Step-by-Step Guide to a Stress-Free Wedding Rehearsal

Your walk down the aisle is one of the most unforgettable moments of your wedding day. At Adler Ranch, a signature MN barn wedding venue near Alexandria, we’ve witnessed everything from traditional slow walks to fun, unconventional entrances that reflect the couple's unique style. However you envision your aisle moment, there are a few essential things you and your wedding party should know before that big walk down the aisle. In this post we’ll give you some suggestions for planning your very important wedding rehearsal.

The Importance of the Rehearsal

One thing couples often overlook is the wedding rehearsal. It’s more than just a chance to practice—it sets the tone for your big day and ensures everyone knows their role. The rehearsal typically takes place the day before your wedding and is attended by the key players:

• Who Should Attend: The wedding couple, the officiant, the wedding party (bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, ring bearers), parents, and anyone with a specific role in the ceremony.

• Who Should Not Attend: This is not an event for every guest, nor for every out of town guest! While we love a full celebration here at Adler Ranch, your rehearsal should be small and focused—about 10-20 people at most. Having 75 guests at your rehearsal can distract from its purpose, making it harder to get everyone on the same page.

Where to Hold Your Bouquet

Here’s a detail brides sometimes overlook—where do you hold your bouquet? We often see brides and bridesmaids hold their flowers too high, which can look awkward in photos and make you appear tense. The trick? Hold your bouquet at your waist, with your arms slightly bent. This keeps your posture elegant and your flowers front and center in photos without blocking your dress.

Traditional vs. Unconventional Walks Down the Aisle

At Adler Ranch, we celebrate all kinds of love, which means we’re all about nontraditional and unconventional wedding moments. Your walk down the aisle doesn’t have to be the classic slow walk with a bridal march. Instead, consider:

• Unique Music Choices: Walk down the aisle to a song that has personal meaning to you and your partner, whether it’s an acoustic cover of your favorite rock ballad or something upbeat that gets your guests excited.

• Ditch the Walk Altogether: We’ve seen couples dance down the aisle, walk down together, and even enter with their pets! At Adler Ranch, we’re all about letting your personality shine.

• Who Walks With You?: Tradition says it’s the father of the bride, but we’ve seen beautiful alternatives: both parents, close friends, siblings, or walking together as a couple. It’s your moment—make it reflect your story, there are no rules! We typically prepare a 12ft wide aisle so there is plenty of room if you want to walk with three people.

Advice for the Wedding Party

For the wedding party, walking down the aisle can feel nerve-wracking, especially for those who aren’t used to being in front of a crowd. Here are some Adler Ranch tips to make sure everyone feels calm and confident:

• Smile, Breathe, and Be Present: The day flies by, so remind your wedding party to take their time walking and really enjoy the moment. A smile goes a long way!

• Watch Your Speed: A common mistake is walking too fast. Practice during the rehearsal, and find a comfortable pace that keeps the ceremony flowing smoothly without feeling rushed.

• Focus on the Couple: Remind your wedding party that their role is to support you, not be the center of attention. Encourage them to keep their eyes on the couple and enjoy the moment.

Wrapping Up the Rehearsal

Once the rehearsal is over, use this time to answer any last-minute questions. Make sure everyone understands where they need to be, what their timing is, and how they should enter. Then, relax and enjoy your rehearsal dinner knowing everything is in place for the big day. Pay attention to the Venue announcements, where you are reminded about some housekeeping items, such as the smoking area and emergency procedures, this information is helpful so the wedding day goes smoothly.

At Adler Ranch, we believe in creating a wedding day that is as unique and special as the couple getting married. Whether you opt for a traditional ceremony or one filled with unconventional touches, these small details—like who attends the rehearsal, how to walk down the aisle, and where to hold your bouquet—will make your wedding day less stressful and unforgettable.

Are you newly engaged and looking for a most unique wedding venue? Contact Adler Ranch for a personal tour!

Adler Ranch is your dream destination for a truly unique wedding experience. As an independently owned and family-operated ranch wedding venue nestled in the heart of the Alexandria, MN lakes area; we pride ourselves on offering a limited number of weddings each season to ensure every couple receives the personalized attention they deserve. Embracing our roots, we support local businesses and create an inclusive, unconventional wedding venue that stands out from the rest. When you choose Adler Ranch, you're not just booking a venue; you're becoming part of our family and the vibrant Alexandria community.

A Thank you and a shout out to these locally owned, Independent wedding venue owners who show their support each day: 5 Family Ranch Wedding Venue Owners La Joya Dulce Ballroom at Windsor Ballenger Bridge