FAQ's

Questions to consider when planning
your wedding or commitment ceremony

Below are some questions that often come up. If you have others, great!
Please contact us by e-mail or phone, and we'll answer them!

1. How do we choose a minister or officiant?

First and foremost: choose someone you feel comfortable with! Actually, this is true of ALL you involve in your ceremony - for example, photographer, musician(s), event planner.

Then, for a minister/officiant:

You're looking for someone who is responsive to what you want for your ceremony! After all, it's one of the most important days in your life! Whatever your spiritual or religious beliefs, choose someone who honors them and can include them as part of your ceremony, if that's your desire.

You may choose to ask questions of him/her like these
What is their background?
Do they create a unique ceremony for you, or must you choose a standard one?
How do they get to know you, so they CAN create your unique ceremony?
Will they include your religious or spiritual traditions?
Do they provide a draft ceremony you can review in advance? Do they make the  final copy available     to all your vendors, so everyone involved knows exactly what to     do and when?
Is a rehearsal included in their services? If not, what is the extra charge?
What are their usual fees?

Please ask ME these questions! I'm as interested as you are in a "good match"! If I do not think I can give you the ceremony you're looking for, I will do my best to refer you to a fellow minister/officiant who will.

You can also look at my page, "How I Work With You", which will answer some of the above questions about me.

2. Do you use a standardized ceremony?

Absolute not! Part of the joy for me is in discovering those special and totally unique qualities that are YOU - and that drew you together. Then, we use our combined creativity to choose the ceremony elements that best express all your personal richness. I DO provide you with a "Ceremony Outline", to give you a sense for the flow. From there we're free to improvise and personalize to our hearts' content!

3. We are from different religious backgrounds. Can you still do our ceremony? One that includes both traditions?

Yes, yes, yes! Your ceremony is a way to celebrate your "differences" - to honor who you are, and what went into creating you. I have information about many, many different religious and cultural ceremonies: you can pick and choose from among them to highlight your own, or use them as a "take-off" to design a completely new ceremony element. How beautiful that your love has brought you to a place where difference does not separate, but enhances each of you! Together, you are so much more!

Some "practical" considerations

4. We haven't chosen a site for our ceremony yet.
What should we be thinking about?

a. What is the style and size of your ceremony? Formal, informal? Will you have a "theme" - like Hawaiian, or Valentine's Day? How many guests? How many in your wedding party? What kind of music do you plan? Will your music choice be a problem if you go on into the evening? What style of reception - simple, elaborate? Sit-down or buffet?
To be a good match, the location you choose must suit those preferences, and be the right size to accommodate them. You want the style of the site to fit YOUR style!

b. What is your budget? What is most important to you about the event?  Be sure you cover that, before you address other details.

c. When you begin looking at actual sites - for wedding/commitment ceremony and/or reception -- take notes of your observations and the information you receive.  Review them later in a quiet time and place. This helps you spot any unanswered questions or gaps in information.  Use this process with ALL your vendors!  It helps maintain focus and clarity on the myriad details you're handling.

And here are some things to consider

What are ALL the costs? Either your event coordinator or the on-site coordinator should come up with a specific list that covers every aspect of your plans.  Ask what is included in the site charges; the reception area; set-up charges; sound system (if your guest list is large), etc.

Then, ask whether the quoted price is all-inclusive, or whether there will be additional charges, such as gratuities, overtime fees, and sales tax. Have all these details put in writing, including dates, times, prices, and descriptions of services provided.

Inquire into the payment requirements. Most sites will require a down payment to reserve the facility, with the balance due approximately one week prior to the date of the event, when the final guest count is known. Ask if they provide any type of individual food tasting . Be sure to view their banquet rooms set for a wedding .

Date & time-of- year considerations: Find out the dates for the "peak" season in the location of your wedding/commitment - and consider if you want to go for an "off-peak" date. Saturday night is the most expensive time to schedule your ceremony and reception. If you wish to save money, consider another evening, month or a weekend afternoon. Morning or afternoon weddings also call for a lighter menu, so you 'd save on the catering as well. Ask if they will customize menus for your specific needs. Be sure to inquire about any hidden cost.

Again, those are just some typical questions from couples preparing their ceremony. Please be in touch if you have other questions, or desire more particulars in the answers provided above.

I am here to help make YOUR DAY everything you dreamed it could be!

Back to top