Barbados Destination Weddings Onsite Magazine
 

Your wedding officiator is a very important person.  He is the one with whom crucial decisions regarding your ceremony can either be a reality or just not happen.  Wherever your ceremony is held, be it a church function, outdoor or other he will guide on anything that is not permitted.  Hopefully you will have chosen him or her to suit the decided ceremony.

It is important to coordinate your officiate with the type of wedding you will be having, for example: you would not choose a Rabbi for a Hindu ceremony.

Once selected your officiate can be relied on to guide you with all the protocols and procedures necessary.
 
It is advisable for you to ask questions to make sure you know exactly how to proceed and avoid mistakes.  Here are some general questions which you can ask your officiator.

PLEASE NOTE: These question suggestions are a guide and not all of them may pertain to your personal needs.
So it is very important that you discuss your basic plans between the two of you first to get a good basic idea beforehand of your requirements. Take time out ... Make it a relaxing occasion so that your preparations can also be a fun time.
QUESTION SUGGESTION LIST
GENERAL
  • How far in advance is it necessary to book officiate services?
  • In what way is the booking arranged?
  • Is the date chosen suitable and available?
  • What times are available and will it clash with any other ceremony?
  • Is there a bride’s room?
  • Will the officiator attend any rehearsals?
  • What is the seating capacity?
  • What are the protocols regarding any dress codes?
  • What documents are required and explain the procedures?
  • Should we bring you the marriage license before the wedding date?
  • When will the rehearsal be held?
  • Would you like to come to the wedding reception with your spouse? Will you play any role in the ceremony -- give a blessing or prayer before the meal?
  • Will you wear a mic if the videographer requires one to capture the ceremony?
RELIGIOUS
  • Is pre-marital counseling a requirement?
  • Does it matter if either of us has been married before, has children or are renewing our vows?
  • Will you officiate if our religions are different?
  • Can we have a non-religious but spiritual ceremony?
  • Can other elements of religion be included in the ceremony?
  • Is it possible to have a dual religion ceremony?
  • Does it matter if we are not a member of the church we have selected?
  • Can any changes be made to the basic ceremony?
FEES
  • What is the officiate fee?
  • What other fees are involved for staff e.g. cleaners, organist?
READINGS
  • Are there any set rules for readings?
  • Are there restrictions or can we select our own?
  • Can we use our own written compositions?
DECORATIONS
  • Are there any restrictions for decorations?
  • Will anything be supplied e.g. kneeling cushions, candles?
  • Is an aisle runner allowed?
  • Is throwing rose petals on the aisle runner or before the bride allowed?
VOWS
  • Can we write our own vows?
  • If yes, are there any restrictions?
PHOTO/VIDEO
  • Are there any rules on professional photographers?
  • Are there any rules on guest photography?
  • Are there any rules on videography?
  • Do you have any specific places where they may or may not stand or record?
  • Is flash photography allowed during the ceremony?
MUSIC
  • Are there any restrictions on the type of music played?
  • Are there any restrictions on the number of musicians?
  • Do they need to dress in any specific way?
  • Can we provide any musicians we want or do they have to be affiliated or approved by the church?

Your officiator is a store of valuable knowledge.  Work closely together and you will be pleased with the results you can achieve between you.

 

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