What Are You Celebrating?

When a couple comes together for the purpose of marriage, there is always the question of how big a splash to make.  Some couples prefer something quiet, private, in which they can take care of the legal necessity of joining their lives, while others want to make as big a production with a great deal of fanfare to announce to the world that they are married, something that creates a beautiful memory of a day that seems more like a fantasy that reality.

As an officiant, it is my job to help you realize either one, whatever your hearts desire.  It is my job to find the right words, set the stage and express to your guests, however many you may have, that this day is special, that the two of you are now one voice, one heart, one life. 

Because everyone is different, your job is to let your officiant know what you envision as the perfect ceremony.  What rituals do you want as part of your ceremony?  Do you want special music, poetry, a tribute to someone special, memorials to those in the family who have passed, but are watching you from above? 

There are a lot of things that you can do to create a forum to have said what you want to do and say.  This ceremony will mark a transition from one stage of life to another, even if you, as a couple, have been together for years.  A wedding speaks volumes in that it can show your guests the story of your evolution from a single, solitary person, to a supportive, loving couple.  It can say what you feel, why you feel it, and why it is important and special to you, the couple.

Therefore, dream!  Envision what your perfect day is going to be.  If you are setting free balloons, or homing pigeons, or lighting a Unity Candle—whatever reflects your personal desires or style—make it your own and say what you will to celebrate who the two of you are as a couple and light the path ahead to where you want to go.

What to Wear

What to Wear?

As a Wedding Officiant, my choices for attire are pretty simple.  I have a white, satin robe, a black suit, or a number of dresses in various colors to blend with the colors of the wedding party.  For the bride and groom, this choice may be a little more difficult.

Let’s start with the groom, because he is less likely to concern himself with appearances.  Most modern grooms take into consideration the colors he and the bride have selected, the venue and what is special about it, and his personal comfort, as well as the comfort of the groomsmen.  While black tuxedos are standard fair at church or formal weddings, generally speaking, wearing a vest in the color of the couple’s choosing, while maintaining the formality of the black tux can add personality to the clothing choice.

For less formal events or weddings on a budget, a sport suit suffices.  It is almost always the case, however, that the groomsmen and the groom match their clothing as much as possible.  Khakis and a sport shirt are nice for outdoor, summer weddings, and at the beach, cargo shorts and a Hawaiian shirt add flair.  Once again, it is the preference of the couple, but this can be based on preference, personality and budget.

Theme weddings, which are gaining in popularity and expense, call for different styles of attire, many of the details of which can be purchased at stores like Great Party.  Halloween costume stores or Vintage/Antique/Thrift stores can be excellent sources for theme clothing, but you may have to do a great deal of shopping around as sizes tend to be limited.  These weddings take a little extra work, but they are charming and promote the couple’s personality in a lovely way.  Some themes that couples enjoy are Hollywood, Flower Gardening, Steam Punk, Gay 90’s, Sports, Boating, Cowboy/Western, Motorcycling, etc.  Just about anything that is a big part of your life can be transformed into a theme for a one-of-a-kind wedding.

The bride’s attire is considered the centerpiece of the wedding ceremony, and often, her dress is one of the greatest expenses as her taste, figure, and dreams find expression in this one symbol.  Choices involve white or not; pearls, lace, sequins, rhinestones, or plain; fitted, gathered, ball gown, sweetheart, princess, etc.  Needless to say, the choices are endless, and prices can go anywhere from $500 to $5000.  Certainly, budget plays a part here, but if one is looking forward to an heirloom gown, mother’s may not fit.  Once again, shopping the Vintage circuit, whether it is antique stores, thrift stores, eBay, Etsy, or other online sources, you can find a dress to make your day special. Of course, there are other options for the ladies, just as there are for the gentlemen.  Poodle skirts for a 50’s theme are cute, bathing attire for the beach, ethnic costumes, etc. 

Anything goes in today’s wedding.  It should reflect your personality, the things that are important in your life and the feelings you wish to share and convey at this special time.