Frequently Asked Questions
1. How far ahead of time should I book my officiant?
You should have your officiant booked at least 4-6 months before the wedding. The sooner
the better as dates fill up for everyone. It is not uncommon that we have dozens of weddings booked a year in advance.
Occassionaly, there may be an opening at the last minute but it is risky to wait. Remember, without the officiant it's
just a big party so you really do not want to procrastinate on choosing your officiant for your wedding. We actually
do get calls from desperate couples that have waited too long or their officiant 'cancelled' at the last minute. Unfortunately,
we have had to turn many away because we were already booked long before their call. Don't let this happen to you.
2. When do I get to review the ceremony script?
We email the entire ceremony to you approximately 3-4 weeks before the wedding. At that time you can
make modifications. All final approvals must be emailed back to us a minimum of 3 days before your rehearsal or
ceremony.
3. Can we write our own vows?
Absolutely! A tip to writing your own vows, especially if you plan to memorize them, is
to keep it short. Generally one or two sentences can speak volumes when it comes from the heart. If your vows
are longer you should opt to either read them during the ceremony or repeat them after the officiant. Any way you choose,
please be sure your officiant has a copy of the vows that you write.
4.
I want a friend/relative to read a poem during the ceremony.
Just
tell us where in the ceremony you would like the person to read a poem or scripture and provide us with what will be read.
We will incorporate it into your ceremony. You can have readings, poems, vocals or instrumentals incorporated anyplace
in your ceremony. We just need to know where and the details. There is no additional charge, however, it is encouraged
that you keep these limited to 1-2 of each so not to overpower your ceremony with them.
5. Can we meet with our officiant in person?
In
person meetings can be scheduled, based on availability, and there is a seperate $75.00 charge. Since 99% of our clients
are perfectly comfortable contracting our services without an in person meeting, we have taken this option out of our packages
and now provide it as a seperate option in order to help alleviate unneccesary costs to the client. We provide unlimited
phone and email support to answer any questions you may have or provide assistance with matters that involve your rehearsal
or ceremony. References are available upon request from previous couples and venues in which we have performed ceremonies.
6. What will my officiant wear?
We
generally dress business professional, ie; suit and tie or business suit. We also have white or black robe available
if you prefer a more traditional look. If you are planning a themed wedding and would like your officiant to wear something
'less traditional' such as shorts, jeans, hawaiin, etc. please contact us with these requests.
7. What types of ceremonies can I choose from?
You can choose Traditional, Contemporary, Interfaith, or Civil. Our ceremonies can include children,
and we even have one for second marriages.
8. Will you
help with our rehearsal?
Of course we will, if you want us to.
Remember to include this to your total mileage if you want us present for your rehearsal. An option we have to save
you some money is to email you diagrams of the processional, recessional
and altar formations. You simply choose the one from each that works best for your location and insert the names of
everyone in the wedding. Let us know your choices so that we know the order the day of the ceremony. These diagrams
enable you to conduct your rehearsal without us being there which could save you the cost of additional mileage. If
it is within your budget to have us attend and coordinate the rehearsal just let us know where and when. Diagrams are
only available with the Gold & Platinum packages and you will be allowed to choose a Tradition in place of our attendance
at your rehearsal.
9. What religion are you?
We are Universal Life, Non-Denominational Reverends and hold licenses in the State of Ohio
and comply with the State of Michigan's laws regarding officiating wedding ceremonies. Our Church of ordination holds
a charter within this state. We believe in freedom of and from religion. We are familiar with many types of religous
ceremonies. We can incorporate many elements of specific religions into your ceremony if you wish or none at all.
10. What are Traditions?
Traditions, Rituals, are 'ceremonies within the ceremony'. They include the Unity Candle,
Blending of the Sands, the Rose ceremony, Jumping of the Broom, Medallion ceremony, etc.
11. Should I give my Officiant a gratuity?
Typically, you should give gratuities to any service provider that you are pleased with. Some service
providers should be tipped simply out of etiquette. Although we provide flat pricing options and do not expect a tip,
they are always appreciated. One thing that is always appreciated is a Thank You note or letter after your wedding.
This should be done for all of your service providers.
12.
Should I invite my officiant to my rehearsal dinner and reception?
We
always appreciate the invitation, however, we are often scheduled to be elsewhere. We also understand that you generally
have to pay per person for food and our absence at these dinners will save you a little more money.
13. I have a friend / family member that got ordained to do our ceremony
That's wonderful! However, we have years of experience speaking in public and coordinating wedding
ceremonies...your friend / family member will be doing this for the first time at YOUR wedding. Be sure this is what
you want, once the day is over it cannot be re-done. In addition, there are specific guidelines that must be followed
in every state, Michigan is no exception. Getting an ordination online is perfectly legal, as ordination is between
you, God and the Church. However, simply printing the 'ordination certificate' from your online ordination does not
insure that your ordination is actually recognized by the Church because many online ordinations are given by BRANCHES of
the MAIN Church or Headquarters and ordination information is not always forwarded to the main Church...therefore, the ordination
itself is not legally recognized in many states including Michigan and Ohio.
