There is only one thing you absolutely MUST have when it comes to your wedding; you need someone to perform the marriage. You need a person to speak the words that will join your lives together in a legal union. Without one it's just one very expensive party!
It's all great and fine to think that your friend, uncle, cousin will just get ordained online or you have a friend of the family that's agreed to marry you; but the reality is that a high percentage of "friends" back out on couple's and in some states it's not even legal.
Take, for example, this forum post by a Bride the made the mistake of not hiring a professional"...I have about 6 weeks left and my fiance's sister backs out of marrying us and we are left finding an officiant..."
Everyday I get an email or call like this or find a couple posting for help on a forum, don't get caught in the same position! Take my advice and hire a professional Wedding Officiant or Celebrant NOW!
Here are a few tips to remember when hiring a Wedding Officiant;
1. Only Hire a Wedding Officiant if they use a contract
Not using a contract is a tell tale sign of a non-professional.
2. Don't hire based on price alone - you will (usually) get what you pay for! Why skimp on the person who can make or break your day? Your wedding ceremony can either be the joke of the night or one that is talked about with admiration and compliments!
3. Book as far in advance as possible
Good Officiants book up just as fast as everyone else!
4. Officiant's are people just like you!
Apply the rules of common courtesy; if you're late call, if you must cancel an appointment please do so with adequate notice. If you'd like your Officiant to attend your rehearsal and/or reception sending an invitation is a nice touch and shows her/him how considerate your are!
No matter which Officiant you choose to use it should be someone you are completely comfortable with, and they with you. Remember - it's not only about finding an Officiant, it's about finding the right Officiant for you!
Love & Joy!
Rev. Hoot
Friday, September 25, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Wedding homophobia and heterosexism alive and well in Michigan!
I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and have always believe people are people and we should all be respected just as another individual...to me it's as simple as the "do unto others" thing that our Mom's all tried to teach us.
It makes no difference to me what color you are, who you love or what you do in your bedroom, that's just none of anyone's business but yours. Because this is something I live and breath and not just a tag-line I honestly really hard time understanding such prejudice from other people.
But out here in the boondocks of SW Michigan apparently things are a little different and all I can hear in my head is "We're not in Kansas anymore, Dorthy!"
Here's what prompted all this - I'm working with a couple who is planning their Commitment Ceremony for next summer and I get an email back from one of the local venues that says "At this time, we are not hosting ceremonies and receptions for same-sex couples at The (NAME WITHHELD). I'm not sure what the future will bring, but that is our current policy." Talk about a jaw dropping moment for me!
I just don't know what to think but I am feeling pretty naive right now, I guess living in Saugatuck, which is a very open town with a large gay population, I didn't think I would get that reaction from a new venue that is less then 30 miles from here.
But I'm quite the bull-dog and can't bring myself to shut-up and play nice (hence this blog). My first reaction is to tell this venue to jump in the Lake and I won't be bringing anyone out there until they change their policies.
Doing that could go either way, they know a lot of the wedding pro's in the area so I could either be shooting myself in the foot or making a bunch of new friends. As much as I do love new friends - this move has the potential to get me "black balled" with other vendors in the area...or least that's my fear.
If I didn't have to ever work again I would be shouting their name off the rooftop, taking out ad space in the local papers and plastering my facebook and Tweets with things like "DO NOT BOOK HERE!" but I am trying to be reasonable (and professional).
So my questions to all of you is - if you were in my shoes what would you do?
It makes no difference to me what color you are, who you love or what you do in your bedroom, that's just none of anyone's business but yours. Because this is something I live and breath and not just a tag-line I honestly really hard time understanding such prejudice from other people.
But out here in the boondocks of SW Michigan apparently things are a little different and all I can hear in my head is "We're not in Kansas anymore, Dorthy!"
Here's what prompted all this - I'm working with a couple who is planning their Commitment Ceremony for next summer and I get an email back from one of the local venues that says "At this time, we are not hosting ceremonies and receptions for same-sex couples at The (NAME WITHHELD). I'm not sure what the future will bring, but that is our current policy." Talk about a jaw dropping moment for me!
I just don't know what to think but I am feeling pretty naive right now, I guess living in Saugatuck, which is a very open town with a large gay population, I didn't think I would get that reaction from a new venue that is less then 30 miles from here.
But I'm quite the bull-dog and can't bring myself to shut-up and play nice (hence this blog). My first reaction is to tell this venue to jump in the Lake and I won't be bringing anyone out there until they change their policies.
Doing that could go either way, they know a lot of the wedding pro's in the area so I could either be shooting myself in the foot or making a bunch of new friends. As much as I do love new friends - this move has the potential to get me "black balled" with other vendors in the area...or least that's my fear.
If I didn't have to ever work again I would be shouting their name off the rooftop, taking out ad space in the local papers and plastering my facebook and Tweets with things like "DO NOT BOOK HERE!" but I am trying to be reasonable (and professional).
So my questions to all of you is - if you were in my shoes what would you do?
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Adding a personal touch to your Wedding
In this Blog Series I will highlight some of my favorite finds this year; each one offers a different way to put your own personal touch on your wedding celebration.
Their unique products won't be found just anywhere, you'll order your products right from the makers, not a cashier. These companies are owned by people who are genuinely dedicated to their crafts and that's reflected in the high quality of their work. Each one has something fantastic to offer at affordable prices, too!
So to start with I'll introduce you to Steve Prokop of Special Bindings. My favorite service of his are the beautiful hand-bound Ceremony Books.
From the minute I had one in my hands I knew these were something special; I liked them so much I now give one as a gift to every couple that I write a Custom Ceremony for.
Steve makes the process so simple - you email him the text of your ceremony, choose the cover color and artwork and in return you will receive a gorgeous keepsake that you, and generations to follow, will treasure.
Honestly, the pictures do not do these books justice! They’re covered in luxurious imported velour, printed on classic linen paper and hand sewn for a long lasting permanent binding; they are absolutely beautiful!
Check out his website to place your order now or to learn more about the other binding and book repair services Steve offers.
Their unique products won't be found just anywhere, you'll order your products right from the makers, not a cashier. These companies are owned by people who are genuinely dedicated to their crafts and that's reflected in the high quality of their work. Each one has something fantastic to offer at affordable prices, too!
So to start with I'll introduce you to Steve Prokop of Special Bindings. My favorite service of his are the beautiful hand-bound Ceremony Books.
From the minute I had one in my hands I knew these were something special; I liked them so much I now give one as a gift to every couple that I write a Custom Ceremony for.
Steve makes the process so simple - you email him the text of your ceremony, choose the cover color and artwork and in return you will receive a gorgeous keepsake that you, and generations to follow, will treasure.
Honestly, the pictures do not do these books justice! They’re covered in luxurious imported velour, printed on classic linen paper and hand sewn for a long lasting permanent binding; they are absolutely beautiful!
Check out his website to place your order now or to learn more about the other binding and book repair services Steve offers.
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