The Role of a Wedding Planner Versus That of a Wedding Officiant

Perhaps, like many people, you have a Pinterest board (or more) filled with ideas for your wedding. I've heard of women who have been saving ideas since they were teenagers, updating the look over time as their tastes mature and change. On the other hand, maybe you've never given it much though. However much or little you may have in mind already for your wedding day, it can become overwhelming very quickly to put those ideas into practice, especially when you don't know all the right vendors and have a budget it mind. This is where a wedding planner comes in, and please note that this is not the same role as that of wedding officiant. 

Wedding planners assist clients with all aspects of planning, from logistics to vendor management to schedule and more. A good wedding planner will help you sort out your ideas, tell you what works and what doesn't, and will help you each step of the way. It's best to involve a wedding planner, also sometimes known as a bridal consultant, as early as possible to avoid common mistakes. Having a wedding planner takes a lot of stress out of the journey to the altar. 

A wedding officiant, on the other hand, is the professional who will help you craft the ceremony itself, giving you options for the script and guiding you through the 'main event.' This is a role that many couples are choosing to have a friend or family member handle, and that can be a good option if you know exactly what you want, and the loved one officiating is someone who is a good public speaker. It is simple enough to get someone ordained through American Marriage Ministries or the Universal Life Church.

The down side to a friend or family member as your officiant is that a lot rides on them, and the stress can put a strain on them and perhaps your relationship with them. An experienced, qualified professional is a better option because, like the wedding planner, that person will take away some of the stress and allow you to simply focus on your day and the person you love. 

If you are looking for a wedding planner, The Knot and Wedding Wire both have lists of planners with reviews. As for the officiant, I am available in the state of New Jersey to help with that. I bring to the table the experience you want, and I am endorsed by The Humanist Society.  Contact me and we can set up a preliminary phone conversation. I look forward to working with you!