CHOOSING YOUR WEDDING CEREMONY OFFICIANT.

by Helen Reid

 

We usually start the plans for our wedding with the reception but it is the actual ceremony that is the most import part and probably the most personal part for you. Who your officiate is will determine how you feel about the eventual outcome of your service.

 

You will have to meet the person if you don’t already know them and discuss you requirements and to get a feeling of the person’s personality, you must have some rapport with them if everything is to go well.  Most of them are open-minded and will try to incorporate your ideas. You will know within minutes of meeting them if they will fit in.

 

• You must take care of some important particulars of your ceremony and these must be determined to your satisfaction such as:
• If you’re having a church ceremony what will be the structure of the sermon. Ask them to supply you a copy so you can review it before hand and make any changes that you feel appropriate.
• You can of course leave it to them if you trust them.
• Ask them if they will come to the rehearsal if you plan one.
• Does the officiate fell that counselling is required.
• How they feel about personal input such as your own personal vows or music and even readings by friends.
• If your ceremony will be the civil kind ask the officiate what they will wear.
• If it is a church ceremony you will sign everything at the church, but ask your civil officiate if signing is required before or after the ceremony.

 

If you haven’t yet determined the site for your wedding ceremony perhaps the officiate could give you an idea. It is about now that you should determine where you get permission for things such as tossing items, dress code, decor the music and any restrictions on photography or video. You also need to organise things like seating and microphones, and ushers if you think you will need them.

 

Now this is where personality could play a big part. The temperament of the officiate should be complimentary to yours. It can also set the temperament of the whole wedding. Some people have a serious or formal personality, where some are jovial and outgoing. This is where you set the theme for your wedding. It is so important for you to determine your comfort level with this person, because they will carryout the most important part of your wedding. It will be this person who will declare you joined in matrimony so it is important that you have rapport with this them.

 

In closing you might also find that this is a good time to take the opportunity if you wish to discuss any personal affairs. Sometimes they can be there, to help you resolve problems from the mundane to the spiritual. Family conflicts may arise and these people are sometimes qualified, to help you sort things out.

 

You can make the whole thing come together by inviting your officiate to the ceremony, most of your family and friends may not know this person you have chosen and this will be a great opportunity, to introduce them to one of the most import people to take part in this very import and wonderful day in your life.