1 00:00:01,940 --> 00:00:05,546 Today's edition will help you avoid wedding day drama with some essential 2 00:00:05,876 --> 00:00:08,186 officiant questions you need to ask. 3 00:00:08,186 --> 00:00:11,306 Your officiant has one of the most important roles on your wedding day. 4 00:00:11,353 --> 00:00:14,473 They literally are the person who makes your marriage official. 5 00:00:14,523 --> 00:00:19,398 But here's the thing not all wedding officiant are the same and not asking 6 00:00:19,398 --> 00:00:25,173 the right questions early on can lead to confusion, awkward moments, or 7 00:00:25,393 --> 00:00:28,093 even legal headaches on your big day 8 00:00:28,249 --> 00:00:29,239 Thanks for joining us. 9 00:00:29,239 --> 00:00:29,569 Hi. 10 00:00:29,569 --> 00:00:32,419 I am Sal from After Hours Events of New England. 11 00:00:32,689 --> 00:00:37,339 That's After Hours Events Of N.E. dot com. 12 00:00:37,429 --> 00:00:41,419 I'm sure you've heard it before in past editions that I am a wedding 13 00:00:41,419 --> 00:00:44,719 officiant and I've been doing it now for over 17 years and have 14 00:00:44,719 --> 00:00:47,119 literally done hundreds of ceremonies. 15 00:00:47,419 --> 00:00:51,769 So this is where my expert point of view is gonna come in while doing this edition. 16 00:00:51,850 --> 00:00:52,870 Thanks for joining us. 17 00:00:52,870 --> 00:00:57,760 I'm Sam from Atmosphere Productions Atmosphere hyphen Productions dot com. 18 00:00:57,760 --> 00:01:00,670 Learn more about our experience and the journey to help you with 19 00:01:00,670 --> 00:01:04,360 Stress-Free Wedding Planning in the trailer or pilot of this podcast. 20 00:01:05,534 --> 00:01:08,354 Welcome to Stress-Free Wedding Planning, the podcast that will 21 00:01:08,354 --> 00:01:11,504 transform your wedding planning journey from chaotic to enchanting. 22 00:01:11,744 --> 00:01:15,794 Sal and Sam bring over 80 years of combined wedding expertise and exclusive 23 00:01:15,824 --> 00:01:17,564 insider information to the table. 24 00:01:17,624 --> 00:01:20,774 If you're recently engaged, feeling the pressure of wedding planning. 25 00:01:20,959 --> 00:01:25,009 Struggling with family expectations, but still dreaming of a joy-filled wedding. 26 00:01:25,159 --> 00:01:26,569 You've come to the right place. 27 00:01:26,719 --> 00:01:29,569 Get ready to unveil the best-kept wedding secrets. 28 00:01:29,599 --> 00:01:33,179 Discover practical tips and strategies and learn life-changing 29 00:01:33,199 --> 00:01:35,089 lessons for a stress-free wedding. 30 00:01:35,329 --> 00:01:37,609 Your unforgettable wedding day awaits. 31 00:01:37,669 --> 00:01:41,779 We're here to take you on a transformative journey of love, laughter, and memories, 32 00:01:42,019 --> 00:01:43,879 so don't miss out on the podcast. 33 00:01:43,879 --> 00:01:45,379 That just might change your life. 34 00:01:45,679 --> 00:01:48,949 This is the Stress-Free Wedding Planning Podcast with Sal and Sam. 35 00:01:49,880 --> 00:01:54,510 Whether you're planning a lighthearted celebration, a traditional ceremony 36 00:01:54,510 --> 00:01:59,310 or something totally unique, these questions will help you avoid last 37 00:01:59,310 --> 00:02:04,844 minute surprises and keep your wedding day smooth, personal and stress-free. 38 00:02:04,938 --> 00:02:09,168 So how do you know if an officiant's style and tone matches your vision? 39 00:02:09,270 --> 00:02:14,670 What should you ask about customizing your ceremony or writing your own vows. 40 00:02:14,757 --> 00:02:18,507 Who's responsible for handling your marriage license after the ceremony? 41 00:02:18,628 --> 00:02:22,678 What happens if your officiant gets sick or can't make it last minute? 42 00:02:23,078 --> 00:02:28,028 And most importantly, how can you make sure your ceremony feels like you? 43 00:02:28,428 --> 00:02:32,688 Getting these questions answered appropriately will relieve 44 00:02:32,688 --> 00:02:34,593 stress on your wedding day. 45 00:02:35,043 --> 00:02:40,203 But first thanks to Nicole and Ben for watching our podcast on 46 00:02:40,203 --> 00:02:42,303 YouTube to help plan their wedding. 47 00:02:42,573 --> 00:02:47,493 They'll be getting married in May of 2026 in Simsbury, Connecticut. 48 00:02:47,703 --> 00:02:50,913 You can do the same and get a special shout-out by going to YouTube and 49 00:02:50,913 --> 00:02:55,623 subscribing to the Stress-Free Wedding Planning Podcast with Sal and Sam. 50 00:02:55,893 --> 00:02:59,613 Thank you again Nicole and Ben for watching and listening to the 51 00:02:59,613 --> 00:03:02,283 Stress-Free Wedding Planning Podcast. 52 00:03:02,321 --> 00:03:06,431 The officiant is standing between you and the first kiss as a married 53 00:03:06,431 --> 00:03:11,061 couple, and if you think, " Ooh, they just read a few lines or pronounce 54 00:03:11,061 --> 00:03:12,951 us married!" Well, buckle up. 55 00:03:13,131 --> 00:03:14,331 There's a lot more to it! 56 00:03:14,781 --> 00:03:15,471 Absolutely! 57 00:03:15,711 --> 00:03:19,701 A good officiant sets the tone for the entire ceremony. 58 00:03:20,091 --> 00:03:24,351 A bad one though let's just say you'll be talking about that awkward 59 00:03:24,351 --> 00:03:27,196 moment forever, and not in a good way. 60 00:03:27,652 --> 00:03:32,452 And yeah, no one wants the officiant who forgot the couple's names story. 61 00:03:32,452 --> 00:03:33,357 No they don't! 62 00:03:33,717 --> 00:03:38,607 So today we're sharing the essential questions you need to ask your wedding 63 00:03:38,607 --> 00:03:42,567 officiant to avoid any wedding day drama. 64 00:03:42,967 --> 00:03:44,557 So let's get the ball rolling. 65 00:03:44,557 --> 00:03:47,197 Question number one, and this is a big one. 66 00:03:47,557 --> 00:03:49,742 What is your ceremony style? 67 00:03:50,046 --> 00:03:52,536 Every officiant has a vibe. 68 00:03:52,536 --> 00:03:56,196 Some formal, some traditional, others are funny and lighthearted. 69 00:03:56,256 --> 00:03:57,426 Some are spiritual. 70 00:03:57,426 --> 00:03:59,256 While others completely secular. 71 00:03:59,516 --> 00:04:04,921 You want to ensure their tone aligns with your personality and 72 00:04:04,921 --> 00:04:07,921 the desired mood for your ceremony. 73 00:04:08,055 --> 00:04:12,225 I always tell couples that your officiant is like the DJ for your ceremony. 74 00:04:12,525 --> 00:04:15,675 They control the energy, the flow, and the emotion. 75 00:04:15,975 --> 00:04:19,185 If you want something heartfelt and personal and you're officiant shows 76 00:04:19,185 --> 00:04:23,475 up sounding like they're reading a tax form, that's not a great start! 77 00:04:23,636 --> 00:04:24,931 That's totally true! 78 00:04:25,271 --> 00:04:27,571 So now Sal what is your style? 79 00:04:27,847 --> 00:04:32,047 So I, I built the style over the last 17 years that I've been doing this. 80 00:04:32,047 --> 00:04:36,997 again, I've done hundreds of weddings and I like to be the funny, lighthearted 81 00:04:36,997 --> 00:04:41,947 person, not a standup comedian in any way, but I like to keep it fun and relaxed, 82 00:04:42,127 --> 00:04:43,837 so everyone's having a great time. 83 00:04:44,037 --> 00:04:48,337 If you are trying to vet your officiant, get some examples or 84 00:04:48,337 --> 00:04:53,317 even the script or even a video of them actually doing a wedding. 85 00:04:53,367 --> 00:04:56,180 Next up, can we customize our ceremony? 86 00:04:56,324 --> 00:04:57,884 This is a huge one, everyone. 87 00:04:58,214 --> 00:05:01,634 You'd be surprised how many couples assume they could change things around 88 00:05:01,784 --> 00:05:06,464 and then find out later that the officiant only does one kind of ceremony. 89 00:05:06,727 --> 00:05:07,027 Oh man! 90 00:05:07,027 --> 00:05:08,587 That's right, I've seen this happen. 91 00:05:08,737 --> 00:05:11,947 Now, Sal you customize ceremonies for your clients. 92 00:05:11,947 --> 00:05:13,027 Tell us a little bit about that. 93 00:05:13,427 --> 00:05:15,797 So, you know, customization I think is very important. 94 00:05:15,797 --> 00:05:19,577 You need to make everything unique to you, let it be about you. 95 00:05:19,877 --> 00:05:23,537 So I will actually show them a number of different ceremony scripts and 96 00:05:23,537 --> 00:05:27,017 say, look, you're not gonna like a single one of them as a whole, but 97 00:05:27,017 --> 00:05:28,307 you're gonna like bits and pieces. 98 00:05:28,517 --> 00:05:31,067 So let's take those bits and pieces and create a new one. 99 00:05:31,277 --> 00:05:32,507 Or even do a Google search. 100 00:05:32,507 --> 00:05:35,737 Find other wording that you like, and we'll make it work for you. 101 00:05:35,947 --> 00:05:39,007 And always tell a love story that really adds to everything. 102 00:05:39,084 --> 00:05:41,874 It's great that you do it the way that you do it so you can 103 00:05:41,874 --> 00:05:43,494 personalize it for everyone. 104 00:05:43,494 --> 00:05:47,244 Another question which some people might think be maybe a little bit boring 105 00:05:47,424 --> 00:05:52,674 but is critical is are you legally authorized to officiate in your State? 106 00:05:53,004 --> 00:05:54,294 Isn't that crucial Sal? 107 00:05:54,694 --> 00:05:55,714 Absolutely. 108 00:05:55,714 --> 00:05:59,224 You know, a lot of people just assume that because someone officiates 109 00:05:59,224 --> 00:06:02,314 weddings that they could legally do it in the State that they're in. 110 00:06:02,824 --> 00:06:05,554 Uh, a lot of people are now ordained ministers, and not 111 00:06:05,554 --> 00:06:07,714 every State recognizes that. 112 00:06:07,924 --> 00:06:11,584 And you have to go through extra hoops to make sure you could legally marry 113 00:06:11,584 --> 00:06:13,294 someone in that particular State. 114 00:06:13,534 --> 00:06:16,024 So you really need to find out all the information. 115 00:06:16,264 --> 00:06:19,024 If you're dealing with a Justice of the Peace and you're getting married 116 00:06:19,024 --> 00:06:24,374 in Connecticut, the justice piece has to be one from Connecticut, not from 117 00:06:24,374 --> 00:06:28,354 another state, because other state JPS cannot do the job in Connecticut. 118 00:06:28,584 --> 00:06:32,694 Nothing says romance like realizing you're not legally married while 119 00:06:32,694 --> 00:06:33,924 you're on your honeymoon in Aruba! 120 00:06:34,051 --> 00:06:35,971 That's that's so true. 121 00:06:35,971 --> 00:06:36,631 So true. 122 00:06:36,881 --> 00:06:38,201 Do you have a question or concern? 123 00:06:38,411 --> 00:06:41,591 Go now to Facebook and join us on the Stress-Free Wedding 124 00:06:41,591 --> 00:06:45,491 Planning community and now in the Connecticut Wedding Advice Community. 125 00:06:45,881 --> 00:06:48,251 You can also join us on our YouTube channel. 126 00:06:48,281 --> 00:06:52,271 Just search for Stress-Free Wedding Planning Podcast with Sal and Sam. 127 00:06:52,481 --> 00:06:55,116 Like, comment, subscribe, and get it first. 128 00:06:55,366 --> 00:06:59,806 We would like to thank you, our listeners, and because of you, we are now ranked 129 00:06:59,806 --> 00:07:05,226 number 15 in the Top 60 Wedding Planning podcasts by million podcasts dot com. 130 00:07:05,226 --> 00:07:08,516 This Is the Stress-Free Wedding Planning Podcast with Sal and Sam. 131 00:07:08,606 --> 00:07:12,116 A podcast for engaged couples concerned about wedding planning and family 132 00:07:12,116 --> 00:07:16,226 expectations, but who want a stress-free, fun and unforgettable wedding. 133 00:07:16,226 --> 00:07:18,986 Twice the night before Christmas and all through the days. 134 00:07:18,986 --> 00:07:19,496 Hold it, now wait. 135 00:07:19,526 --> 00:07:19,856 Hold it. 136 00:07:19,856 --> 00:07:21,146 That's played out! 137 00:07:21,206 --> 00:07:23,156 Happy holidays. 138 00:07:23,216 --> 00:07:27,596 'Tis the season to say thank you to our listeners who continue to support the 139 00:07:27,596 --> 00:07:29,606 Stress-free Wedding Planning Podcast. 140 00:07:29,606 --> 00:07:32,516 You are the foundation of what we do each week. 141 00:07:32,546 --> 00:07:37,136 We'd also like to thank our sponsors for your continuing support. 142 00:07:37,166 --> 00:07:39,806 No matter how you celebrate this holiday season. 143 00:07:39,886 --> 00:07:43,666 We offer you love, peace, joy, and our best wishes. 144 00:07:43,726 --> 00:07:47,986 We want to be filled with good health, happiness, spectacular success, and, 145 00:07:47,986 --> 00:07:50,626 of course stress-free wedding planning. 146 00:07:50,716 --> 00:07:55,276 Watch us on YouTube, tell a friend, share your tips and suggestions, 147 00:07:55,276 --> 00:07:58,756 and join us in the Stress-Free Wedding Planning community. 148 00:07:58,976 --> 00:08:02,666 And now in the Connecticut Wedding Advice community. 149 00:08:02,726 --> 00:08:07,616 Join us in the new year for more awesome new editions as we seek to help engage 150 00:08:07,616 --> 00:08:11,666 couples who are stressed out with wedding planning and family expectations. 151 00:08:11,846 --> 00:08:13,646 But want a fun wedding day. 152 00:08:13,756 --> 00:08:15,116 Happy holidays! 153 00:08:16,233 --> 00:08:19,353 Experience the magic of your Special Day with Fitzner Productions. 154 00:08:19,583 --> 00:08:22,533 A premier wedding videography company based in Middletown, Connecticut. 155 00:08:22,893 --> 00:08:24,543 Fitzner Productions dot com. 156 00:08:25,413 --> 00:08:29,103 Our mission is to capture your love story candidly and authentically 157 00:08:29,373 --> 00:08:33,093 creating stunning high quality videos that you can cherish for years to come. 158 00:08:33,573 --> 00:08:37,143 Our founder, Carson Fitzner combines technical expertise 159 00:08:37,143 --> 00:08:38,523 with a passion of storytelling. 160 00:08:38,943 --> 00:08:42,423 Ensuring every moment from the excitement of getting ready to the heartfelt 161 00:08:42,423 --> 00:08:44,493 ceremony is beautifully documented. 162 00:08:44,928 --> 00:08:49,518 We offer a range of customizable packages, including drone footage and multi-location 163 00:08:49,518 --> 00:08:51,798 shoots tailored to fit your unique vision. 164 00:08:52,218 --> 00:08:55,998 Let us help you relive the romance, laughter, and tears of your wedding day. 165 00:08:56,358 --> 00:08:58,188 Visit Fitzner Productions dot com. 166 00:08:58,458 --> 00:09:02,718 That's F-I-T-Z-N-E-R productions dot com. 167 00:09:02,718 --> 00:09:04,698 It's Wedding Tip Wednesday time. 168 00:09:04,728 --> 00:09:10,198 Today, why having a seating chart is crucial for wedding planning. 169 00:09:10,198 --> 00:09:11,898 A seating chart is a must. 170 00:09:12,148 --> 00:09:13,448 So are table numbers. 171 00:09:13,568 --> 00:09:14,318 Here's why. 172 00:09:14,618 --> 00:09:16,238 Guests want to have direction. 173 00:09:16,478 --> 00:09:18,338 No direction equals a mess. 174 00:09:18,578 --> 00:09:21,428 Wait staff need it in order to give the correct food. 175 00:09:21,698 --> 00:09:25,118 No one wants to ask someone to move over or switch tables 176 00:09:25,268 --> 00:09:26,858 because they have no room. 177 00:09:27,258 --> 00:09:31,402 Having no seating chart leads to many people being unable to sit 178 00:09:31,402 --> 00:09:33,482 together or having chairs moved. 179 00:09:33,582 --> 00:09:36,867 And that's another wedding tip from Sal and Sam. 180 00:09:36,892 --> 00:09:39,832 Wedding Tip Wednesday is available on the Stress-Free Wedding Planning 181 00:09:39,832 --> 00:09:41,722 Facebook group page every Wednesday. 182 00:09:41,752 --> 00:09:42,832 Join the group for free. 183 00:09:43,159 --> 00:09:46,429 This is the Stress-free Wedding Planning Podcast with Sal and Sam. 184 00:09:46,525 --> 00:09:52,075 Now back to this edition: Avoiding Wedding Day Drama, Some Essential 185 00:09:52,075 --> 00:09:55,135 Officiant Questions You Need To Ask. 186 00:09:55,165 --> 00:09:57,925 Here's some of those additional questions you should be asking. 187 00:09:57,975 --> 00:10:00,165 But first I'm Sam from Atmosphere Productions. 188 00:10:00,368 --> 00:10:02,784 And I'm Sal, After Hours Events of New England. 189 00:10:02,784 --> 00:10:05,965 And another question is do you attend the rehearsal. 190 00:10:05,965 --> 00:10:11,695 That's a question you should definitely ask your wedding officiant because things 191 00:10:11,695 --> 00:10:16,705 go so much smoother, if the officiant is there to walk you through it. 192 00:10:16,755 --> 00:10:17,535 That's right Sam. 193 00:10:17,535 --> 00:10:22,275 They help with where to stand, who cues who, when to hand off the bouquets, 194 00:10:22,695 --> 00:10:24,465 all the ceremony choreography. 195 00:10:24,675 --> 00:10:28,935 If they can't attend, make sure they provide clear notes or do a 196 00:10:28,935 --> 00:10:30,975 quick run through on the day of. 197 00:10:31,225 --> 00:10:33,220 And while you are at it here's another good question. 198 00:10:33,764 --> 00:10:37,469 How you handle communication leading up to the wedding? 199 00:10:37,920 --> 00:10:39,940 You definitely want someone who's responsive. 200 00:10:40,000 --> 00:10:43,860 If they take three weeks to answer an email, that's a major red flag. 201 00:10:44,122 --> 00:10:44,962 Yeah you're right. 202 00:10:44,962 --> 00:10:49,252 You're trusting them with one of the most significant moments of your life. 203 00:10:49,282 --> 00:10:53,782 You deserve good communication and confidence in their process. 204 00:10:53,812 --> 00:10:56,122 Now this is one that's often overlooked. 205 00:10:56,122 --> 00:10:59,032 Do you have a backup plan if something happens to you? 206 00:10:59,335 --> 00:11:02,235 Well I'm gonna flip this one back over to you Sal. 207 00:11:02,595 --> 00:11:03,975 What's your backup plan? 208 00:11:03,975 --> 00:11:07,915 You know, you always have to have a backup plan, and in our company, we 209 00:11:07,915 --> 00:11:11,275 have a number of wedding officiant, so there's always someone available. 210 00:11:11,455 --> 00:11:15,475 And it's not just the DJs, we actually have people who just do officiating. 211 00:11:15,715 --> 00:11:18,835 So a backup plan is very important, and I can't tell you how important. 212 00:11:19,255 --> 00:11:21,025 This is, how I became a wedding officiant. 213 00:11:21,295 --> 00:11:24,445 I was at a wedding and uh, all of a sudden there was no wedding 214 00:11:24,445 --> 00:11:26,125 officiant to do the ceremony. 215 00:11:26,195 --> 00:11:28,175 And I felt so bad for this couple. 216 00:11:28,445 --> 00:11:32,085 We ended up finding someone, close by to help out, but I did 217 00:11:32,085 --> 00:11:33,435 become an officiant afterwards. 218 00:11:33,435 --> 00:11:34,245 And what happened? 219 00:11:34,245 --> 00:11:38,625 I had two weddings that the officiant did not make it to, and I got to step 220 00:11:38,625 --> 00:11:42,345 right in as a backup plan and make everything happen for the couple. 221 00:11:42,345 --> 00:11:46,755 That's cool I love hearing that story, how you make it right by 222 00:11:46,755 --> 00:11:49,185 doing something as special as that. 223 00:11:49,319 --> 00:11:52,259 Now let's ask what do you wear? 224 00:11:52,349 --> 00:11:55,469 You don't want your officiant showing up in jeans and t-shirt. 225 00:11:55,589 --> 00:11:56,484 What do you wear, Sal? 226 00:11:56,884 --> 00:12:01,104 So it, it is amazing, Sam, how people automatically assume that you're gonna. 227 00:12:01,504 --> 00:12:05,464 Wear a certain thing and, and not realize they do need to ask this question. 228 00:12:05,464 --> 00:12:09,374 So, personally I have a robe, a black robe that I wear. 229 00:12:09,824 --> 00:12:13,784 The couple always has the decision to have me come in a suit instead, but, 230 00:12:13,834 --> 00:12:15,154 I've never had anybody ask me that. 231 00:12:15,154 --> 00:12:16,924 They say the robe is absolutely fine. 232 00:12:16,924 --> 00:12:19,864 Yeah that's a really great question and a great answer there, Sal. 233 00:12:20,104 --> 00:12:23,704 Now let's move on to the experience factor. 234 00:12:23,944 --> 00:12:26,344 This is another crucial question. 235 00:12:26,344 --> 00:12:28,804 How many weddings have you officiated? 236 00:12:28,954 --> 00:12:31,054 Because experience matters. 237 00:12:31,234 --> 00:12:32,104 Don't you believe that, Sal? 238 00:12:32,390 --> 00:12:33,830 A thousand percent. 239 00:12:33,890 --> 00:12:39,230 I know that's where this, the problem nowadays that everyone is getting ordained 240 00:12:39,230 --> 00:12:42,800 to do a friend's wedding and things like that, and the inexperience sometimes 241 00:12:42,890 --> 00:12:48,917 really shows and can really hurt the event or even hurt the l egal part of the event. 242 00:12:48,917 --> 00:12:51,347 So yeah, you, you need to have experience. 243 00:12:51,347 --> 00:12:55,247 You need to know that this person has done a number of weddings and know 244 00:12:55,247 --> 00:12:57,992 what they're doing, especially in the State in which you're getting married. 245 00:12:58,145 --> 00:12:58,925 That's right Sal. 246 00:12:58,925 --> 00:13:01,355 Experience really does matter. 247 00:13:01,455 --> 00:13:05,895 The more weddings that a wedding officiant has done, the better they are at handling 248 00:13:05,895 --> 00:13:11,925 surprises like the wind or technical microphone issues or crying babies, or 249 00:13:11,985 --> 00:13:15,015 that one Groomsman who almost fainted. 250 00:13:15,015 --> 00:13:19,125 This is, you know, this does happen and you know, these are not fake stories. 251 00:13:19,125 --> 00:13:23,415 These are things that happen that we've had people faint at, uh, a wedding. 252 00:13:23,415 --> 00:13:24,495 And how do you handle it? 253 00:13:24,495 --> 00:13:25,305 What do you do? 254 00:13:25,493 --> 00:13:28,523 An experienced officiant, who knows to keep calm and 255 00:13:28,523 --> 00:13:30,413 adapt without skipping a beat. 256 00:13:30,593 --> 00:13:34,253 This is so very important to keep things running smoothly. 257 00:13:34,553 --> 00:13:37,787 Now there is something else I do wanna bring up in this edition, and 258 00:13:37,817 --> 00:13:43,767 that is most people don't realize how the legality of a license works 259 00:13:43,767 --> 00:13:45,657 and the legality of a ceremony. 260 00:13:46,047 --> 00:13:51,087 I've had couples who will not hand their license to the 261 00:13:51,087 --> 00:13:52,977 officiant prior to the ceremony. 262 00:13:53,367 --> 00:13:57,200 In Connecticut and in Massachusetts, in pretty, in a lot of different 263 00:13:57,200 --> 00:14:01,370 other states, the officiant must have possession of the license before 264 00:14:01,370 --> 00:14:03,860 actually performing the ceremony. 265 00:14:03,860 --> 00:14:05,120 So that's very important too. 266 00:14:05,360 --> 00:14:09,080 And the couple cannot touch that license again afterwards. 267 00:14:09,200 --> 00:14:12,260 The officiant is the one who has to get it back to Town Hall. 268 00:14:12,470 --> 00:14:14,690 The couple cannot be the ones to do that. 269 00:14:14,990 --> 00:14:17,540 And you have to make sure you have a, an officiant that you can 270 00:14:17,540 --> 00:14:21,200 rely on that's gonna make sure it does get to its destination. 271 00:14:21,410 --> 00:14:22,940 So you are legally married. 272 00:14:23,190 --> 00:14:27,900 One other thing I wanna add there is a legal part to every ceremony. 273 00:14:28,300 --> 00:14:30,040 Most of the words in the ceremony. 274 00:14:30,440 --> 00:14:34,420 Don't mean anything in the legal sense of things, but the couple must be 275 00:14:34,420 --> 00:14:36,845 asked if they intend to get married. 276 00:14:36,875 --> 00:14:37,775 It has to be an intent. 277 00:14:37,874 --> 00:14:41,842 So you have to have an intent in your script so that they are saying, yes, 278 00:14:42,022 --> 00:14:44,122 we, we wanna be married to each other. 279 00:14:44,272 --> 00:14:47,452 ' Cause if that is not said, it's not a legal ceremony. 280 00:14:47,692 --> 00:14:51,802 Thanks Sal for giving us that advice I hope this edition has helped you with 281 00:14:51,802 --> 00:14:55,672 any questions that you need to ask your wedding officiant before the big day. 282 00:14:56,929 --> 00:14:58,099 So there you have it. 283 00:14:58,339 --> 00:15:02,389 The questions that can save you from a world of wedding day stress. 284 00:15:02,479 --> 00:15:06,049 Exactly officiant isn't just reading lines. 285 00:15:06,049 --> 00:15:11,899 They're guiding one of the most emotional and meaningful moments of your life. 286 00:15:11,899 --> 00:15:15,379 When you ask the right questions you'll know you've got the right 287 00:15:15,379 --> 00:15:17,329 person standing up with you. 288 00:15:17,356 --> 00:15:22,216 It's all about communication, preparation and making sure their vibe matches yours. 289 00:15:22,606 --> 00:15:27,031 Do that early and your ceremony will be smooth, heartfelt, and totally you. 290 00:15:27,431 --> 00:15:31,781 And remember don't be afraid to have these conversations upfront. 291 00:15:32,051 --> 00:15:37,121 The best officiants love couples who care about creating something 292 00:15:37,451 --> 00:15:39,521 personal, and memorable. 293 00:15:39,521 --> 00:15:43,901 Now as you spend the next week planning your wedding, if you want me, Sam, 294 00:15:43,901 --> 00:15:47,621 or our community of Stress-free engaged couples and wedding experts to 295 00:15:47,621 --> 00:15:51,581 answer any wedding related questions, join us over in the Stress-free 296 00:15:51,581 --> 00:15:53,111 Wedding Planning Facebook group. 297 00:15:53,231 --> 00:15:56,441 Once you're in, go ahead and share your concerns and worries, and we'll let you 298 00:15:56,441 --> 00:16:00,131 know if you are on the right track or if there's something we need to work on. 299 00:16:00,266 --> 00:16:03,416 The link to join us is in the show notes of this edition, or 300 00:16:03,626 --> 00:16:07,316 go to Facebook and search for the Stress-free Wedding Planning community. 301 00:16:07,346 --> 00:16:09,626 A new edition is released every Wednesday. 302 00:16:09,716 --> 00:16:11,276 Subscribe and get it first. 303 00:16:11,336 --> 00:16:15,356 Remember to do something nice for someone today, and if you can't do something nice 304 00:16:15,356 --> 00:16:18,216 for yourself, we'll catch you then CAOI!! 305 00:16:18,236 --> 00:16:19,706 Thank you for listening to this edition. 306 00:16:19,976 --> 00:16:23,246 If you've enjoyed what you've just heard, leave a review and share it 307 00:16:23,246 --> 00:16:26,096 with a friend or someone who would benefit from this information. 308 00:16:26,426 --> 00:16:29,576 Until next time, it's TTFM Tah Tah For Now! 309 00:16:29,756 --> 00:16:33,776 The Stress-free Wedding Planning Podcast is produced and copyrighted by 310 00:16:33,776 --> 00:16:38,276 Atmosphere Productions in association with After Hours Events of New England.