Why a Thursday Rehearsal Might Be the Best Decision You Make

Ready for your wedding weekend? Excited to see friends and family arriving from near and far — all there just for you? Me too. There’s something so special about that first wave of guests showing up — whether it’s at your rehearsal, a pre-wedding appointment, or a welcome party. It’s the moment everything starts to feel real.

With all that excitement, though, comes a rush of emotion and anticipation — and sometimes, exhaustion. That’s why I’m a big believer in giving yourself a little extra breathing room before the big day.

Enter the Thursday Rehearsal

In recent seasons, several of my couples — including Maddy & Joe — have chosen to host their rehearsal on Thursday instead of Friday. It’s a simple shift that makes a big difference. By rehearsing on Thursday, you create space to truly enjoy your weekend. Friday becomes an open day to rest, celebrate with family, or host a welcome party without feeling rushed.

It also helps avoid scheduling conflicts with your venue’s Friday events, gives your vendors more flexibility, and keeps your timeline calm and intentional. For Maddy & Joe, this choice set the tone for a relaxed, joy-filled weekend where every moment felt fully enjoyed — not hurried.

But What About Out-of-Town Guests?

It’s true — a Thursday rehearsal can be a stretch for guests traveling from out of town. For many couples, though, it’s a worthwhile tradeoff. If most of your wedding party or family is local, or if your guests are making a full weekend of it, the benefits often outweigh the inconvenience.

The Takeaway

A Thursday rehearsal isn’t for everyone, but it can be a beautiful way to ease into your celebration. You get to start your weekend with intention, enjoy the anticipation, and soak up more of those “everyone’s here for us” moments — without the stress of a packed Friday.

After all, your wedding weekend should feel like what it’s meant to be — a reason to celebrate.