What Can Ruin Your Wedding Ceremony (yes – the official start of your marriage)
“The wedding ceremony is a dance between the personal and the public. Don’t forget it’s about the two of you AND that you asked guests to be here to witness the momentous occasion.”
– Stacy Prouty, Officiant & Non-denominational Minister
Your wedding ceremony is first and foremost about the two of you; what you value, agree upon and believe in your hearts and what you dream of for your future as a married couple. Your officiant should put your love story into words while capturing the vibe of the venue and your celebration. It should be personal, relevant and memorable for all the right reasons.
5 things the wedding ceremony should NOT be:
- A circus with too many moving parts – rituals, readings and traditions are fine, but limit to 2-3 for bigger or longer ceremonies; 1-2 for smaller or short ceremonies. Also, keep your vows to each other at 1-2 minutes. If you have a friend or family member officiating, make sure they know to have the guests rise and sit at at the right times, that everyone can see and hear you and that your kiss after the pronouncement is free of his/her presence or a mic or mic stand.
- About the minister or what he/she believes. No surprises. Don’t be afraid to ask what’s in the ceremony. Again, it is about the two people getting married and what is relevant or meaningful to them both.
- About the parents and what they want or believe or value (even if they are paying part of the cost). You can honor your parents by including them in the processional, choosing or reading a poem, verse, etc. or in a tradition such as hand fasting, lovelock tree tradition, or rose tradition.
- A free for all with guests crowding the couple with smart phones or photo bombing the professional photographer. Yes, we’ve even had guests come up and stand right near the couple getting married instead of taking a seat though available.
- An ad for RayBan sunglasses! Please tell your bridal party NOT to wear sunglasses during the ceremony (and yes, we have even seen a bride and groom do this). Same goes for phones and coins in pockets. You will be glad you listened to this advice when your professional photos come back.
We have 21 years experience serving couples in Sarasota, Venice, Punta Gorda, Englewood, Siesta Key, Lido Beach, Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key, Bradenton, Ellenton, Parrish, Palmetto, St. Petersburg, St. Pete Beach and Tampa. For a one-of-a-kind wedding ceremony that celebrates you and this day you want to remember forever, ask us more by email or call us at 941.356.3492.
