Wedding Invitations

A priest, rabbi, or other religious leader may be your only choice as officiant for church-related and family reasons. Just be sure, when you meet, to communicate what you want and ask lots of questions.

If you or your fiancé does not know or has not grown up with the officant as a religious advisor, be sure that person is comfortable with him or her.

The more information you provide about your backgrounds, the history of your relationship, and your life’s dreams and aspirations, the more personal your officiant will be able to make your ceremony.

If you have an interfaith or intercultural ceremony—one with a priest and a rabbi, for example—be sure that they both contribute equally to the ceremony and that one is not more demonstrative than the other.

Some issues with regard to your religious beliefs may be sticky, so be clear and up front with your officiant regarding how you want the religious aspects of your ceremony to be handled.

Sometimes a religious leader or judge who is also a close family friend is asked to conduct your ceremony. Often they will refuse to charge you a fee, or the subject of payment will be awkward to discuss. Be sure to give them a personal gift, write a special thank you note, and perhaps donate to their house or worship or other meaningful charity in their name in lieu of monetary compensation.