One of my slogans, if you will, is that I’m flexible on your wedding day so that you don’t have to be. As a northern New Mexico wedding officiant – I actually prefer the term wedding celebrant as it denotes celebration – I encounter many situations where flexibility enhances the quality of the wedding, particularly at outdoor wedding locations.
When I arrive for a ceremony, at least 15 minutes ahead of the start time, I check in with the spouses to assure them that I’m onsite and also to find out if there are any last minute details that have changed or need attention. I confirm that rings and marriage license are present and accounted for and who will be holding them.
I check in with the photographer(s) to let them know I have no requirements or limitations which is a well-received message. Sometimes they’ll want to know the sequence of the ceremony so they’re sure to be ready for close-up opportunities.
If there is a deejay or a live musician, I find this to be my most important “tune up.” At a recent ceremony the couple had neglected to give the guitarist their playlist. Fortunately I had it and was able to get her the songs and review my more typical information of cues for processional, bridal music and when to start the recessional music.
More opportunities as a marriage celebrant to make sure the stage is set for a perfect ceremony are checking that the correct ingredients are properly in place. Are the vials of sand set for the Sand Ceremony? Is someone taking care of providing all guests with a pebble for the Sharing of Strength Ceremony? Are there carafes of red and white wine set out for the Wine Ceremony? Are the candles for the Unity Candle ceremony set and more importantly, does the lighter work? At a recent elegant ceremony a beautiful stainless steel lighter had been set out and I failed to check it. Sure enough, when the mothers came forward to light their children’s candles, it wouldn’t work. Attentive venue personnel whisked us a big wand lighter which gave me a perfect opportunity for humor and a moment of levity before the beautiful symbolism of the Unity Candle ceremony.
Whether you throw me a last-minute curveball, or Mother Nature gives us a challenge, you can depend on me to greet it with a smile and an attitude of how can we turn this around and make it fun and positive?
Want more information on this topic? Email Dan at Dan@EmbracingCeremony.com