Choosing your Officiant for your Upcoming Wedding! It’s that time again! Bridal planning season for 2012 is upon us. 2013 and 2014 are close behind!

How will you choose the person who will seal the deal, make it legal and make your Special Partner your mate for Life?  Choosing your wedding officiant is a very personal decision.

Planning your ceremony means choosing the right person to work with the two of you. Consider these things:

• How was your first contact? Did he/she answer your email or phone call quickly and professionally?
• Were you given the option to meet with the person who will be officiating the ceremony?
• Do you feel comfortable and can you talk with this officiant easily? Do you feel heard?
• Does the ceremony process feel easy?
• Was the officiant  willing to honour your desire for any additions you would like to include in the ceremony. And if a rehearsal is important to you will he/she be willing to oversee it? You need to feel confident that you will get the ceremony you want.
• Is he/she ordained and licensed to marry in your province?
• What will he/she wear? If your tradition is seeing your officiant/minister in a robe, ask if he/she has one?Similarly if you do not want robes, do you have that option?
• Will the officiant provide you with a contract or receipts? Thinking about the contract, remember to bring all of the important facts to your meeting: the venue, address of the venue and the time of the ceremony. Often the officiant has planned his/her schedule around the time and location of your ceremony before your first meeting. Also if changes are made contact your officiant and discuss the changes formally. Do not assume he/she is available if you move your venue or change the hour of your ceremony.

Whether you and your fiance are still looking for an officiant this bridal season or the next, may you find exactly the right person to lead you in your vows and care for your ceremony…and enjoy this next adventure of your lives as a married couple!

 Photo thanks to Patti Miller - Burlington Photographer.ca

Officiant: Garry Blinch- White Orchid Wedding Ceremonies