Hey everyone, it’s Makayla here, and today we’re diving into a topic that’s equal parts enlightening and entertaining: the most and least helpful advice wedding officiants have given couples during ceremonies in Oklahoma City. As a wedding minister, I’ve seen it all—great tips that arrived in the nick of time to awful advice that had everyone scratching their heads. So let’s get started and find out what works, what doesn’t, and how you can make your ceremony as smooth and memorable as possible.
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The Most Useful Tips Wedding Officiants Have Ever Shared
Let’s start with the best—wedding officiants’ most valuable advice for couples. These have saved ceremonies, relieved stress, and even prompted a tear or two of happiness. Here are some of the most popular ones:
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“Keep It Personal”
One of the most common suggestions—and one of the most useful—is to personalize the ceremony. That means writing your vows, incorporating special rituals, or sharing stories that reflect your relationship.
- It makes the ceremony unique and memorable.
- It causes the couple to become more invested in the moment.
- Guests enjoy hearing personal details that reflect the couple’s love story.
One wedding officiant suggested that a couple include a “unity painting” ceremony, in which each of them painted half of a canvas during the ceremony. The resulting work of art was a beautiful one that now adorns their home as a reminder of their wedding day.
“Practice Your Vows”
Another nugget of gold advice is to practice your vows beforehand. This might sound like a no-brainer, but you’d be amazed at how many couples go winging it—and end up stumbling over words or getting choked up to the point of not being able to finish them.
- It makes you feel more prepared and confident.
- It assists you to deliver your vows cleanly and with meaning.
- It reduces the likelihood of tripping over words or losing lines.
A bride and groom practiced their vows so extensively that they were able to recite them word-perfect, even though both of them were crying tears of joy. Their wedding guests were in tears too!
“Have a Plan B for Outdoor Weddings”
For couples planning outdoor ceremonies, this advice is a lifesaver: always have a Plan B. Whether it’s rain, wind, or unexpected heat, outdoor weddings can be unpredictable.
- It ensures your ceremony can go on, no matter the weather.
- It reduces stress and last-minute scrambling.
- It shows your guests that you’ve thought of everything.
One couple had an outdoor wedding ceremony scheduled, and it was beautiful, but when a thunderstorm rolled in, they simply moved into their backup indoor area. Thanks to the direction of their officiant, the day was perfect.
“Delegate Tasks”
Wedding officiants are inclined to make sure couples delegate tasks so they can simply relax and enjoy their day. This is anything from vendor coordination to managing the timeline.
- It allows the couple to relax and live in the moment.
- It keeps everything running smoothly without the couple needing to micromanage.
- It gives friends and family a chance to be a part of the wedding.
A couple assigned their best friend as the “day-of coordinator,” and because of their officiant’s recommendation, the wedding was absolutely perfect.
The Least Helpful Advice Wedding Officiants Have Given
Now, let’s talk about the least helpful advice wedding officiants have given. These are the tips that left couples scratching their heads, rolling their eyes, or even regretting their choice of officiant. Here are some of the worst:
“Just Wing It”
Believe it or not, some officiants have told couples to just wing it with their vows or ceremony. As much as spontaneity is attractive, it’s not always the best approach for a moment so meaningful.
- It can lead to awkward silences or forgotten lines.
- It puts unnecessary pressure on the couple.
- It can make the ceremony less meaningful.
One couple took this to heart and ended up stumbling over their vows, cringing their guests and embarrassing the couple themselves.
“Don’t Worry About the Weather”
Some officiants have told couples not to worry about the weather for outdoor weddings, that “it’ll all work out.” Optimism is great, but it’s no substitute for planning.
- It blindsides couples with inclement weather.
- It can lead to last-minute stress and disorganization.
- It shows a lack of professionalism and preparation.
One couple followed this tip and had to move their ceremony indoors at the last minute, without a backup plan. It was a logistical nightmare.
“Keep It Short and Uneventful”
Yes, some officiants have even counseled couples to make their ceremony brief and dull in order to “get it over with.” A guaranteed method for making your wedding unforgettable.
- It makes the ceremony feel rushed and impersonal.
- It deprives the couple and their guests of a meaningful experience.
- It indicates a lack of care and creativity.
One couple followed this advice and ended up with a ceremony that felt more like a business meeting than a love celebration. Their guests weren’t impressed.
“Don’t Bother With Rehearsals”
There are some officiants who have told couples that rehearsals are unnecessary and a waste of time. Nothing could be further from the truth.
- It can lead to confusion and mistakes at the ceremony.
- It makes the wedding party and couple feel unprepared.
- It reflects a lack of attention to detail.
One couple skipped their rehearsal at the advice of their officiant, and the ceremony was riddled with awkward pauses and errors.
Conclusion: The Best Advice for Your Big Day
And there you have it—the most and least helpful wedding advice wedding officiants have shared with couples at Oklahoma City weddings. The moral of the story? Seek out an officiant who’s experienced, respectful, and actually dedicated to making your day special. And don’t be afraid to ask questions or push back on advice that doesn’t feel right to you.
If you are looking for a wedding officiant who offers thoughtful, down-to-earth counsel, reach out to us at Lifelong Wedding Ceremonies.
You can visit our website at www.lifelongweddingceremonies.com, send an email to LifelongWeddingCeremonies@gmail.com, or call/text us at (405) 696-6450. We are here to make your wedding day as unforgettable and stress-free as possible.