Are you ready to officiate your first wedding? Congrats!

I can understand if you feel a bit nervous. It is a huge responsibility

This post is to help the new officiants. Maybe a family member or a close friend just asked you to celebrate their wedding. What an honor! However, if you can go online and get ordained on the spot that will not make you automatically a good officiant.

If the couple chooses you is because either way you know them like nobody else, you have an amazing charisma or/and you already have experience in public speaking and the couple knows you can do an amazing job.

Let’s get you all the info and advice to make sure you can shine in your new role as officiant.

Following is a list of dos and don’ts to get you ready to officiate your first wedding like a pro. This is a very important role so make sure to prepare and do your diligent work. I am sure you want to shine and above all make sure your friends and family have the best ceremony ever.

Do :

1- Talk to the couple to make sure you are all on the same page on the kind of ceremony they would like to have.

2- Search online for some examples and inspirations and then write your own ceremony based on the couple’s experiences, style, and likes.

3- Practice, practice, and practice. Record and watch yourself to see how you are doing.

4- Ask what dress code is requested and dress accordingly to blend in.( not stand out).

5- Run a rehearsal at the venue with the bridal party. Know when to ask the guests to stand up for the bride, when to ask “ who is presenting this lovely bride in marriage?”, who will present the rings, and how. Ask if you will have a podium, a microphone, a table to hold items that you will use during the ceremony, etc.

6- Make eye contact with the bride, groom, and guests. Be present.

7- Tell the planner how long your ceremony will be.

8- Remember to make sure everything you do and say is “camera-friendly”.

9- Put your ego aside. This is not about you. You are called to serve.

10- Arrive at least 1h before ceremony time so that you can do a sound check and make sure you have all you need to perform at your best.

Do not ever do:

1-Dress in a way that will shadow the bride or groom. Never wear white unless the couple asks you to.

2-Think you are doing a standup comedy act. This is a very solemn moment.

3- Read the ceremony you wrote without being present and have an understanding of what you are saying or of the emotions around you.

4-Rush through the different steps of the ceremonies. Take your time.

5- Share embarrassing anecdotes of your college days with the bride and/or groom. It is not the time or place.

6- Tell the story of how you met. Sorry but nobody cares. Share the story of how the couple met instead.

7- Forget a black pen to sign the marriage license.

8-Ever give the shoulders to the guests and camera.

9- Talk too softly. Make sure you project your voice and use the mic properly.

10- Be late.

Whatever happens, you are in charge. The bride and groom trusted you with the most important day of their life. Make them feel that they are supported and loved.

Having the power to unite 2 hearts in matrimony is an exhilarating and wonderful feeling but it is a big responsibility as well. Make sure you take it seriously.

So please do share: what makes you nervous and what will you do to be ready for the big day? Did you officiate your first wedding? How did it go? What will you do differently