Officiant tips for a memorable ceremony

 

Is it your first time officiating a wedding or need tips to make a memorable ceremony? Here are helpful and fun officiant tips for you!

If you’re reading this, it’s likely that you’re preparing to officiate your very first wedding for a dear friend or family member. This guide is designed to equip you with essential tips and creative ideas that will ensure the ceremony is not only special and memorable but also enjoyable for everyone involved. Imagine the joy on the couple’s faces as they exchange vows, and the buzz of excitement among the guests as they reflect on how beautifully you conducted the ceremony.

 

Please note that in this article, I refer to the bride and groom as an example. However, it’s important to recognize that there are also weddings celebrating the union of two brides or two grooms, and these are just as beautiful and significant as the traditional bride and groom marriage.

 

As the officiant, you play a crucial role in creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that resonates with love and connection. The couple has entrusted you with the honor of leading them into this new chapter of their lives, and it’s important to acknowledge the significance of this responsibility. Your dedication and care will not go unnoticed; the couple will cherish how sincerely you embraced this special occasion, and they will be grateful for the thoughtful way in which you crafted their day. Embrace this opportunity to make lasting memories!

 

A binder

 

Some venues provide a podium, but if you don’t request one in advance, you’ll need to hold onto your officiant speech papers. If the ceremony is outdoors, your papers may blow away, making it difficult to stay on track. It’s a good idea to prepare a binder with your speech for the ceremony. Don’t forget to bring a pen for any notes and the marriage license! Shop the officiant binder here or personalize a leather one here.

 

Test the Microphone

 

Before the wedding processional begins, it’s your time to step up. Make sure you have a microphone and stand; some DJs or venues only provide a handheld mic, which can be tricky to manage if you’re holding papers or a binder. Sometimes, the venue and DJ don’t test the microphone before your part, so it’s essential to do it yourself. Test the mic by tapping it and asking guests at the back if they can hear you. This is also a great opportunity to introduce yourself and welcome everyone.

 

 

If the mic stand is too far away from you, you will not be heard, and it’s likely to block the bride and groom standing at the altar. The mic stand should be directly in front of you and between you and the couple. Please do not let the couple get in front of the stand.

 

Keep in mind that some couples prefer an unplugged ceremony, so you may need to announce that guests should temporarily switch their phones to vibrate. Additionally, some couples might ask family members to stay after the ceremony instead of leaving for cocktail hour, so be sure to remind guests of this as well. It’s crucial to communicate with the couple beforehand to understand their preferences.

 

The Processional

 

The processional marks the beginning of the ceremony. During this time, the bridesmaids, groomsmen, parents, flower girl, and ring bearer walk down the aisle. Next, the bride walks down the aisle with her father-figure, and they share a hug before she meets the groom at the altar. At this point, the bride and groom stand facing each other.

 

It’s important to remember that guests should stand while the bride walks down the aisle. However, they will not sit until you prompt them to do so. Please make sure to include this reminder in your officiant speech!

 

Once everyone is seated, even in an unplugged ceremony, take a moment to ask the guests to take out their phones. Give them about 15 seconds to capture their best shot of the couple. After that, remind them to put their phones on vibrate or away for the remainder of the ceremony. This way, the photography and videography teams won’t be disrupted, and everyone can fully enjoy the moment without distractions.

 

 

Holding Hands

 

Instruct the couple to stand closer together, gaze into each other’s eyes, and hold hands. For photographs, it can feel awkward if the couple is not connected; it’s important they avoid just looking at you while facing away from their guests. They should know they can touch and be comfortable with each other during this moment.

 

Practice and Time Yourself

 

It is crucial to practice your officiant speech as much as possible before the wedding day. Rehearse the flow of your speech and how you will deliver it. Consider being more animated or memorizing certain lines so you can maintain eye contact with the couple rather than reading from your notes.

 

Timing is also essential, as the couple typically schedules the ceremony for 30 minutes. The first 5 minutes are devoted to the processional, followed by each partner’s vows, which should each take about 5 minutes. The recessional usually lasts around 2 minutes, leaving you with approximately 10 minutes for your part.

 

If you have a shorter speech, that’s perfectly fine! You can include some advice for the couple or share anecdotes about their relationship from your perspective for a personal touch.

 

Let’s Play a Game!

 

It’s your choice: should the bride or groom read their vows first? Perhaps the guests can decide! If you have a fun couple, you could have them play rock, paper, scissors, or ask the left side and right side of the audience to cheer to determine who goes first. This is a great way to lighten the mood at the ceremony and make it memorable.

 

Vows

 

Since the microphone was not tested on the bride or groom, you may need to make adjustments and remind them to hold the mic close to their mouths. Alternatively, you can hold it for them while they recite their vows. It is crucial that the guests can hear this part of the ceremony clearly. During this sacred part, it is thoughtful to have tissues on deck ready to pass to the bride and groom as they shed tears.

 

 

Steal My Idea

 

If you have the couples’ phones with you, consider surprising them during the ceremony, just before they exchange their vows. Ask them to take their phones and capture a photo of their partner standing in front of them. This is a moment they will want to remember. Even if they don’t recall the specifics of the ceremony, they will remember the feeling of love and connection. No photographer or videographer can capture this point of view like their partner can. It’s a sweet gesture that allows them to have a cherished photo as their screensaver later.

Watch video example

 

Ring Exchange

 

Traditionally there are ring bearers and they are children. Sometimes adults, but whatever the case is, you will need to call them up to the altar to hand over the rings in their boxes. The groom should get the bride’s ring and vice versa. You may need to hold onto these boxes if the ring bearers left for their seat. If they remain at the altar, hand them the boxes and politely gesture for them to be seated.

Depending on the couple, they may be religious and prefer traditional ring exchange vows. On the other hand, couples who have a symbolic ceremony and do not follow a specific religion might want something more casual or personalized to them. You can create these vows with ring exchange based on the couple’s preferences or in accordance with the legal requirements of the state.

 

Step Away

 

Okay, this is something you must have written in your notes. STEP AWAY when you announce the couple as husband and wife or wife and wife or husband and husband. For photos and videos, it’s important you don’t photobomb their first kiss.

 

Watch the video: tips from a wedding photographer on how to officiate a wedding.