Kristen, looking into her future. Photo credit: Weddings by Tony and Elena
Is it already our fourth week in this series of five things to look for when hiring your officiant? Yup. It sure is, y’all! Let’s recap the last three weeks. Amy Mader with Platinum Wedding and Events asked us to educate our amazing wedding couples on how to hire an amazing wedding officiant. We were happy to oblige. First, hire a professional wedding officiant. Second, hire someone who from the very beginning of the conversation understands the wedding is about you. Third, expect creativity from your professional officiant. And this week? Hire an officiant with vision.
You might be asking yourselves: What does that even mean? Well, guess what? Your wedding is one day. It’s a big day, and the wedding is a big moment (see tips 1-3). But your marriage is much longer. I mean . . . the marriage vow is made under the assumption that it is a lifelong commitment. So, while you may only see your officiant once in your life, it’s nice to know that even in that moment, they are offering you ways to learn and grow with this amazing commitment.
Cindy and Mark across ten years.
Now, you may be thinking this means I am suggesting premarital counseling. Not necessarily. Most of our couples do not opt for premarital counseling. But, the way that we craft our ceremonies allows us to talk about their relationship beyond just the day of the wedding. So, look for someone who offers (or even mentions or thinks about) ways to live into your marriage vows. Do they help you dream and hope around your relationship when planning your ceremony? Are they able to help you articulate those dreams and hopes into your wedding ceremony? Do they offer services and ways to renew your wedding vows? What if you need to talk? Have a naming ceremony for children you may one day add to your family? Do they offer sources for you if you experience marital strife or trauma? How do they equip you to live not just into your wedding day, but into this amazing lifelong commitment?
Next week: Tip five . . . do you click with them?
Sarah has been crafting custom weddings for couples of all kinds since 1999. Sarah is a Ravenclaw, and loves mythology, historical fiction, hot tea, and cycling of all sorts. She is an ordained minister who believes in coloring outside the lines. Sarah has been married to her best friend, Joe, since 1994. Together, their greatest treasures are their two children and the marriage they’ve worked hard to cultivate.