Having your friend officiate your wedding may seem like a perfect plan, but there are some things that should be considered. While it can be a great way to include your best friend in the most important day of your life, you need to make sure he or she can make your marriage legal. In order to do this, the person must be ordained. Thankfully, getting ordained can be easier than you might think. There are some places online where you simply have to fill out a form with your proper contact information, and the organization will mail or email you a copy of your license. However, it's important to remember to check with your county clerk's office to make sure the ordination applies to your state. Even then, rules can vary depending on the city or county you live in. If you are sure your friend is ordained and able to legally marry you and your future spouse, then having your friend officiate your wedding can offer several benefits.
Save Money
This probably isn't the true reason you want your friend to officiate your wedding, but let's face it: weddings aren't cheap. Anywhere you can save your money can be a plus. Your friend will likely be so honored to officiate your wedding that he or she won't charge you anything at all. Of course, if you desire, you can offer some compensation, but the person will likely see the service as a wedding gift to you. Saving money is always a plus when it comes to wedding planning. You can then apply the money to other things, such as:
- Your wedding photographer
- Your dress or tux
- Your honeymoon
Don't use this as a sole reason for asking someone you know to officiate your wedding, but know that it can be a huge benefit for you financially.
A Personal Officiant
Having a pastor or someone else you don't know well officiate your wedding is a nice option, but it often means the wedding won't be too personal. After all, how can someone you barely know at all share anything about your personality, your quirks, or your relationship? The truth is, a pastor or minister can try all he or she wants, but the service isn't going to be the same as if you had your best friend performing it. Your friend has likely known you for a long time, so he or she will be able to make the ceremony much more personal. It's even better if he or she has known you since before you were in a relationship. If you want a personalized wedding, then having someone you know well perform the ceremony may be the way to go.
Honor the Person
Your friend will likely feel very honored if you ask that person to officiate your wedding. This can be a great way to show how much you appreciate him or her. Perhaps the person was the one who got the two of you together in the first place. Maybe he or she was there for you when you and your significant other were in the middle of your first fight. No matter what, if this person has been an important part of your life and a helpful shoulder to lean on during the rough times in your relationship, then asking him or her to officiate the ceremony may be perfect.
No Pressure
While asking someone to officiate your ceremony may seem like an honorable thing, there is a chance the person doesn't feel comfortable doing it. It might be because he or she has a hard time speaking in front of crowds, or perhaps because the person is nervous he or she will mess something up. Because of this, it is important to inform your friend that there is no pressure to say yes, and don't let any hesitation or refusal affect your relationship.
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