In this discussion I want to clarify the important things involved in the solemnization of someone’s marriage (performing weddings) so that a smooth as well as professional ceremony might be conducted by the minister, for the wedding couple. You will also learn about how you can do a first meeting, the best way to do the bridal processional as well as much more. There's a great deal to discover about wedding ceremonies.
The very first issue you should consider is: Authorization To perform weddings
Your right to perform weddings, also named ‘Entitlement or Authorization,’ which means that an individual is either entitled, or authorized (by their church or the local county) to perform the marriage ceremony by the church that ordained you along with the state in which the wedding will happen. This is just another way of saying, ‘are you legal to officiate the ceremony?’ Have you recorded with the county clerk your letter of good standing, if the county or state requires? Have you, in your possession a hard copy of your credentials of ministry, if it’s needed? Are you the appropriate (legal) age in that state to conduct the ceremony?
The Universal Life Church will ordain everyone without the need to question anyone’s beliefs, for free and it lasts for life. By getting ordained, you're accorded that right to conduct weddings legally.
Most every state has its own personal rules about who can perform ceremonies within its borders. If you're unsure, call the local county clerk where the wedding ceremony will occur and inform them that you are a new officiant and would like to be told whether or not you will need to register or follow any other procedures before conducting a wedding ceremony within that state. They will be able to inform you. If they appear to not know at all, it really is most likely a state you don’t have to register in. Please look up the marriage laws for that state to confirm.
THE CONSULTATION
You will find various strategies you can use for going through the consultations. I'll mention a number of possibilities and you can tailor those things to fit your personal style.
The way I conduct the first meeting has been that first I inform them on the phone a little about how I go through the ceremony. I explain to the couple that the ceremony will be broken down into parts and that they're welcome to choose which wedding parts they like, create the ceremony as quick or long, religious or secular, amusing or serious as they want and therefore are also encouraged to adjust it to suit themselves. I also provide them a free copy of my book, The Ultimate Wedding and Ceremony Workbook for the 'Planning-Impaired' that can help those things. All of the ceremony parts are listed in the back of the book allowing them to choose from and there is page of processional examples to assist them decide on that aspect of the big day. The pages may be torn out.
I personally think it the most easy to encourage the couple to make the decision by themselves about the words to be said at their ceremony. I've frequently been asked if the couple composed the ceremony themselves, because the ceremony so perfectly expressed who they seemed to be as a couple. Also, by giving the couple with a copy of the aforementioned workbook, I'm additionally providing them volumes of planning details as well as the opportunity to customize the ceremony themselves. This saves me a good deal of work and puts the control back into the hands of the bride and groom. They have always liked getting the help and are a lot more likely to give a referral to the minister who gifted to them anything as a gift.
Having the workbook to give to couples has made my job much convenient because now I just show them the ceremony parts, hand the couple the workbook and allow them to create the unique ceremony that most reflects their commitment to one another. To cover the cost of the book, I just increased my fees by $15. If you are interested in ordering more copies to give to the couples, it is possible to order five or more at considerable discount.
Then I quote the couple my fee. (Initially I learn in which the ceremony will probably be held so I can then factor in if there is going to be a travel charge.) I generally don’t ever explain to the couple how much I have included for travel because however much it is will sound excessive most budget-minded couples. If it's at a distance, then I explain to them that the price does include travel.
When I meet with the couple, I let them see my binder, explain each and every of the parts, take note of the particulars of their wedding on the worksheet and ask for a deposit. (This, naturally, is only after I have answered any questions and whether they have decided to use my services. Some officiants don't ask for deposits, but a deposit assures me that in the off-chance that the wedding is called off or if the couple is not really serious, my meeting time was not for naught, plus the workbook was compensated for. The deposit also assures the couples that the time-slot of their wedding is available for them.
The Big Event
When I attend a wedding, I often bring my entire wedding binder. I do this for a number of reasons: First of all, if I have my binder, then I have all of the info at my fingertips. In the event that the bride and groom decide to modify the ceremony or they wish to add anything (Or the bride SWEAR they sent you an email about adding the dove release ceremony), then I've got what’s needed at my disposal for them.
Secondly, I occasionally have more than one or two ceremonies to conduct ina single day and might not have adequate copies of the sections printed out, so if there are not any changes, I will re-use different parts of ceremony. This saves dramatically on printing costs. I leave 10 or more empty plastic pages at the back of the book to arrange the most current ceremony. I either do it that way or, to help keep everything lighter, I also bring a separate smaller binder then put the day’s ceremonies in that one.
Thirdly, I've pictures inside the binder, which I put here and there on different pages of the binder, so the couples see different pictures of me together with a lot of different couples. This makes it clear that I’m absolutely a practiced professional and they can also see my minister attire. Possibly there could also be a picture from the wedding of a loved one they get to seefriendwould enjoy seeing. One timeloved oneI remember once, I went to a ceremony at which a good deal of individuals seemed familiar and I did not comprehend why. 1 person in particular looked more familiar than others, so I gave a quick look through my binder and, as was the case, I'd been the minister for his wedding year before. (It's difficult to recall everyone!)
For the ceremony itself, I make sure be sure I have the groom’s full attention until finally the the beautiful bride is at the top of the aisle runner to walk down. The groom’s not permitted to look until finally then. After I announce for the guests to rise from their seats, so we can revel in look on a groom’s face when first he sees his bride in her dress for the very first time.
I encourage the couple to turn to and look at each other as well as hold hands throughout the service. One undescribably important matter you must do is: Remember to ask the guests to please be seated once the service has started. Or at the very least gesture. Otherwise, they will continue standing uncomfortably during the entire ceremony.
Sign the license either sometimes before or immediately following the service then make sure have the Best Man and Maid of Honor put their signatures on as well. Place it back inside the oversized envelope then make sure the mother of the bride, maid of honor, or no less than 2 additional people from of the wedding party are told the place you put it. You certainly can put it in the mail your self, naturally, if it is ready to go, but they are seldom ready, so I give them back to file.
Your title is 'minister' and I generally put ‘non-denom’ for the my denomination. This makes it less-complicated and nobody has at any time had any questions about it. Extremely essential: Don’t Cross Anything Out! What you write is what has to to remain there, or else, you might have to pay for a new license.
I used to bring my own camera to every wedding I performed to ensure I’d get a photo of me with the couple, but when you acquire a resonable amount of photos, it is not necessary. Always make it a point to pose with the couple right at the beginning of photo session. The Bride is at all times in the center!
The most essential thing of all though, is to have a great time doing it. Show them your pearly whites when you’re officiating the service as well as revel with them the joy of the happy couple on their most special day!
Author Resource:
Rev Amy Long has written a very helpful essay on how to conduct weddings. The Universal Life Church Seminary offers a lot of free training and free mini-courses, as well as free online ordination, so you can conduct weddings, create a church, or follow your calling.
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.look4articles.com/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.look4articles.com/images/rss.jpg "XML Feed For RSS")