Week 8 | Officiant and ancillary events
Hello Beautiful!
For Christian weddings, booking a ceremony officiant and rehearsal dinner venue are not difficult tasks.
While you’re in the process of researching venues, you can make a quick call to confirm your ceremony officiant.
who will officiate the ceremony?
Before deciding, discuss these points:
- Do you want a Bishop to officiate your ceremony? If yes, then book as early as possible due to their difficult travel schedules.
- Do you have a family member, or someone you are close to, who is a priest, pastor or bishop who you would like to officiate?
- Will you use your parish priest or pastor to officiate?
- Other than the chief celebrant (the priest that will actually do the service) will you want to invite other priests/pastors?
Marriage Counseling
The Catholic and Orthodox churches now require marriage counseling. Be sure to talk to your officiant or church coordinator about it. Also, in many states offer a discount on the marriage license if you’ve gone through a premarital class. Ask early about the classes, as they are likely only offered a few times a year.
MYLANGI or REHEARSAL DINNER VENUE
Selecting a venue:
Christian weddings, all but the Knanya folks will have a rehearsal dinner.
The rehearsal dinner tends to be the night before the ceremony and several people attend. Most common venue options that families choose are:
- your home parish, if your ceremony will be held there.
- your parent’s home, if the parish is not an option.
If you are K’na, you’ll want to rent a space for your Mylangi/Chantham Charth. Venue options to consider:
- A community center, which is a good and very economical option.
- Ask the ceremony venue for a good deal on a space for the dinner.
- Consider a local Indian restaurant with a banquet room available to rent.
DesiWeds Insights:
Ideas for a more intimate gathering include:
- Hold the rehearsal earlier in the day – 11am or noon
- Host only your parents and wedding party for brunch
- Host a small gathering at home for out-of-town guests and local family
You’ll get to spend the entire day creating more memories with loved ones. Since on wedding day it’s typically a challenge to actually talk to everyone!
ACTION ITEMS
- Have meeting with officiant, sign up for classes, book officiant (10 months before)
- Book venue for rehearsal dinner (10 months before)
- Final deadline to book photo/video
- Final deadline to book band/DJ
