I officiated my first wedding!!! Everyone was really impressed and told me so! Thank you for your amazing videos. It turned out great, in no small part thanks to you! Thank you!!
Mark! I was asked by my niece to officiate her wedding. At first I thought no way but I found this series of videos. I can't thank you enough! I absolutely killed it and received compliments from literally all 125 in attendance and especially from the couple. You are amazing! Thank you for sharing so much detailed coaching!
I am officiating my first wedding this weekend in Colorado. Thank you for all of the tips and trick for running a smooth wedding. I presented to the couple the rough draft for the wedding and the bride says, “are you sure you’ve never done this before? It’s like you’re a professional.” Thought that was awesome.
That absolutely makes my day to hear! When you can instill confidence in your couple right from the get go, everyone will be more relaxed on the day. Well done, and I’m thrilled I could help! 👊🏻
Mark, thanks so much for these videos. It really breaks this down in an easy way. I've done this once before in early 2000, and these videos give me so much more confidence as I come out of officiant retirement to officiate my second wedding. :)
All went great and a BIG THANKS to your guidance! The opening remarks and “good afternoon “ aw u can do better than that” was a ice breaker. The pastor was there and he said “I nailed it” so thank you!
I want to thank you. I ran my first and possibly last ceremony for family yesterday. And your videos were invaluable to making the ceremony a success. Thank you again for taking the time to put these informative videos out.
Thank you so much for your help! I am officiating for my niece this spring, Yikes! (Honoured) I fear my mad love for them both will have me too nervous and mess up. I’m sure your guidance will boost my confidence. You’re fabulous, thank you 😊
I just ordered my supplies, as soon as I get those, I will "word of mouth" my new venture. I'm also a notary, so it's adding value to my other business. I have a friend who bakes cakes, so networking will be in the mix, and I bumped into a photographer at a meetup, so I can throw them a bone also. Being semi-retired will be an adventure.
Your entire channel has been a fantastic straight forward process and has helped me a great deal with writing my ceremony script. Would definitely buy a dummies guide from you! X
I made the announcement about cocktail hour at the same time as all my other announcements at the start of the ceremony. It seemed logical and worked no problem.
HI Mark! My best friend and her fiance have asked me to officiate at their wedding. I'm so thrilled and honored...and also nervous as hell. Your videos are so helpful! One thing I haven't seen addressed yet (I haven't watched all of them yet) is one thing I'm known for: crying. I cry easily. My friend and her fiance know this about me and tease me about it--they say they know I"ll cry during their wedding so that takes a little bit of the pressure off but....I don't want to be a tearful mess up in front of them and all their guests. Any tips for avoiding tearfulness during the ceremony itself? Also, there are going to be around 200 people at this wedding (YIKES) so any tips you have for avoiding the deer-in-the-headlights feeling will be welcome. :) Thank you!
Very, very interesting. This is an eye-opener. My question for today is, how a minister can decline a request to officiate a same gender wedding, is there any biblical references to lean on? Rev Dr Mboka.
I always make these announcements after the recessional. Over the years I have found that if I release the guests as soon as the bridal party recesses, the bride and groom will be mobbed by their guests...everyone wanting to hug, kiss and chat with them right then. This seriously cuts into the time allotted for photos after the ceremony. I give the couple a minute or 2 to get completely out of sight while the attendants and families leave and then I say something like "Friends and family, John and Jane thank you all for being here with them on their very special day. They invite you all to go (wherever cocktail hour is held) for (refreshments, cocktails, whatever) while the immediate families and the bridal party remain behind for photos. The couple will be joining you shortly." By the time everyone gets up and leaves, the couple has been able to get away into another area for a few minutes together and then can join back up with the rest of their wedding party and the photographer for the photo session without interruptions.
Actually, I used to do it this way but it just created a logjam of guests surrounding the couple, with guests rushing out to catch the couple in order to congratulate them right then and there. With a majority of my wedding being done outside, there is often a distance for the couple to walk to be out of sight and when I made the announcements before the recessional, guests would follow the couple out and choose to delay going to the cocktail hour in order to stay behind and spend time with the couple, often delaying the start of the photo session by 20 minutes or more. This is especially true here in the South where many guests are older family members and friends who are much less interested in partying and enjoying refreshments than chatting with the couple. By waiting until after the recessional, I don't have guests rushing down the aisle to catch the couple. This change in my approach came after many conversations with couples who wanted a few minutes in private together before the photos but were never able to get away from enthusiastic guests. Photographers also complained constantly because the hour allotted to photos after the ceremony became 30-40 minutes because the couple could not get away from the happy crowd surrounding them. Couples love having enough time to get out of sight and guests have nothing to distract them from going straight to cocktail hour. I have not found that my approach dampens the giddiness and joy in any way but it does make my couple happier and that's all that matters to me. For what it's worth, almost all wedding planners and coordinators want it done this way as well.
Here in the South, everyone feels like "family", even unofficially. It's a very different culture and guests don't see it as obtrusive or unwelcome to mob the couple. Officiants just have to give a moment's delay and guests then happily go off to the cocktail hour without being distracted by the couple. All the best to you, my dear!
Depending on the relationship with the couple and how much “fun” they allow you and how much free reign the bride allows... I will begin with the welcome.. a few words in “ I say time out”. Up to this point all is scripted.. I then walk out from behind the couple and to in front of them and tell them to take a few minutes and relax and let me talk to the guests.. I tell them to hold hands and act like they like each other. I then talk to the guests and introduce myself and tell them that we are gathered to have fun and witness the wedding. I make a comment about how we’ve all been to weddings where someone says bla bla bla and then we are off to the bar and no one really remembers the ceremony really. I bring up that the couple and I have exchanged emails and copies of the ceremony looked over and fine tuned as it should be. I tell them that my job is to get these words off the paper and into their hearts and if while I’m speaking my words cause you to put your arm around your sweetie or hold the mans hand next to you..but make sure he’s not married.. it gets them laughing.. so a practice cheering, i introduce the photographer and Fk by name even..I take selfies with the couple and the guests..it’s all quick..that’s when I let them know what to expect after the ceremony..it’s all really quick and you have to be the “showman” I say ..then the minister asked the guests”are you ready to see this couple get married?” They cheer. I turn to the couple and ask if they are ready to get married and they are laughing.... then I return to the couple and tell them they can thank me later and finish up. Again,depends on how well you know the. couple. Gotten great compliments on my weddings and how all liked that I involved everyone there and that they would definitely remember this wedding. Got to be quick, precise and ready to be the showman .
It takes some guts to stand ALONE and speak in front of people especially when it's something so important congratulations and stepping up your game in life.
Great job!!! you eased my anxiety of officiating my first wedding for niece!! Perfect tutorial!
I officiated my first wedding!!! Everyone was really impressed and told me so! Thank you for your amazing videos. It turned out great, in no small part thanks to you! Thank you!!
Mark! I was asked by my niece to officiate her wedding. At first I thought no way but I found this series of videos. I can't thank you enough! I absolutely killed it and received compliments from literally all 125 in attendance and especially from the couple. You are amazing! Thank you for sharing so much detailed coaching!
YOU ARE SAVING MY LIFE! I'm officiating my friends wedding this weekend and I am excited was lost but now found lol THANK YOU!
Ohmigoodness I'm thrilled to hear this Abigail and so glad I can help! All the best on your first - I'm rooting for you!
I love how you give step by step instructions.
I am officiating my first wedding this weekend in Colorado. Thank you for all of the tips and trick for running a smooth wedding. I presented to the couple the rough draft for the wedding and the bride says, “are you sure you’ve never done this before? It’s like you’re a professional.” Thought that was awesome.
That absolutely makes my day to hear! When you can instill confidence in your couple right from the get go, everyone will be more relaxed on the day. Well done, and I’m thrilled I could help! 👊🏻
Extremely good advice
Thanks for watching!
Can you show a video where you are actually officiating a wedding 👰 🙎🏻♂️
I'm planning my wedding ceremony in 3 weeks with a new officiant (family friend) this information is amazing!!!!
Hey Mark, my confidence is growing!! I invite you to congratulate yourself!!! hahahah
Mark, thanks so much for these videos. It really breaks this down in an easy way. I've done this once before in early 2000, and these videos give me so much more confidence as I come out of officiant retirement to officiate my second wedding. :)
That’s so great to hear, Matthew - I’m so glad I could help. Thanks for taking time to let me know… and all the best on your second! :-)
Can't say how much I appreciate these videos mate! God bless!
If you follow these guidelines you will do fine and read thru your notes several time. IT WORKS!!!!!
2 pm today church wedding
Wish me luck lol
I have done all my homework so all we can do is our best and smile
Thank you for what you do and taking the time to help me and others !!
All went great and a BIG THANKS to your guidance!
The opening remarks and “good afternoon “ aw u can do better than that” was a ice breaker. The pastor was there and he said “I nailed it” so thank you!
About to do this later this summer for the first time, so this is all gold! Thank you!
All the very best to you, Hiro! You got this! 👊🏻
I want to thank you. I ran my first and possibly last ceremony for family yesterday. And your videos were invaluable to making the ceremony a success. Thank you again for taking the time to put these informative videos out.
Great information I am officiating by Granddaughter's weeding in January 2021 and these videos are really helpful. Mike Ward
Rev. Allan Robinson Well done and much appreciated
Thank you so much for your help! I am officiating for my niece this spring, Yikes! (Honoured) I fear my mad love for them both will have me too nervous and mess up. I’m sure your guidance will boost my confidence. You’re fabulous, thank you 😊
You are amazing. Thank you thank you thank you!
THIS IS SO HELPFUL. THANK YOU!!!!
You are a godsend! Thank you so much!
That’s awesome, Joe - thank you so much for letting me know! Congrats on your first time. You got this! 👊🏻
Excellent presentation. I make my announcements right after the signing and have been doing this for the past years...
Such good ideas about the awkward logistical announcements!
I just ordered my supplies, as soon as I get those, I will "word of mouth" my new venture. I'm also a notary, so it's adding value to my other business. I have a friend who bakes cakes, so networking will be in the mix, and I bumped into a photographer at a meetup, so I can throw them a bone also. Being semi-retired will be an adventure.
That’s awesome! All the best as you build, and grow your officiating practice!
Your entire channel has been a fantastic straight forward process and has helped me a great deal with writing my ceremony script. Would definitely buy a dummies guide from you! X
Oh I shall have a look! Xx
I made the announcement about cocktail hour at the same time as all my other announcements at the start of the ceremony. It seemed logical and worked no problem.
Great advice. I wish I watched this video before I officiated for a friend.
Love the videos! You saved me on this one. Thank you so much!
Hope I win!♥️♥️ Love all your helpful hints.
Thank you for this help!!! So greatful!
I place that in the hands of the Wedding Cordinator the same way I turn the funeral over to the funeral director when I close a Funeral.
HI Mark! My best friend and her fiance have asked me to officiate at their wedding. I'm so thrilled and honored...and also nervous as hell. Your videos are so helpful! One thing I haven't seen addressed yet (I haven't watched all of them yet) is one thing I'm known for: crying. I cry easily. My friend and her fiance know this about me and tease me about it--they say they know I"ll cry during their wedding so that takes a little bit of the pressure off but....I don't want to be a tearful mess up in front of them and all their guests. Any tips for avoiding tearfulness during the ceremony itself? Also, there are going to be around 200 people at this wedding (YIKES) so any tips you have for avoiding the deer-in-the-headlights feeling will be welcome. :) Thank you!
@@unboringwedding Thank you!!
Great info, How do you transition from the excitement of the kiss to the formality of the signing?
You're amazing!! New subscriber.
Very, very interesting. This is an eye-opener. My question for today is, how a minister can decline a request to officiate a same gender wedding, is there any biblical references to lean on? Rev Dr Mboka.
I always make these announcements after the recessional. Over the years I have found that if I release the guests as soon as the bridal party recesses, the bride and groom will be mobbed by their guests...everyone wanting to hug, kiss and chat with them right then. This seriously cuts into the time allotted for photos after the ceremony. I give the couple a minute or 2 to get completely out of sight while the attendants and families leave and then I say something like "Friends and family, John and Jane thank you all for being here with them on their very special day. They invite you all to go (wherever cocktail hour is held) for (refreshments, cocktails, whatever) while the immediate families and the bridal party remain behind for photos. The couple will be joining you shortly." By the time everyone gets up and leaves, the couple has been able to get away into another area for a few minutes together and then can join back up with the rest of their wedding party and the photographer for the photo session without interruptions.
Actually, I used to do it this way but it just created a logjam of guests surrounding the couple, with guests rushing out to catch the couple in order to congratulate them right then and there. With a majority of my wedding being done outside, there is often a distance for the couple to walk to be out of sight and when I made the announcements before the recessional, guests would follow the couple out and choose to delay going to the cocktail hour in order to stay behind and spend time with the couple, often delaying the start of the photo session by 20 minutes or more. This is especially true here in the South where many guests are older family members and friends who are much less interested in partying and enjoying refreshments than chatting with the couple. By waiting until after the recessional, I don't have guests rushing down the aisle to catch the couple. This change in my approach came after many conversations with couples who wanted a few minutes in private together before the photos but were never able to get away from enthusiastic guests. Photographers also complained constantly because the hour allotted to photos after the ceremony became 30-40 minutes because the couple could not get away from the happy crowd surrounding them. Couples love having enough time to get out of sight and guests have nothing to distract them from going straight to cocktail hour. I have not found that my approach dampens the giddiness and joy in any way but it does make my couple happier and that's all that matters to me. For what it's worth, almost all wedding planners and coordinators want it done this way as well.
Here in the South, everyone feels like "family", even unofficially. It's a very different culture and guests don't see it as obtrusive or unwelcome to mob the couple. Officiants just have to give a moment's delay and guests then happily go off to the cocktail hour without being distracted by the couple. All the best to you, my dear!
@@patriciaburgess4434 ll
Can you sign the documents right after the ceremony?
Thanks Mark your stuff is sooo helpful
Can you please do a video on attire for officiant during ceremonies?
I wore a full suit. Yes, I was more dressed than the guests... But I think you should be if you're officiating!
Depending on the relationship with the couple and how much “fun” they allow you and how much free reign the bride allows... I will begin with the welcome.. a few words in “ I say time out”. Up to this point all is scripted.. I then walk out from behind the couple and to in front of them and tell them to take a few minutes and relax and let me talk to the guests.. I tell them to hold hands and act like they like each other. I then talk to the guests and introduce myself and tell them that we are gathered to have fun and witness the wedding. I make a comment about how we’ve all been to weddings where someone says bla bla bla and then we are off to the bar and no one really remembers the ceremony really. I bring up that the couple and I have exchanged emails and copies of the ceremony looked over and fine tuned as it should be. I tell them that my job is to get these words off the paper and into their hearts and if while I’m speaking my words cause you to put your arm around your sweetie or hold the mans hand next to you..but make sure he’s not married.. it gets them laughing.. so a practice cheering, i introduce the photographer and Fk by name even..I take selfies with the couple and the guests..it’s all quick..that’s when I let them know what to expect after the ceremony..it’s all really quick and you have to be the “showman” I say ..then the minister asked the guests”are you ready to see this couple get married?” They cheer. I turn to the couple and ask if they are ready to get married and they are laughing.... then I return to the couple and tell them they can thank me later and finish up. Again,depends on how well you know the. couple. Gotten great compliments on my weddings and how all liked that I involved everyone there and that they would definitely remember this wedding. Got to be quick, precise and ready to be the showman .
I meant to say introduce photographer and DJ. Won’t let me edit. I’m sorry.
It takes some guts to stand ALONE and speak in front of people especially when it's something so important congratulations and stepping up your game in life.
Your #1 fan
Please do a video on if the officiant goes to the reception?
Mark Allan Groleau Thank you so much ☺️
Good Advice
You talk too much
You seem nice.