Sunday, February 6, 2011

Your Official Officiant

I've been thinking about officiants.  I want to tell you about the officiant I hired years ago when I got married (before I was an Interfaith Minister).  I was living in Pennsylvania and planning my wedding in New York.  I found an officiant in the Yellow Pages. The WHAT you say? The Yellow Pages. It was a magical book that had all different businesses listed in it.  This was wayyyy before the web you kids are so crazy about. : )
So I find this guy in the Yellow Pages.  I call him. He gives me a price and asks if I want to book him. I say yes because really, what choice did I have? (He was the only one listed that would come to Staten Island!) Nobody wants to go to Staten Island, but that's another story. He tells me he doesn't do rehearsals, I say OK.  I send him a check and don't see or talk to him until the day of my wedding.  He showed up in a ripped black robe that my sister-in-law had to put together with safety pins.  He had a cookie cutter wedding ceremony and he commented on my boobies. That's right.  My boobies. 

What I'm trying to tell you is...your officiant is important!!! 

Ask your friends for referrals.  Look online and pay attention to reviews! Meet your officiant.  If you are out of state or country, talk on the phone. Talk on the phone at least twice.  Ask lots of questions. Go with your gut.  If something feels awkward, its probably not a "love" connection. 

Know what you're looking for in an officiant.  Do you want a strictly traditional ceremony? Then maybe versatility isn't so important.  Do you want to have a Christian or Pagan or Jewish ceremony? Then you'll want to make sure they are experienced in those religions or at least willing to research and "perform" it for you.  Do you want something different, and unique? Then you'll want someone creative and experienced with writing. Ask for samples.

The ceremony is most likely the part of the day that will make you nervous.  At times like that it's nice to have a friend who might just make a goofy face when no one is looking...or someone whose smile will help you to relax. Take your time and when you finally decide who your Official Officiant will be, if it's right, he or she will be just as excited as you are! Yay!

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