Planning a Wedding Rehearsal? Top Tips from Empty Nest Parents
The excitement of a wedding is a joyous event that brings families and friends together. As empty nest parents, this might be a new experience for you. Here are top tips to help you navigate the event gracefully and effortlessly.
Familiarize Yourself with the Venue
If you have never attended an event at the venue, search for the "venue name" + "wedding rehearsal" to get an idea of what to expect, or ask your wedding planner.
In our case, we had a tasting at O’Shaughnessy Hall at Sisters of Providence at Saint-Mary-of-the-Woods, and our wedding planner took us for a sneak peek at another wedding at the elegant venue.
Schedule a mutually agreeable time for the rehearsal and dinner.
Confirm the time with your wedding planner, officiant, wedding party, and other special guests.
Send invitations with the details to all attendees. We sent invitations via text, so everyone had them available by phone.
Arrive early to tour the facility and greet guests.
Decorations
If you plan to decorate for the rehearsal dinner, bring the decorations and allow enough time to complete the task before guests arrive.
Upon arrival, the catering staff at O’Shaughnessy will have the Foley Room tables, chairs, and linens already in place, so ask the bridesmaids to help place the decorations on the tables and, voilà, instant ambiance.
Plan and Prepare
Bring any special items for the ceremony and reception so they will be at the venue before the wedding day. This helps relieve the stress of forgetting something for the big event!
Suggested items are:
guest book and pen
photos of the couple
parents' wedding photos
card box
unity candle set
Welcome to the Wedding Sign
engraved ring box
cake server
cake stand
cake topper
special items passed down from family:
Cake server & knife set engraved with the couple’s names and wedding date (previously engraved with the bride’s parent’s names and wedding date and used at their wedding 38 years ago, making it extra special!)
The couple also used the parents of the bride’s toasting goblets.
The bride’s maternal grandmother (who passed in 2018) made the bridal bow holder for her parents’ wedding reminding us of her love of family.
Consider the Costs
Save money by opting for a buffet option, which includes beverages and dessert.
If you contribute financially, you sign a contract with the caterer outlining the menu and services.
Bring your checkbook or credit card and prepare to pay for the dinner and gratuity that evening.
Be Supportive
Being supportive and understanding can make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
The wedding couple have spent months planning every detail and may be stressed, so grant grace to each other.
Elegant Rehearsal
A wedding rehearsal typically takes place in the exact location of the ceremony, in this case, O Shaughnessy Hall, in west central Indiana. This grand venue is a popular choice for couples, and it provides a stunning backdrop for the ceremony and rehearsal. It was the first time the bride and groom saw the dazzling venue embellished with all the elements from a year of planning!
During the wedding rehearsal, you will understand the sequence of events, meet the bridal party, and get a feel for the venue. One of our wedding planners, from Simple to Elegant, welcomed everyone and then began with instructions for all involved. The bride’s father and his cousin officiated the service, making it extra special. Dad made it through the rehearsal without crying!
Wedding Party Bonding
The rehearsal allowed the wedding party to come together and ensure that everything would be perfect on the wedding day. The bride wore a white dress and carried an ivory silk bouquet of roses as she marched down the aisle, escorted by her father. A sense of anticipation and excitement resonated with everyone present.
Delicious Dinner
After the rehearsal, we gathered in the Foley Room next to O'Shaughnessy Hall for a BBQ-themed dinner catered by Bon Appétit. Silk roses, rose petals, sparkling lights, and rose gold garland were repurposed from the bridal shower and adorned the tables. Attendees shared how they knew the soon-to-be-wed couple, got to know one another, and took photos to remember the event. It was an extraordinary time to connect, share stories, and feel the excitement building for the wedding day.
The wedding rehearsal and dinner were a prelude to the grand celebration. It was a time to practice, bond, and enjoy delicious food in the company of loved ones. As we departed O'Shaughnessy Hall that evening, we knew that the next day would be the culmination of months of preparation and anticipation, making the experience more memorable.
Wedding and Reception Finds
Resources:
Unity Candle Table and Accessories