EventPro Magazine - Spring 2015 EventPro Magazine Fall 2016 | Page 31

The ceremony script should be personalized to the couple.
I share previous scripts as a template and work with my
couples to write their own. Some couples find a ceremony
script that fits them perfectly, most take different
paragraphs to piece theirs together and still others will
write their own completely. When I am complimented on
the ceremony, I am proud to tell them that the couple wrote
their own service. With my officiate services it is entirely
up to you to decide how much, if any, religion is included.
You make the decision if you will have a sand, candle,
marriage license signing or another type of ceremony
within your service. You choose if you want music, scripture
or poem readings, a rehearsal or if you want to use a sound
system during the ceremony. (which I offer at a slight
additional charge).
If you are not enlisting the services of a Wedding Planner, a
thorough officiate should be able to conduct your wedding
rehearsal, should you want one. They are also responsible
for making sure your marriage license has all the proper
signatures and information required and must mail it to the
appropriate state marriage license bureau within five days
after the ceremony.

I always tell my couples to laugh and enjoy the time you spend
together planning your wedding, those moments are just as
memorable as your wedding day itself. Again, I can only speak
for my services, but during the ceremony it isn’t unusual for
the bride, groom and myself to form an intimate bubble. A
conscientious officiate will allow that to happen while still
making the guests and wedding party feel as if they are also part
of the ceremony and not just looking in from the outside.
Remember, while choosing your wedding officiate may be
the last thing you cross off your list, it is also one of the most
important decisions of your ceremony.