Rehearsal and Wedding Day Checklist

The week before

• ☐ Send the couple the full order of ceremony and get their yes
• ☐ Confirm names, pronunciations and how they want to be introduced
• ☐ Confirm the license plan. Verify local requirements for the officiant, witnesses and filing
• ☐ Agree roles with the planner or coordinator: who cues what, who makes which decisions
• ☐ Confirm who cues the start and who makes the call if weather or sound changes the plan
• ☐ Clear any story or joke with the couple
• ☐ Print your notes and save a copy offline

The rehearsal

• ☐ Arrive early and find the planner or coordinator first
• ☐ Walk the processional and recessional in order
• ☐ Show everyone where to stand
• ☐ Walk through each handoff: giving away, vows, rings, communion, kiss
• ☐ Decide who holds the rings and any vow books
• ☐ Tell the wedding party when you will say "You may be seated"
• ☐ Practice the repeat-after-me lines once, in short phrases
• ☐ End with prayer if the couple wants it

Wedding day: before the ceremony

• ☐ Show up way early
• ☐ Be available for soundcheck. Check that the back of the room can hear you
• ☐ Check in with the planner, photographer and musicians
• ☐ Confirm the license and rings are on site
• ☐ Gather the groomsmen around the groom and pray, if he wants that
• ☐ Check on the bride through the planner or a family member
• ☐ Be the calmest person in the room

During the ceremony

• ☐ Grounded stance; no rocking or fidgeting
• ☐ A quiet word to the groom while you wait together
• ☐ Say "You may be seated" after the bride arrives
• ☐ Speak clear and loud
• ☐ Eyes on the couple, especially for the charge
• ☐ Feed vow and ring lines in short phrases
• ☐ Pause before the pronouncement

After the ceremony

• ☐ Give the dismissal announcement the couple asked for. Example: "Family, you can remain here as the bride and groom would love to take pictures with you. Everyone else, please join us [location] as we continue to celebrate this beautiful couple."
• ☐ Complete the license as local rules require, and confirm who is responsible for filing it
• ☐ Greet both families
• ☐ Put a check-in with the couple on your calendar (see Resource 5)