With our limited event season, it’s likely the venue will be booked the day prior to your big day making an on-site ceremony rehearsal challenging. While we are always happy to offer a 1-hour complimentary ceremony rehearsal earlier in the week, typically on a Tuesday or Wednesday, we recognize that many of our couples have friends and family traveling from out of town, making it tricky to gather everyone together on-site mid-week. Thankfully the ceremony rehearsal has little to do with the location and a lot more to do with the logistics making an off-site ceremony rehearsal the perfect solution to ensure everyone is ready and prepared for the big day.
Key Details to Cover During Your Rehearsal
Now that you know an off-site ceremony rehearsal is totally doable, let’s talk about what you will want to review during the ceremony rehearsal:
1. Procession & Recession Order
This is your chance to figure out the flow. Who’s walking with whom? Will the groomsmen walk in with the bridesmaids, or separately? Don’t forget the special moments like escorting moms or who is walking the bride down the aisle. After the ceremony, will the parents exit first or the wedding party? Play around with the order that feels most comfortable and don’t worry it will all fall into place with a little practice. There is also no right or wrong, this is your day so ensure it feels right to you!
2. Important Ceremony Moments
Let’s talk about the notable moments, like when you hand off your bouquet to your Maid of Honour or if your dad (or other family member) is giving you away. Practicing these small gestures can make you feel more confident in the moment. Your officiant will also provide guidance here, however one of the biggest struggles we see is with specific wording you will be required to say. For example: "There is no legal impediment." It might sound straightforward, but trust us, saying “impediment” when you are a bit nervous can be trickier than it seems! Haha! We think you will be thankful to have practiced it.
3. Ring Exchange
One of the most important parts of the ceremony is the ring exchange. Who will be holding the rings and how will they be passed during the ceremony? Practicing a smooth exchange can prevent any awkward moments. No one wants to be the person who drops the rings! Haha!
4. Timeline of Events
Reviewing your ceremony and wedding timeline with your wedding party and family in advance will help everyone feel confident on the day. At Hilltop, we often use golf carts to shuttle guests to the ceremony site. Once all the guests have arrived the carts are typically brought up to the bridal suite to then whisk the bride and bridesmaids up just in time, while the groomsmen are already staging themselves near the ceremony site. The rehearsal is a great time to go over these and other timeline details including venue access times, after ceremony plans and key moments throughout the wedding day.
5. Special Readings or Music
If you have planned special readings or musical moments during your ceremony, be sure to include these individuals at the rehearsal. Everyone will feel more confident when they know exactly when these special moments will happen and this is a great time to make any last minute tweaks.
Off-Site Rehearsal Locations We Love
If an earlier in the week rehearsal doesn’t work for you, there are plenty of fantastic off-site locations to consider. Whether you are looking for something casual or more formal, these spots are perfect for hosting an off-site rehearsal:
Venues:
Best Western – This spot offers a small banquet space and a patio, making it perfect for hosting both a ceremony and rehearsal dinner in one convenient location.
The Venue (Red Deer) – Located in downtown Red Deer, this charming little venue is ideal for both a ceremony and dinner rehearsal, offering an intimate atmosphere that’s easy to love.
Restaurants / Breweries:
On the Lake – This spot offers gorgeous lake views, making it a beautiful and relaxed choice for a rehearsal dinner.
Snake Lake Brewery – If you are after a fun, laid-back vibe, Snake Lake Brewery has you covered with brewery tours, a kid-friendly environment, and the option to bring in your own food.
Sun of Beach - Another great location located right on Lakeshore Drive. This vibrant little restaurant offers a great location to host both a ceremony and rehearsal dinner.
Parks & Landmarks:
The Lighthouse – A scenic spot for a casual gathering and beautiful photo ops before the big day.
Lions Legacy Park (Town of Sylvan Lake) –This beautiful quiet park is minutes from the beach, nightlife and accommodations and offers a beautiful secluded location, perfect for a ceremony rehearsal.
Other Options:
Airbnb Rentals – Many couples opt for a private Airbnb, which offers a more intimate and cozy vibe for your rehearsal gathering.
Jarvis Bay Provincial Campground – Looking for something more casual and outdoorsy? If you book a group site, this spot provides the perfect relaxed setting for a low-key rehearsal surrounded by nature.
We hope these tips are helpful. No matter where you decide to host it, the key is making sure everyone knows their role and then enjoying the lead-up to your beautiful wedding!
Special Thanks to Nikki & Andre, who were married in August 2024, for sharing their ceremony rehearsal photos with us!
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