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HOW TO CHOOSE AN OFFICIANT - By Reverend Barbara Laughray
Have you asked yourself how important is your actual wedding ceremony?
After giving it some thought, I am sure you will realize it is
the most important aspect of your entire wedding day. Everything
else on the day of your wedding is secondary in relationship to
your ceremony. After all, this is your lifelong commitment, your
promise to one another in view of your families and friends.
Because of this, you must know what you want your officiant to
convey about you and your beliefs. Your officiant should want
to know about you, so a personal presentation will unfold. They
must be a good speaker, and have proper credentials.
How do you find an officiant? No longer is the church or synagogue
our only source for providing an officiant, today we have other
resources to utilize. You can begin by researching through the
many bridal magazines and periodicals, attend local bridal shows,
ask for personal references and browse the internet and websites.
After choosing from those you'd like to talk with, call each officiant
and inquire about their services. The following are some good
questions to ask (however, a good, well organized and experienced
officiant will probably share all of this without begin asked.)
The Top Ten:
1. Do you have the date & time open
2. How were you trained or credentialed
3. How long have you been performing wedding ceremonies
4. What makes you different that other officiants
5. Can I add anything I'd like to the ceremony, i.e., write my
own vows, include others to read or speak
6. Is premarital counseling required
7. Can you give me a quick overview
8. How do you handle rehearsals, and or, how many times will you
meet with us
9. What are your charges & what does that include
10. What happens if you are ill
Now select 2 to 3 officiants that you interviewed over the phone
who best represent your beliefs to meet with you in person. Here
is what to expect in the "in person interview" with your officiant:
A really good overview of the ceremony and all it entails
Ask to see their credentials, if not displayed
Complete information on obtaining a marriage license
Require details of payments and what is included
A signed agreement between you and the officiant once you have
made your decision. (Make sure to give yourself room to make a
clear decision, if necessary, the freedom to leave to think over
your discussion.)
A special note: If you are getting married in any religious institution
or place of worship, you must pay particular attention to their
rules and regulations which must be followed.
Have fun in this particular search. You want to remember you have
a wonderful opportunity to leave your family and friends with
not just more insight about each of you and you as a couple, but
a renewed belief in the good of love and celebration in their
own lives.
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