Day #11: Do You Like Your Wedding Officiant?

from June Hoffman and Erik Michaels of Megasound

Your answer is hopefully “yes”.


Due to various reasons, many couples must “search” for an Officiant to perform their wedding ceremony. Even though this is the one “legal” portion of the wedding ceremony, couples should still “like” their Officiant. Whether the wedding is taking place in a church or at an alternate location, the ceremony is important and the person performing the ceremony should reflect who you are as a couple.

Some points to selecting a “likeable” Officiant for your wedding ceremony:

1. Male or female? – Unless you are totally set on a male or female Officiant, be open to the idea of having either a male or female perform your wedding.

2. Professional—Determine that the Officiant has performed many wedding ceremonies and is willing to customize your ceremony. An experienced professional will help you create a meaningful ceremony that you will cherish.

3. Cookie-cutter—Will the Officiant take the time to get to know you as a couple? A personalized ceremony is more than simply filling names into a pre-written outline.

4. Provide on-going support—Will the Officiant be available to talk about the ceremony at the different planning stages? Planning a wedding is stressful. The Officiant should be able to offer suggestions on wedding readings, vows, and music. They also should make you feel comfortable with the planning process.

5. Coaching—Will the Officiant work with you on logistics and run the wedding rehearsal? A true professional will offer ideas to simplify your ceremony or to overcome other obstacles.

6. Voice—Ask the Officiant to read a sample ceremony. Does their passion, voice inflection, and tone meet your expectations or vision for the ceremony?

7. Licensing—Is the Officiant licensed in the state where you are holding your ceremony? Be sure to ask and look at their credentials. You do not want to find out in the future that your marriage is invalid due to improper or nonexistent licensing.

8. Rules—Ask about “rules” for the photographer and video and how the Officiant interacts (or could be distracted) by other wedding vendors during the ceremony.

9. Fees—Ask for a detailed list of what is included in the fee being charged by the Officiant. This is important in case you need to acquire additional services (pre-meetings, travel, music, phone time, etc).

10. Appearance—How will the Officiant be dressed for your ceremony? Check out photos or video as well as asking about options. This is important if you are having a themed wedding or other level of formality for your ceremony.

11. Over-all Likeability—Make sure that you both (bride and groom) meet the Officiant before hiring them for your wedding. Both bride and groom should be happy with their selection and feel that the Officiant will be the best for their wedding.

At Megasound, we offer free, no-obligation consultations so that our Officiants can learn more about your wedding. You have an opportunity to interview both male and female Officiants and ask your wedding questions. Call us to set up your appointment today!

Megasound Expands Legal Service Options for Brides and Grooms

From Erik Michaels of Megasound

Megasound is proud to make a special, exciting announcement! Erik Michaels and June Hoffman are now licensed to perform wedding ceremonies in the State of Ohio!

Each state has different requirements with some states requiring a special, state certified license to be able to legally perform weddings (as is the case in Ohio).

So, whether you are having your wedding in Indiana or Ohio, Megasound is legally licensed to perform your ceremony. Call Megasound today at (260) 484-2460 to take care of the one legal requirement that makes your wedding a lawful marriage and not just a big party!

Sharing a Great Note

This was so cool that we had to share this short note from one of our recent wedding ceremonies.

Ganit and Tom used Megasound for ceremony music and Officiating services. They were a fun couple who brought their family and friends together for their intimate wedding ceremony. We really loved their note too as it was a wonderful way to share a great photo from their wedding as a part of their note.


Thank you Ganit and Tom!!
Cheers on your new lives together!!

Why would I want an MC/DJ who is also an Officiant?

by Erik Michaels of Megasound

When you are planning your wedding for outside of a church, it is good to have a back up plan for as many aspects as possible. Whether you simply want a backup plan for your wedding ceremony or need someone who is versed in all aspects of a wedding, having a DJ/MC who is an Officiant is peace of mind for you (the bride).

• For full service, it is easier to hire one company to take care of the ceremony music, marriage nuptials, and the music for the reception.
• You will save more money and have fewer contracts to deal with when planning your wedding when you work with one company.
• An Ordained minister is only one of a few people who can perform legal marriage ceremonies and not just a fancy show for your guests.
• It is easier to have one company in charge of your detailed wedding plans instead of several (a minister, instrumentalists, coordinator, and reception entertainment).
  

At Megasound, being Officiants (also) gives us an edge when it comes to weddings. Not only do we have years of experience performing receptions, we also have years of experience performing CEREMONIES. This means that we are experienced in ALL parts of your wedding and will provide you top-notch performance for the entire event! We can perform your ceremony ANYWHERE, with or without music. We will even practice with you during your rehearsal if you like! We organize each ceremony and reception according to your details and do all the work for you so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your wedding without having to worry about details!

So You Want to get Married...In Allen County

When you are ready to get married you need to get the legal stuff in order before your big day. In Allen County, Indiana, brides and grooms have to make a trip to the Court House in downtown Fort Wayne. I wanted to give you the specifics and you can also call the Central Services Division (260-449-7245) with any questions.

I would suggest that you do not put off this important job until the last minute. The license is good for sixty (60) days from when you apply so mark you calendar and get your identification ready.

Residence
For Indiana residents, at least one applicant must reside in Allen County and provide documentation of residency. If applicants reside in a different Indiana county, you cannot apply in Allen County. Out of state residents may apply for a license in Allen County only if the marriage is performed in Allen County.

Location and Times
The female and male applicants, who wish to be married, must appear in person to apply for a marriage license in the Central Services Division, Room 201 - Second Floor, Allen County Courthouse, 715 South Calhoun Street. You may apply Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (The Courthouse is closed on Saturday, Sunday, and all legal holidays.)
You should allow a minimum of thirty (30) minutes to complete the application process.

Fees
Indiana residents: $18.00 Out of state residents: $60.00
A certified copy of your marriage license, for legal proof, may be obtained for $2.00. Make sure that you ask for this certified copy. It should come to you approximately thirty (30) days after the person solemnizing the ceremony files the license with the clerk’s office.

Required Documents – one or more of the following
· Valid operator's license or other state identification, showing date of birth and current Allen
County address
· Certified copy of birth certificate, or
· Passport, military identification, discharge papers, or
· Baptismal certificate, transcript of school record (different than a report card or diploma from a school). Both must indicate date of birth.

If the applicant does not have an updated driver’s license or identification does not provide an address, applicant must show proof of an Allen County address.

Age
Applicants under 18 years of age must have special consent. Call for complete requirements.

Marriage Ceremonies
Marriages may be performed by a member of the clergy (including a minister, priest, bishop, rabbi, and imam), a judge, a magistrate, a clerk of the circuit court, or a clerk or clerk-treasurer of a city or town.

License Validity
You will receive the application the same day you apply, and it expires sixty (60) days after being issued. The application is valid only if the marriage is performed within the State of Indiana. Call our Central Services Division at (260) 449-7245, if you have additional questions.

Your Marriage Ceremony

Megasound also offers Officiants (ordained ministers) to take care of your wedding ceremony. So when you need help with the "legal part" of your wedding, you have options and details for all of your wedding needs.

Happy planning.

Contemporary Music is Plentiful

While many brides enjoy the traditions when it comes to music, many brides like to have a contemporary spin on their music. Of course, be aware that most churches or houses of worship have specific restrictions or rules on music for a wedding ceremony. For those brides who are planning their wedding for an outdoor location, an alternate venue, or destination, more contemporary selections are a workable option.

For the ceremony music some of the contemporary selections include:
Prelude - Then He Kissed Me
Processional - Only Time
Recessional - I'm a Believer

As for the reception, the contemporary music selections are many. Just a few include:
Introduction -Crazy in Love
First Dance -Unforgettable
Wedding Party - You've Got a Friend
Father/Bride - Because You Loved Me
Mother/Groom - What a Wonderful World
Bouquet Toss - Another One Bites the Dust
Garter Toss - Wild Thing
Anniversary Dance - Could I Have this Dance
Last Dance - I Could Not Ask for More

To make your own traditions, feel free to select songs from your first date, favorite movie, or even favorite vacation site. You and your husband will be able to create a memorable ceremony as well as reception filled with dancing.

Enjoy your day!

Photo courtesy of Axiom Image