Weddings By Sandy

Archive for March, 2011

Dear Couples seeking an Officiant,

Every wedding has a budget, no matter the size or complexity of the event. It is normally wrapped around all the elements of the reception. However, I believe the ceremony is the most important part of the entire day, because this is the reason for the celebration!

I realize this is a very difficult and completely understandable discussion. While my rates will never be the highest or lowest of the choices available in our area, the care with which I treat my clients is “five-star.” I think you will find the person who writes your story as a collaborative effort and makes it a true interpretational feature of your day rather than a “point of entry” to the party, hover in the same price range as I do. Many are much higher. My fees reflect many things; the clothing I wear, time, meeting, writing and editing beforehand, rehearsals, pre-ceremony time, working and collaborating with your vendors, officiating, travel on the day of and follow-up for the license just to mention a few things.

Most of the ceremonies I book next year will be in the $400-$600 range. This isn’t greed, it is reality based on the time and care involved and a fee that will eventually allow me to do this wonderfully, fulfilling work full-time. This freedom contributes to the quality of both the finished ceremony and the process that leads up to it.

Availability is a crucial and important factor to what I do. April through November is the busiest time for anyone involved in weddings. During this time, I can’t negotiate my rates.

Usually, the difference between my pricing and an officiant who is going to do an “off the rack” ceremony is less than 200.00. I know this isn’t an insignificant amount of money, especially in light of the fact that my services are usually the lowest priced item in a wedding budget, but a ceremony prepared by me and my company will be a ceremony that your guests will remember and talk about afterwards, rather than a ceremony that accomplished the task at hand. It’s not that I won’t do a “canned ceremony,” it is that I care about the sentiment that comes with starting a new life together. I make sure that our work together results in a script that is truly unique, truly reflective of your personalities and your story, and gives your guests a gift of inspiration, of laughter, and of joy for you. Since I know you want the best officiant who can understand who you “really are” I know you will choose the one who can meet your goals.

I can’t wait to speak to you, Warmly, Sandy