You are aware by now that you need to come prepared to meetings with vendors, with a long list of questions that you absolutely have to ask; the same is true when you hire an officiant for your wedding. You should get a printout of this list of ten questions and bring it with you to the meeting with the officiant.
1. Do you have any conflicts with the date of our wedding?
Appears to be a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised at how many people overlook the opportunity to ask! It is best practice to inquire about this matter prior to setting up a face-to-face appointment. Ask the officiant for any recommendations they may have in the event that they are unable to perform the ceremony on your perfect wedding day. The wedding industry is extremely well-connected.
2. Have you presided over a large number of weddings?
Obviously, the answer might not be all that significant if you ask a close friend to preside over the wedding ceremony you're planning. However, experience is absolutely necessary before making a hiring decision. You will want to make sure that they are aware of the order in which the ceremony will take place.
3. Are you open to the possibility of traveling?
If the officiant lives in the area where your venue is located, it is assumed that they will be able to attend your ceremony. If you are having your perfect wedding day at a location away from home, you will need to discuss how far they will need to travel to get there and who will pay for what.
4. Are we, the couple, expected to provide you with a ceremony script, or will we collaborate in the writing of the ceremony together?
It's possible that some of the vendors will just show up and say what you ask of them, which is great if that's exactly what you're after. There is room for participation from other people in the writing of the ceremony. Many even have a "collection" of readings, songs, and other elements that would make wonderful additions to your vows, and this is something you should look for when selecting a celebrant.
5. When or how frequently are we going to get together?
You shouldn't have to talk to your officiant too frequently, but it's always nice to have a professional who is easy to get in touch with and reach when you need them.
6. Do you operate from a written script?
You need to find out from your officiant whether they prefer a script that is word-for-word or whether they are more likely to ad-lib during the ceremony. Both have advantages, so choosing one over the other comes down to personal preference.
7. Would you be able to attend the wedding rehearsal before your perfect wedding day?
The presence of the officiant at the rehearsal is absolutely necessary. In the event that this does not occur, they will be completely out of the loop on an important day. It is customary to invite the person who will be performing the ceremony to the rehearsal dinner or any other party that will take place immediately after the dress rehearsal of the ceremony. You really ought to extend an invitation to him or her to attend the reception as well!
8. Would it be easier for you to include or exclude religious elements from the ceremony?
Religious officiants, such as priests, rabbis, ministers, and others, may insist that the ceremony has a religious basis, and they may not be comfortable officiating at a ceremony that is secular. On the other hand, it's possible that independent officiants won't feel at ease discussing religious particulars. You desire their mindset and beliefs to be the same as yours.
9. Can you provide references?
It won't hurt to call or email married couples who have previously worked with the officiant if you're not sure whether or not to hire them (or if you just want to do your homework!). If you're unsure about hiring the officiant.
10. How much do you normally charge?
You will, of course, want to find out how the officiant's fees will fit into your financial plan (you should prepare yourself to spend a few hundred dollars, but the maximum is $700). Some will take donations, while others will charge a predetermined amount per hour... Because of this, you should always make sure to ask! These are the questions that get right to the heart of the matter. Make sure you take the time to get to know the officiant on a personal level as well! You could inquire about their preferred ceremony or what they take pleasure in most about officiating weddings.
*, officiants are individuals who are authorized to solemnize marriages and perform other legal ceremonies. There are several types of officiants , including religious officiants, civil officiants, and marriage commissioners. Religious officiants are typically ordained members of a religious organization, while civil officiants are authorized by the government to perform legal ceremonies. Marriage commissioners are appointed by the government and are authorized to perform marriages in any location within their jurisdiction. Overall, officiants play a crucial role in helping couples formalize their relationships .
