6 FRIDAY, AUGUST 12, 2022
CHARLES CITY PRESS • WEDDING & BRIDAL GUIDE
Questions to ask prospective wedding officiants
doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t stray and per- sonalize the ceremony based on couples’ wishes. Couples should ask such officiants how far they’re willing to stray from their routine if necessary. Do you have a portfolio? Written testimonials from past clients can be invaluable, but couples can get a true feel for an officiant’s style by watching video of ceremonies they’ve officiated in the past. Ask prospective offi- ciants if they can share video of weddings they’ve presided over. It’s not a red flag if officiants have no such video, which couples may have forgotten to share. But video can help couples get an accu- rate idea of how officiants may preside over their ceremony. Will we work together prior to the ceremony? Many officiants will ask to meet with a couple at least once before the wedding so they can get to know them as well as possible. Ask each officiant if this is their policy. Pre-wedding meetings can be conducted in person or via Zoom. When discuss- ing meeting before the wedding, ask the officiant if he or she will attend the wedding rehearsal. It’s not customary for officiants to do so, though some might be willing to attend the rehearsal, especially if the ceremony will feature any elaborate compo- nents that require their involvement. Miscellaneous considerations Couples also may want to broach some additional topics when questioning prospective officiants. Such topics may include: • Officiant’s attire • Backups if the officiant falls ill prior to the ceremony • Officiant fees, and if extra services like attending the rehearsal incurs additional charges • Officiants’ experience
Metro Editorial Library C ouples make many decisions when planning their weddings. Everything from the design of save-the-date cards to the color of the napkins at the reception tables requires couples’ input. Choice of officiant is another decision that’s worthy of significant consideration. Many couples may have an officiant in mind before they begin planning their wedding. In such instances, couples may choose an officiant who’s affiliated with their place of worship or even a friend or family member who’s been ordained or certified to officiate weddings. Couples with no such option can ask the following questions as they look to hire an officiant for their wedding. Can you legally officiate our wedding? Each state has its own requirements regarding who can sign the paperwork necessary for couples to be considered legally married. An officiant should meet these requirements. What services do you provide? Some officiants will do more than officiate the wedding. Some will help couples obtain their marriage license and even submit the documen- tation after the wedding. Those services can be important, but many couples are more concerned with what officiants will do before and during the ceremony. Ask if the officiant will write his or her own remarks to be delivered during the ceremony. Some couples may want to write remarks for the officiant, while others may need help crafting the message they want to convey. How flexible are you? Ask how officiants handle feedback and how willing they are to deliver remarks they did not necessarily write themselves. Some officiants may have a template they customarily follow, but that
Couples can ask prospective officiants various questions in an effort to find the right person to officiate their wedding.
Unique locations to host a wedding
photos on their big day.
over their love of a particu- lar sport and/or favorite team can incorporate that into their nuptials by getting married at a stadium. Professional and colle- giate teams typically offer wed- ding and reception packages, and guests may appreciate the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hang out on the field where their favorite athletes play. Historic homes Another go-to option for history buffs, historic homes and mansions can make for memo-
rable places to get married. Such homes tend to have a classic appeal, making them ideal for couples who want traditional weddings that call to mind the grandiose ceremonies of bygone eras. Couples have an endless ar- ray of options when looking for wedding venues. Some outside- the-box options can impress guests and make for memorable ceremonies and receptions.
Rooftop venues Few backdrops inspire the awe of city skylines, especially when couples wait to get hitched until night has fallen and build- ings have lit up. Rooftop restau- rants and bars have undergone a resurgence in recent years, and these facilities are tailor-made for city-dwelling couples who want an enviable backdrop for their nuptials. Many such es- tablishments are even affiliated with hotels, which can simplify wedding planning.
Museums Couples who want their
Metro Editorial Library W hen tying the knot, couples continue to do so in familiar venues. Houses of worship, hotels and country clubs remain wildly popular wedding venues. Couples who want to stray from that norm often look for unique locations to say “I do,” and there’s no shortage of special spots to do just that.
Vineyard/winery Oenophiles will no doubt love the idea of getting hitched at a vineyard or winery, but even people without a taste for wine can appreciate such locales. Sprawling fields and expansive skies make vineyards and winer- ies an ideal place to tie the knot, and guests will no doubt enjoy the unique surroundings. Stadiums Couples who first bonded
guests to take a stroll through history before they watch the happy couple stroll down the aisle can consider tying the knot at a local museum. Many muse- ums offer a variety of ceremony and reception options. The vaulted ceilings and airy quality of many art museums make them an ideal place to host large gatherings. The unique decor of such facilities guarantees cou- ples will get some awe-inspiring
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