Monthly Archives: March 2020

Weddings in the Time of COVID-19

 in Ceremony / Weddings  tagged COVID-19 / wedding / wedding ceremony / wedding planning / weddings by

Weddings in the time of COVID-19 are a new concept for all of us. The world has changed drastically in the last few weeks, and no one knows exactly when it will return to “normal”. Couples planning for 2020 weddings are struggling to decide what to do. And there aren’t easy answers.

Couples who have their marriage license in hand might consider having a simple certificate signing with only witnesses and the celebrant present, to be followed by the celebration of the marriage at a later date. I performed a simple certificate signing just yesterday for a couple who had been planning a ceremony next month in another state. We practiced social distancing, passed on handshakes upon meeting, and each used our own pens to sign the license. When it is safe again to gather, they will travel to the location close to family and friends to celebrate the marriage.

For couples with ceremonies booked with me, I am happy to reschedule with you to another available date within a year of your original date. Just contact me and we’ll make the changes. If your ceremony is planned for later in the year, we’ll continue to work on your ceremony until you tell me that it is going to be moved to a later date.

Weddings in the time of COVID-19 became even more difficult for local couples today with the temporary closing of the office that grants marriage licenses. Even a small certificate signing ceremony requires the official paperwork to make the marriage legal.

If you are in the early stages of wedding planning and are looking for a celebrant to work with, we can still move forward. Initial consultation meetings can be held via Skype and communications handled via email or phone. Please reach out to me and I’ll be happy to schedule time with you to discuss your ceremony wishes.

As we all figure out how to deal with weddings in the time of COVID-19, remember that weddings are about love. Lean on the love you have to help ground you in these challenging times, and together we’ll look forward to the days when we’ll be able to gather with loved ones to celebrate your love, your commitment and the beginning of your married life. In the meantime – stay calm and stay well.

Wedding Roles for Children

 in Ceremony / Weddings  tagged children in weddings / wedding / wedding ceremony / weddings by

Wedding roles for children are varied, but it’s important to select the role that fits the child or children. Traditional role for children are as flower girl and ring bearer, but you’re really only limited by your creativity and the children themselves.

For those selecting the traditional roles, consider your child’s age and temperament. Children younger than four often balk at the last minute. You’ll want to have a parent or caregiver with the child at the back of the aisle in case they need to be whisked away. Another friendly face at the front of the ceremony space can help a shy or overwhelmed child make it down the aisle to the safety of those loving arms. The key word if you’re going to have very young children in your processional is flexibility. Not theirs, but yours. As long as you understand that everything may not live up to your vision of perfectly spread flower petals on the aisle, little ones can be adorable and may even steal the show.

Beyond the traditional roles, older children can offer a simple reading, or hand out ceremony programs, or participate in a family unity ritual. It’s fine for you to make promises/vows to your children in a blended family situation, but I suggest you don’t ask the children to speak unless they really want to. It’s important to be respectful of conflicted feelings the children may have as this new family unit is formed.

Adult children may walk you down the aisle, stand with you as best man or maid of honor, offer a reading or participate in a family unity ritual. Even as adults, they may have complicated feelings about your marriage, so make sure you speak with them ahead of time and let them set the level of involvement that is right for them.

Wedding roles for children should always take their personalities and preferences into account. You want your ceremony to be a happy time where everyone is comfortable and able to celebrate with you.