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Other Considerations
Ceremony Length
The typical ceremony ranges from about 15 to 25 minutes, depending upon what you choose to have in your own ceremony. We have found that if a ceremony (not including processional and recessional time) lasts less than 10 - 12 minutes, guests may feel that it was not a full ceremony, but if the ceremony lasts 25 minutes or longer, guests begin to lose attention. About 15 - 20 minutes seems to be an optimum length.
Outdoor Weddings
Many of my ceremonies are outdoors. These locations bring with them complexities that must be thought through. Many things appropriate to indoors are not suitable outdoors. Candles will blow out. Flower arrangements will blow over. Violins, cellos, and harps are susceptible to dampness. Electronic devices may need power or may short out in rain. Aisle runners will bunch up on grass, billow in the breeze, and be a general nuisance and tripping hazard. Spring and Fall ceremonies are subject to cold weather. MId-summer weddings are subject to heat, thunderstorms, and hail. (Yes, many of these things have happened to me). Provide fans, water bottles, towels, and extra umbrellas for the guests and participants, as appropriate. Staging areas may be far apart, requiring cell phones to coordinate entrances. Parks may be difficult for wheel chairs. Ushers may be needed to advise guests where to sit or stand. Passers-by may come. Yes, your dress may get grass stains! Advise guests in the invitation about the possible conditions and let them know how long a walk it is from the parking lot to the site. Give good directions. Be very clear about alternate locations in case of severe weather. Decide early who will make the decision to relocate and how soon before the ceremony the decision must be made. Be prepared to provide signs telling the guests where to go. Call the celebrant, musicians, florist, photographer, etc., as soon as possible regarding relocation.
Counseling
I do not do any “counseling.” My position is that of Celebrant and I have no training in pre-marital counseling. If you feel the need for counseling at this very stressful time, there are many family counseling services available. I do have extensive experience in assisting couples to create meaningful and personal ceremonies. My couples are typically very mature and have considered their choice to marry very strongly.
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