I was recently reading an article published by Wedding Wire that stated that 37% of couples ask a family member or friend to perform their wedding ceremony. It’s not surprising that in an age of free online ordinations that many couples find it to be a cost-effective way to have their marriage legalized. Couples also believe that their family and friends know them better than anyone and would be able to deliver a very personalized ceremony.
While there are some books that are available to help assist individuals on how to write a wedding ceremony, they are fairly generic and really just a guideline. And in actuality, there is so much more than just words. Do they know how to orchestrate the flow of the ceremony? Who lines up where? When do you cue people to walk? How many songs should be played and when? Beyond the ceremony, how do you complete the marriage license to make it legal?
I am proud to have created an entire package of items to help your chosen individual officiate your ceremony in the smoothest way possible given that this is most likely their first, and perhaps only, time performing a wedding. My writing package includes the following:
- A consultation via phone or video to learn all about you and your vision for your ceremony.
- A slideshow presentation for your friend on how to get ordained for free and how to complete and file your marriage license.
- A slideshow presentation on how to coordinate your rehearsal.
- An outline of where everyone in your wedding party will stand, and the order they will enter.
- Assistance with coordinating a receiving line.
- A ceremony script for them to use which is personalized and created just for you based on our consultation.The script includes cues to help assist them on how to make the ceremony flow efficiently.
- Unlimited revisions.
- Reminders and links from me on how, when and where to apply for your marriage license.
- A dinner blessing for them to use before your reception meal.
My hope is that every couple can have the ceremony of their dreams and this offers an affordable way for you to still receive professional wording that is personalized for you. Some of my past couples who opted to use my writing services did so for the following reasons:
- They wanted me to officiate but I was already booked.
- Their ceremony was too far for me to travel.
- They had a friend who wanted to officiate but didn’t know where to begin.
- They were on a budget.
If you live in Michigan, online ordinations are free and accepted in every county. If you live in another state, it is always advisable to check with the county clerk’s office where you will be officiating. I can speak from experience that in Ohio you must register with the Secretary of State.
Of course, when making the decision to have someone perform your wedding, it is important to select someone who is confident and organized. Even with a script in hand, weddings can be unpredictable. You will want someone who is able to keep your guests engaged with their voice, and roll with the punches if something doesn’t go as planned. If you don’t have a wedding planner, officiants often have to keep everything running smoothly not only during, but before the ceremony.
Should you find that having your ceremony professionally written is in your future, feel free to contact me. My entire package runs $100. I also offer a digital book entitled At the End of the Aisle, which can be found at most online book retailers. While it does not provide you with all the elements of my ceremony package, it is a helpful guide on where to begin.
All the Best!
Beth