Choosing your Wedding Officiant:   While some brides choose their wedding officiants second to choosing their venues, many wait until much of the theme or vision of their wedding is fully developed. By then they have a good idea of what they want their special day to look like. They can imagine walking down the aisle in that special dress with only his eyes seeing her…and then everything about the ceremony often stops there. In our years of working as wedding officiants, couples know what they don’t want more than what they do want. So it is important to find someone who will give direction to this process as well as lend their experience.

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!

With more and more ceremonies performed and enjoyed outdoors, couples need to consider who can actually hear the special words they have chosen to say on their wedding day. This summer like every summer couples are choosing golf courses, vineyards, waterfronts and backyards for their wedding ceremonies. A little different than other years the weather has been more of a challenge. The sound of the rain pounding on the tent, high winds on a golf course or the affects of being near water has robbed more guests of hearing the words spoken at ceremonies. “Consider how everyone beyond the first row will hear your I do’s.”

Another thing to consider whether indoors or outdoors, is nerves. Most brides and grooms are not comfortable with speaking to a crowd and they become afraid. Voices lower, words are mumbled again their low tones are not heard. The same can happen to readers, parents and even vocalists. Yes vocalists.

Have your ceremony well miked for the hearing comfort of all of your family and guests. Recently a very old aunt approached me after the wedding and spoke to me about how disappointed she was that she did not hear a single word. Only moments before the whole family had mentioned to me that they were so pleased she was to be there to share in their special day. It was sad she did not realy share in their experience.

Here in Burlington, Ontario, Long and Mc Quade will provide mikes, stands and speakers for a little as $30 and tax for a small group outside and as much as $60.00 and tax for a larger group for the weekend. Set –up is easy.

White Orchid Wedding Ceremonies officiants desire that your day be the best it can be. May you have a wonderful outdoor or indoor wedding this year!