PART 9 Google Search Answers
Finding the right officiant is the best way to find an officant that can provide the best wedding for you. A little while back I took my first stab at creating a video. To say it's a “rough” draft is being kind to myself, but it does answer today’s Google question. You're welcome to watch the video (with a forgiving heart) or read through the script below.
STEP 1 – Ask Questions That Are Meaningful To You - Questions can include just about anything: Maybe you want to include a ritual (like a sand ceremony or a reading, a rose ceremony)? Can you write your own vows? Are there any parts of their ceremony that are a must to you, will they do it? Do you want to include your pet, if so will they let you? Basically you want to find out how he or she structures their ceremony and how much input you'll be able to have.
STEP 2 – Make Sure They Get To Know You - At the end of the day, you should feel like your wedding officiant is caring, willing to get to know you as a couple and really wants to give you your perfect wedding.
STEP 3 – Meet in Person - The best way to get to know your potential officiant is to meet with them. Make it casual. Something simple as inviting them out for coffee is a great way to get to know him or her. If meeting in person isn’t possible, then set up a video call or at the very a phone call.
STEP 4 – Your Perfect Officiant Should Be Able To Offer You A Lot Of Options - When it comes to planning your ceremony, do you want a traditional wedding, that mentions God or a civil wedding that doesn’t. Did you know you can tailor your ring vows and the declaration of intent? Every couple is unique. You deserves to have a ceremony that represents your love story.
STEP 5 – Make Sure Your Officiant Can Sign Your License - Make sure that the person you choose is authorized to perform weddings in the state you are getting married in. Don’t be afraid to ask them for a copy of their officiants license. It’s better to be safe than to find out 30 years from now that you were never really married.
STEP 6 – Fall In Like With Your Officiant And/Or Trust Your Gut – After you've had a chance to connect with them, ask yourselves ~ Do we feel the chemistry? Do we trust this person to be our officiant and to perform the kind of wedding ceremony that we want?
STEP 7 – Visit Your Potential Officiant’s Website - If their website is professional, then chances are they will be too. Also, look to see if they have good reviews and good character references. Keep in mind that they don’t all have to be perfect reviews and references. But, if they’re mostly good then odds are they are consistently doing quality work.
STEP 8 – Lastly, Do Not Be Motivated By Pricing Alone - The ceremony is the most important part of the entire day. Your celebration should start out with a wonderfully written, well delivered ceremony that will inspire you. If you are “trusting your gut and have fallen in like” with your officiant, it doesn't necessarily mean you are going to pay more, it just means you have based your decision on steps 1 through 7. Remember, it’s about starting your journey together in the best way possible.