3.4 Follow-Up and the Officiant Timeline

Here are 3 important follow up tips to help you keep the ceremony creation on track:

1. Take Notes

Always take notes when you’re meeting with couples, whether it’s in-person or during a phone call. Detailed notes give you material to refer to when you’re writing the ceremony.

2. Stay Organized

If you’re not naturally organized, make it a priority to find a system that works for you right away.

• Keep a calendar with all important dates and times.
• Sort and save all of your digital resources by utilizing shared folders or files with your couples.
• Keep all of your hard copy materials and documents in a sturdy binder or portfolio.

3. Communicate Openly

Be clear about your working hours and the times that you’re available, and discuss the best methods for contacting you so that couples know whether it’s best to text, call, or email you.

One especially helpful tool for all new officiants is the Officiant Timeline! This detailed timeline will keep you on schedule so there won’t be anything left to chance on the wedding day. 

Here is the summarized order of events in a typical Officiant Timeline:

• Get ordained and obtain your minister credentials
• Register with the local government, if required
• Have your first meeting or consultation
• Gather the ceremony details and follow up as needed
• Write the first ceremony draft
• Revise and practice the ceremony script
• Have the couple read and approve the final ceremony draft
• Confirm the couple obtained their marriage license, and review the instructions
• Ceremony rehearsal, optional
• Perform the ceremony on the wedding day!
• Sign and complete the marriage license immediately following the ceremony
• Return the completed marriage license and file it with the local government

“The Officiant Timeline is an excellent tool to help you establish time management and organizational skills when you begin officiating, but the more weddings you do, the more comfortable you’ll become with how things move and flow – and you’ll develop your own timeline that works for you.” 

– AMM Minister Jimmie Berguin, aka Officiant Jimmie

Remember that no matter how many couples you work with, they’ve chosen you to be their officiant, and they’re trusting you to marry them. There is no greater honor. In your role, it’s important to be organized, reliable, and a trusted source of support – from the very first meeting, to the very last handshake or sendoff.