The dress has been selected. The cake is ordered. The invitations are out. The venue is reserved.

Now, your focus as an engaged couple is working with your Officiant or Minister and creating the “wedding ceremony” portion of your wedding day.

Yikes! Where to begin?

Over the years, I have worked with hundreds of couples from all faiths and traditions on their way to their wedding day. Many people have not been to a joyful, contemporary and uplifting ceremony where the focus is on the couple and their family and friends.

So, as you work with your Minister or Officiant to craft, create and write your ceremony, please remember that you have flexibility to design and orchestrate your ceremony as you wish. This is particularly so if you are working outside of the religious walls of a church or religious tradition.

As a Non-Denominational Wedding Officiant & Minister, I invite you to consider these three possibilities to personalize your wedding ceremony and make it truly your own:

Joyful, Fun and Innovative Ideas For Your Wedding Ceremony:

1) Nix the Unity Candle. The unity candle is a beautiful ritual and it comes from many traditions. AND it is overdone in a wedding ceremony. If you desire the unity candle, kick it up a bit and ask your Officiant or Minister to more deeply personalize this ritual. If you are lighting a unity candle, consider involving your entire wedding party in some way or as you are lighting the candle, invite family and friends to share their wishes for you.

2) Jazz Up Your Ring Exchange. Before you and your Sweetheart exchange your rings, have your Officiant or Minister pass the rings to each member of your wedding party – or perhaps to your immediate family members – and request that they each hold the rings for a moment and send a best wish, prayer or blessing. This way, your wedding rings are sweetly infused with the energy of people who love and appreciate you.

3) Give Your Guests a “Job.” Yes, a job! Before your Minister or Officiant shares the final blessing and pronouncement, have him or her make a brief announcement to guests about “what to do next” immediately after the ceremony. By giving your family and friend direction on photos, cocktail hour or whatever, you are taking care of your guests and making way for an elegant tradition from your ceremony to your reception/party!