Tips From An Officiant
by Rev Merl Moore

"Dear Family and Friends, we are gathered here today to celebrate the coming together in love of this man and this woman." What a beautiful statement that is. Your wedding ceremony is a rite of the heart, where you as couple come before your family and friends to share this very important time in your life.

When considering an officiant, you should be looking for someone that can arrange a good ceremony, help co-ordinate the rehearsal as well as the wedding itself. You should also reserve your officiant at least six months prior to your wedding. The reason for this is simple. "You can have the site, the clothes, the food, the music, the cake, the flowers and everything else, but if you don't have someone to say 'Do you', all you have is a big party." You should also find someone that has the experience to make your day as beautiful and stress free as possible. Disclosing all aspects of what you want in your ceremony is very important, as this will eliminate surprises at a later date. Always ask about requirements concerning counseling, candles, prayers, music and cameras during the ceremony. Some officiants don't require any counseling, where others do. Some require a prayer, where others don't.

All these questions should be addressed before you pay a deposit or reserve him/her. I will close this article with some more very special words. "Now, by the authority committed unto me, I now pronounce you as Husband and Wife. You may now kiss your bride." CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Rev Merl Moore