I often hear from couples who would like to celebrate communion but choose not to because they don't want a really long ceremony, especially if it's being held outside in the hot sun. They also know that there will be attendees who are not used to a full mass, and they don't want those guests to feel uncomfortable. The answer? Do what this couple did! We served an abbreviated communion to the wedding party and closest family members immediately following the rehearsal! It was a beautiful way to honor their faith, make the family happy and also be considerate of their guests who are not of the same belief system. This one was done at Cottage Vineyard and Winery in Menomonie, Wisconsin.
Wedding rehearsals can be a real bother in some ways, and a saving grace in others. Yes, it can be difficult to get your wedding party assembled all in one location the night before your ceremony, especially if some of them are coming from other locations, need to work that day, or have other commitments. Yes, there may be questions of whether you need to provide a meal for them, overnight accommodations, or more. And yes, there are good reasons why you should definitely consider a wedding rehearsal!
During the wedding rehearsal you have the opportunity to find out if your vision for your perfect ceremony will actually work. Walking from your beginning location to the altar may in fact tell you that your processional music isn't long enough, for instance, to allow time for the entire wedding party to reach their locations at the altar. Having everyone know exactly where the wedding venue is can help assure everyone is on time for the ceremony. Addressing family relationship issues with who is being escorted by ushers and where are they being seated and by whom can be addressed. Walking through the ceremony with your wedding officiant also means that you can help those last minute nerves by knowing what's going to happen, in what order, how to deal with flowers in your hand when you're exchanging rings, and so much more. Who runs/coordinates the wedding rehearsal can be another question for clarity. Many photographers now create wedding day timelines for their clients. These timelines are great for helping the day to move at an acceptable pace for all in attendance, assuring your guests feel comfortable and you've set aside enough time for things such as makeup/hair appointments, getting dressed, guests to arrive by shuttle service, photos before and/or after the ceremony, and when cocktail hours and meals may be served. If you're getting married at a professional venue, they may have someone on staff that coordinates setting up chairs, moving guests from one part of the venue to the other, and getting food set out at certain times. These professionals may also be in a position to guide you in a pinch. Your wedding officiant is the best choice to run your wedding rehearsal. He or she is the only one who truly knows the nuts and bolts of what is being included in your actual ceremony, from start to finish. Your officiant knows who needs to be where and at what point in the service. Lining up your wedding party so that they are in the appropriate order to play their respective roles and knowing when parents, grandparents and guests of honor are seated is also part of your officiant's responsibilities. Your officiant knows how to best set up the altar for any additional parts to the ceremony you may be incorporating, such as a unity candle, tree planting or hand fasting. Your officiant also has the actual ceremony being used, and can walk you through it so you know what you need to say and when. The wedding rehearsal also is a good time for you and the officiant to communicate about any last minute changes, such as unexpected guests of honor in attendance, a decision not to include personal vows in the ceremony, a change in weather, or young ones or pets that just may not be quite up to the task of carrying rings or flowers to the altar. A seasoned professional officiant also knows alternative ways to accomplish outcomes if the need arises, and can offer last minute advice during a rehearsal. Oftentimes the officiant has performed other ceremonies at the same venue and can make suggestions based upon that prior experience. When I coordinate a wedding rehearsal, I walk the wedding party through the ceremony twice so that we can answer everyone's questions and we all go home knowing what's happening the next day. I want you to be able to relax and enjoy your very special day with as little anxiety and unexpected moments as possible! I am also available to say grace at the rehearsal dinner as well, should my couple wish it. There are so very many ways to make your wedding day your own. From the time you were young, you probably had some idea of what you wanted your day to be like. Your partner probably did as well! Now that there are two of you, there can be a blending of your ideas to create something that truly reflects your personal style, your spiritual beliefs and the love and life you share.
I perform themed weddings often! Do the two of you have a love of all things western or Hawaiian? Then why not have a western or Hawaiian themed wedding? Perhaps you both love the ocean. How about a nautical theme? Want to get married at a vineyard? No problem! For instance, if planning a western theme, tie the knot outdoors. The wedding party could wear Western boots or hats, you could ride up to the altar on horseback, you can do a unity ceremony using rope and serve pulled pork sandwiches with beans or host a pig roast. Are you more nautical? Why not say your vows by a lake, on a boat or in a stream? You can do a unity ceremony using a weaver's hitch, lake water or sand. Serve seafood, walleye or lake trout. Always dreamed of a wedding in a vineyard? I can create a unity ceremony using wine. Hold it mid-morning and serve grapes with a selection of cheeses, wine and crackers. Instead of feeding each other a piece of wedding cake, why not mash some grapes the old fashioned way? Whatever is special about the two of you, I can help you create a theme and write a wedding ceremony around it. I work with you to write a ceremony that completely reflects what you want your special day to say to each other, to your guests, and what will make the two of you feel like your hearts and souls have been joined together like no other. Join me this Mother's Day at Unity Christ Center, 1808 Folsom Street, Eau Claire, Wisconsin. We'll be celebrating Mother's Day and motherly love in all its forms starting at 10:00 a.m.
Once you've said yes, the next most logical decision to make is "When?" There are many considerations for you as you think of what works for your personal schedules, for family and friends traveling, busiest days of the year for your vendors, sporting events, and hey? Even the alignment of the stars, sun and moon if you're wanting to get married outside at night.
Planning your wedding for a long holiday weekend may sound like a good idea. Traveling guests have time off from work. You can visit with family and friends longer before everyone disburses to return home. Reality? Some hotels and venues are booked far in advance on holiday weekends. Caterers may be busy with non-wedding related orders. Florists, for instance, can be incredibly busy on either side of Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day and Christmas. Here are a few of the big days in 2018 and 2019 to consider. Thank you to www.weddingwire.com for this list. January New Year’s Day: Monday, January 1, 2018; Tuesday, January 1, 2019 Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Monday, January 15, 2018; Monday, January 21, 2019 February Super Bowl Sunday: Sunday, February 4, 2018 (especially in Minneapolis, Minn.); Sunday, February 3, 2019 (especially in Atlanta, Ga.) Valentine’s Day: Wednesday, February 14, 2018; Thursday, February 14, 2019 Presidents’ Day: Monday, February 19, 2018; Monday, February 18, 2019 March/April Academy Awards: Sunday, March 4, 2018; Sunday, February 24, 2019 (especially in Los Angeles) April Fool’s Day: Sunday, April 1, 2018; Monday, April 1, 2019 Final Four: Saturday, March 31 and Monday, April 2, 2018 (especially in San Antonio, Texas); Saturday, April 6 and Monday, April 8, 2019 (especially in Minneapolis, Minn.) Palm Sunday: Sunday, March 25, 2018; Sunday April 14, 2019 Passover: Friday, March 30, 2018 through Saturday, April 7, 2018; Friday, April 19 through Saturday, April 27, 2019 Easter: Sunday, April 1, 2018; Sunday, April 21, 2019 May Mother’s Day: Sunday, May 13, 2018; Sunday, May 12, 2019 Memorial Day: Monday, May 28, 2018; Monday, May 27, 2019 June Father’s Day: Sunday, June 17, 2018; Sunday, June 16, 2019 July/August Fourth of July: Wednesday, July 4, 2018; Thursday, July 4, 2019 September/October Labor Day: Monday, September 3, 2018; Monday, September 2, 2019 Rosh Hashanah: Sunday, September 9, 2018 through Tuesday, September 11, 2018; Sunday, September 29 through Tuesday, October 1, 2019 Yom Kippur: Tuesday, September 18, 2018 through Wednesday, September 19, 2018; Tuesday, October 8 through Wednesday, October 9, 2019 Columbus Day: Monday, October 8, 2018; Monday, October 14, 2019 Halloween: Wednesday, October 31, 2018; Thursday, October 31, 2019 November Veterans Day: Sunday, November 11, 2018; Monday, November 11, 2019 Thanksgiving: Thursday, November 22, 2018; Thursday, November 28, 2019 December Christmas: Tuesday, December 25, 2018; Wednesday, December 25, 2019 Kwanzaa: Wednesday, December 26, 2018 through Tuesday, January 1, 2018; Thursday, December 26, 2019 through Wednesday, January 1, 2020 New Year’s Eve: Monday, December 31, 2018; Tuesday, December 31, 2019 Of course, if you're superstitious, you may wan to add Friday the 13th to your list of no-no's: Friday, April 13, 2018; Friday, July 13, 2018; Friday, September 13, 2019; Friday, December 13, 2019. Bridal fairs are a lot of fun! Walking around, trying lots of food, getting your hair done, and listening to great music with your sweetheart is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon! But then reality sets in.
When you said yes, I'd bet you had no idea how many decisions were going to need to be made, how many people in your life have opinions about how you're supposed to do things, and how expensive it all is. Right? Well don't lose hope. I listened to my brides, saw the "deer in the headlights" looks in their eyes, and put my thinking cap on. I approached an event planner (Kim Louise Designs LLC), and we've created a new experience for couples in the Eau Claire area to actually help you PLAN your Dream Day. It's called the Our Day Workshop, and it's being held on Sunday, April 29th here in Eau Claire. On that day, we will be limiting the number of attendees to assure specific questions are answered and you have the ability to work with experts to talk about catering, music, budgeting, photography, officiating options, and so much more. Whether your dream day is a destination wedding, in a park, your backyard or a formal venue, there will be help for everyone planning their Big Day. Yes, there will be food, hourly giveaways and a Grand Prize well worth over $5,000 and growing! We are so excited about being able to offer this event, and hope you are too. Want more information? Check out the website we've set up that also lists speakers, sponsors, and will continue to grow as the date gets closer. Can't wait that long? Send us a question for our experts and we'll answer it now. As I mentioned, there is limited seating, so advanced registration is required on the website. Tickets are $29 per person until April 1st, at which the price goes up to $35. Don't wait! Register now at www.OurDayWorkshop.com. See you there! Visit me at the Metropolis Resort Wedding Fair this afternoon!
At my booth I'm giving away a seat at the upcoming Our Day Workshop (April 29th) where attendees can listen to and ask questions of experts to plan their special day, regardless of where or how they want to do it. I hear rumors of food, hourly giveaways, a dance demonstration and a HUUUUGE Grand Prize Giveaway at THAT event! www.ourdayworkshop.com #ourdayworkshop #livegreatfood #katebentleyphotography#arthurmurrayeauclaire #avalonfloral #revronnieroll #kimlouisedesigns#somanydetails #solittletime #isaidyesnowwhat "EVERYBODY has a unity candle ceremony. I want something different!" I hear this often, and YES. There are options!
If you're getting married outside, you may especially want to avoid a unity candle ceremony as attempting to light a candle and keep it lit can be very difficult with the slightest of breezes. Would you consider it a bad omen if your unity candle blew out right after you lit it? Or it refuses to stay lit after lighting it several times? If you really want a unity candle outdoors, there are ways you can try to trick Mother Nature. You can place the candle inside a hurricane lamp, but then lowering a taper down into it can burn your fingers or set a sleeve on fire. You can use flameless candles, but how romantic is it to reach over and turn the battery-operated switch on? Sand. Yes, there are many who use colored sand and each member of the family pours their sand into the center container. It's certainly an option, and one that many use in place of a unity candle. Make sure to seal it with silicone shortly after the ceremony to avoid the accidental spillage if it gets knocked over. Here's how I approach it. Share with me the things that you and your sweetie have in common, and I can create a unity ceremony from just about anything. Do you love wine? I can create a wine ceremony. Have a passion for fishing? Boating? Coffee? Cooking? I've got you covered in all those as well. You can truly create a unity ceremony around anything, if you're creative enough. Your ceremony should be a direct reflection of you, your love and what you believe. Not something out of a book that someone bought online or was written hundreds of years ago. This is YOUR day, YOUR love, and YOUR life. Celebrate it YOUR way. Your wedding officiant has asked you if there's a special reading you'd like to have in your ceremony, and you draw a blank. What's a reading? Do I need one? Where do I find one? Can I have more than one? Am I going to have to memorize it and say it myself? Why are there so many decisions to make when planning a ceremony????
No worries! That's what I'm here for! A reading is a way to add personality into a ceremony. It doesn't have to be a passage from the Bible, Quran or Bhagavad Gita, although it can be if you'd like. You can choose to do something other than the usual "Love is patient. Love is kind" passage, even if you decide to do a reading from the Bible. If you're looking at a more traditional ceremony, you might choose something from sacred texts. There are many passages in the Bible that work well beside 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. You can choose a favorite poem. You can choose the lyrics from a song that means something special to the two of you. Perhaps there's a favorite bit of dialogue in movie you'd like to quote. There are also ethnic marriage blessings that make wonderful readings, such as the Apache marriage blessing. You can Google 'wedding readings' and there is a world of information available. I have a wide selection available for my couples as well. Who reads the reading? Anyone you'd like to have read it, assuming they're willing to do so. I can be a family member, friend, or you can have your officiant read it. No need to have it memorized - no one expects that. A piece of paper or note card is great. One or two readings is all you need. If your officiant is writing your ceremony for you, your personality and love will come through many other parts of your ceremony as well, such as a unity tradition, handfasting, rose tradition and more. This week I agreed to deliver the Christmas Eve (12/24/17) message at Unity Christ Center in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The service will start at 4:30 p.m. More information will follow as it becomes available.
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AuthorRev. Ronnie was ordained in 2010 as an interfaith minister through The New Seminary, located in New York City. She is available to perform ceremonies throughout the United States, aboard ship or in other countries. Archives
March 2024
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