. We would love to show you our property and answer any questions you may have! Happy wedding planning!

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Picture by Katie Russell