EventPro Magazine - Spring 2015 EventPro Magazine Fall 2016 | Page 30

What the Pros Know Choosing a Wedding Officiate By Cathy Holman, Wedding Officiate You’re engaged! Amidst the hugs and flurry of excited congratulations from family and friends you’re asked about the date of the ceremony, a venue for the service and reception and what kind of dress you’re hoping to find. All very legitimate questions and ones that many couples can answer because they’re the first to get crossed off the never-ending list of things to do before their special day. One thing that doesn’t get asked and usually doesn’t even make the never-ending list of things to do is “who is going to officiate your ceremony”? Not as much fun to think about as decorations, dresses and wedding cake flavors however, you’ll need an officiate to perform your ceremony, sign your marriage license and register it with the state to be legal. Unless you’re planning on the clergy of your church, you will need a person who has their credentials registered with the state you are holding your ceremony. State laws do vary, if you are in question, check with the state marriage license office located in the court house. Every officiant will have a different way to handle the weddings they preside. I am basing this article on the way I officiate weddings. I specialize in non-denominational 32 and non-traditional weddings and consider it an honor to be included in your special day. My goal is to make your wedding ceremony to be exactly as you’ve pictured it. I believe that you and your fiancee’ should be comfortable with whom you choose to perform your ceremony. If at all possible, ask for a face to face meeting BEFORE you make the decision to book your date with an officiate. That isn’t always the case if you’re from out of the area. If a meeting isn’t possible, personal calls, texts and emails should be utilized. Be sure to bring your list of questions you might have to your meeting. When I meet with a couple, I ask questions to determine what you’re hoping to accomplish and try to offer ideas and helpful suggestions. A good officiate will try to anticipate the needs of the couple and their guests, for example if it’s an outdoor wedding with no chairs, I will ask if there are grandparents or elderly guests that we be more comfortable during the service in a folding chair. Or, the suggestion of an agreement with an indoor facility as a back-up in case of inclement weather.