Thursday, May 04, 2006

Selecting a Wedding Officiant...it's a weird and often wacky process...

Okay, I said it. Weird and wacky. Perhaps sometimes. Perhaps more than often. As a Wedding Officiant, I am hugely respectful of the process that a couple goes through to select their Officiant. Choosing a Wedding Officiant is often not that much fun. First of all, you've got to call/meet with an Officiant that you don't know to potentially invite him or her into one of the most intimate moments of your lives. In addition, you're giving this person control of your wedding ceremony. Yikes!

And here is what I know for sure in my years as a non-denominational Wedding Officiant:

1) Be very, very clear about what you want from your Officiant. Ask lots of questions. Yes, this process can be somewhat daunting and you can make it fun. Qualify your Officiant via email or phone and if they resonate with you, set up a meeting for coffee/tea, etc.

2) Selecting your Officiant is often a hugely personal choice and one from the gut. Bottom line: You like the Officiant. And the Officiant likes you.

3) You get what you pay for. Really. Truly. No kidding. When it comes to "wedding vendors," you want an Officiant who is excited to know you, honored to create a wedding ceremony with you and privileged to deliver your ceremony on your wedding day. I find that most couples spend money where their values are - and there is no right or wrong here.

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