Should You Really Have a Rehearsal Dinner? What We Think (and What We Recommend to Our Clients)

Hi everyone

The wedding rehearsal is one of those things you’ll often find on wedding checklists all over the internet. But how useful is it, really? Is it a must-have or just a nice bonus? In this article, we’re sharing our perspective as wedding coordinators to help you decide whether a rehearsal deserves a spot in your already packed schedule — and how it can truly make a difference.

So, what exactly is a rehearsal?

A wedding rehearsal, or more commonly called "rehearsal dinner" is a gathering where the couple and key people involved in the wedding get together to go over the big day, especially the ceremony.

The goal isn’t to act out every moment, but rather to make sure everyone knows what to do, where to go, and when to do it. This simple walkthrough, even if partial, helps everyone feel more confident — especially when emotions will be running high on the big day.

Is it always necessary? Not really

If your wedding is straightforward, happening in one location, and your ceremony involves only a few people, then a rehearsal might be more of a luxury than a necessity. It can certainly bring peace of mind, but you shouldn’t stress about squeezing it in if time is tight.

In the case of a civil ceremony officiated by an experienced celebrant, they typically act as the conductor of the ceremony. They’ll guide you with calm and confidence, and many of them don’t see the need for a formal rehearsal — especially if it means a separate trip for them.

Some couples even choose not to rehearse intentionally, in order to preserve the magic of the moment. Witnessing genuine reactions, soaking in the atmosphere, walking toward each other without having seen it all before — this can make the experience feel even more special and emotional. It’s a valid choice, especially if you love surprises or want to experience everything “for real” on the day itself.

That said, if you have a day-of coordinator, the need for a rehearsal decreases significantly. She’ll be there behind the scenes to guide everyone, offer reassurance, and handle any surprises… in short, she’ll be your live safety net.

When it's really worth it

If the couple is planning a personalized or symbolic ceremony (including rituals, guest contributions, etc.), a rehearsal helps bring your vision to life, fine-tune transitions, and ensure everything makes sense spatially.

If many people are involved (readings, processional, music cues, flower kids, etc.), it’s not always easy to communicate your vision verbally. A rehearsal gives everyone a chance to ask questions and feel confident in their role, reducing the risk of confusion on the day.

If the wedding is held in a place of worship like a church, where multiple rituals are involved, rehearsals can be especially helpful. Even though officiants are used to this, most couples and guests are not — and a rehearsal can ease nerves and help everyone feel more at ease in a formal setting.

If the couple is feeling anxious and needs reassurance, a rehearsal can be a great way to soothe nerves. Seeing the space, walking the aisle, speaking a few lines out loud — these small things can really help ease stage fright. And that’s priceless.

If you have children involved in the ceremony or guests with specific needs (mobility, sensory sensitivities, etc.), knowing what to expect helps reduce anxiety and allows you to make adjustments that suit everyone’s reality. The rehearsal is the perfect time to do that.

What we recommend at Lusa

At Lusa, we believe every couple should listen to themselves and organize their wedding based on their real needs — not some generic checklist. If you feel like a rehearsal would help you sleep better at night, then it’s 100% justified — even if it’s not “essential” on paper.

And here’s some good news: in our day-of coordination packages, the rehearsal is always included at no extra cost. We show up to meet your family, walk everyone through the timeline, get to know your key people — in short, we offer a sneak peek of the support you’ll have on the big day. It’s also a great moment to break the ice, spot last-minute details, and make sure everyone feels confident.

And if a full rehearsal just isn’t possible, a quick morning-of briefing often does the trick — especially with an experienced coordinator by your side.

Final thoughts

A wedding rehearsal isn’t mandatory… but it is a powerful tool to turn stress into peace of mind.

What matters most is having someone you trust to coordinate, reassure, and guide each key moment. And that’s our favorite part of the job!

Wondering whether a rehearsal makes sense for your wedding?

Reach-out, we’ll be happy to give you our honest take.

Happy planning,

Kisses

Lusiné A.