Every wedding is a special occasion, different in its own unique way from the rest. As a brand new wedding officiant or beginning wedding pastor in Oklahoma, finding your own place and your own style might not be the easiest step to take. But keep this in mind, you are the future wedding superstar and you have what it takes to make that love magic happen in the most memorable way.
Of Course, it is not the easiest state to pull off, but we have got you covered! Here are ten things you need to keep in mind as a brand new officiant just getting started as a wedding pastor in Oklahoma that will take you from newbie to a total rockstar down the aisle.
Now, I know jumping into the world of marriage ceremonies can feel a little intimidating at first and i certainly do agree that there is a lot to learn with so many details here and there but trust me when I say, when you get the hang of it, there is nothing quite as rewarding as the experience that comes with it.
Get Familiar with Oklahoma’s Marriage Laws
As they say, in the eyes of the law, ignorance does not count. As a beginning wedding pastor, your first priority is understanding the laws you will be working with as a wedding minister. You should https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbofxWni5ckget very familiar with the marriage laws in Oklahoma, the legal requirements needed to practice as a wedding minister, the license and every other paperwork you will need to make it happen. The last thing you want is to walk up to a couple clueless on the possible questions they will have about the proceedings. So study up on them so you can guide your couples through the process without a hitch. You don’t want any unexpected curveballs throwing a wrench on their big day, right?
Prioritize Clear Communication
Communication is key, dear future successful wedding minister. Before the big day we advise having a long deep talk with the couple, their family members and other key stakeholders playing a role at the wedding. Make sure that all sides are clear on the proceedings for the ceremony, and everyone is on the same page concerning all wedding related activities, traditions or rituals that might pop up on the D-day. The more you have these conversations, the better informed you are about the couple’s unique needs for their special day and how you can best come in to truly make it a memorable experience like no other.
And don’t stop there – keep those lines of communication open right up until the ceremony. Check in with the couple, the wedding party, even the venue coordinators to make sure everyone knows what to expect.
Be Flexible
We get it, you have put together a well curated list of activities and order of program to follow because you just want everything to go perfectly fine. Well, take it from an export wedding officiant in Oklahoma City with years of experience joining lovely couples, it will not always go as planned. As a matter of fact, more often than not, prepare to have your script changed on the spot as a wedding minister in Oklahoma City as there’s always a curve ball or two thrown your way. As the officiant, you gotta be ready to roll with the punches. Stay calm, think on your feet, and be ready to adjust the ceremony as needed. Maybe the sound system craps out right before you start, or Aunt Edna decides to start heckling from the back row. Whatever it is, don’t let it throw you off your guard. Just take a deep breath and problem-solve on the go.
Cultivate Your Own Unique Style
Sure, there are traditional wedding rituals and scripts to follow but what really matters is not how well you stick to the script but how much of a memorable experience the couples and their family in attendance have with you on the wheels. No two weddings are the same and you will need to bring in that customized touch with your own style to really infuse your own personality, stories, and make it truly special. Remember to get creative and make it your own!
Pack the Essentials
Yes you are the main item of order for the wedding but there are a couple of basic essentials that can throw you off your guard if you show up without them. Before you step out, go over your procedures again and identify the essentials you need at every step of the way such as your marriage license, ceremony notes, pens, kleenex, breath mints, the whole nine yards. Nothing ruins the mood like fumbling around for a missing item. You want to be a calm, prepared presence, not a frazzled mess so do a quick check before you head out the door to make sure you’ve got everything you need.
Arrive Early, Stay Present
To be fair, as a wedding officiant in Oklahoma, you have a front row seat to this unique experience and you need to be there for all of it. Don’t scramble your way to the venue last minute, instead arrive early, and get settled in before the ceremony kicks off. Once you’re up there, stay fully present – don’t let your mind wander off to your to-do list or what you’re going to have for dinner. Be 100% focused on the couple, the moment, and creating an unforgettable experience.
Speak Clearly & Connect
As a wedding officiant in Oklahoma you must be strong, steady, and easy for everyone to hear. Ensure to build a good relationship with the attendees at the wedding and connect authentically. You want them to feel like you’re speaking directly to them, not just reciting some generic script. Bring that warmth and sincerity to every word and remember, your next wedding might be from someone right there who happened to catch the bouquet
Keep it Concise (But Meaningful)
As much as your couples may want you to wax poetic, try to keep the actual ceremony fairly concise – no more than 20-30 minutes, tops. The key is packing in the most meaningful, heartfelt elements without dragging things out. You want to create a sacred, intimate moment, not put everyone to sleep! So be selective, keep it flowing, and leave them wanting more.
Embrace the Nerves (and the Joy!)
Cold feet is not just for the couple about to get married, as a wedding officiant in Oklahoma still new to the game, you can get cold feet too. Don’t worry, a little bit of nervousness is totally normal when you’re up there – it just means you care about doing a great job. But try to channel that energy into enthusiasm and excitement. This is a joyful occasion, so let that shine through! Smile big, speak with passion, and make sure that positive and optimistic energy is contagious for everyone in attendance.
Follow Up & Stay Connected
Once the ceremony is over, don’t just vanish into the night, follow up with the newlyweds, congratulate them, and let them know you’re available if they need anything else. Even a simple text or card in the days after can mean the world and maintaining that connection shows you truly care, and ensures you stay top-of-mind if they need an officiant for future life events.
Conclusion
Alright, future wedding rockstars, there you have it – my top 10 tips to set you up for officiant success in Oklahoma. Remember, this is your chance to be a hero and make couples’ dreams come true. So bring that energy, bring that heart, and get ready to create some serious magic.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below! And don’t forget to smash that subscribe button for more wedding wisdom to have you preaching like a pro.
To learn more about other things before conducting marriages in Oklahoma, please visit us at https://www.lifelongweddingceremonies.com. You can also email us at LifelongWeddingCeremonies@Gmail.com.
