Post Consult - How To Choose The Right Vendor

Now that you've met with your vendors and have collected all the quotes, how do you make the right decision? First, see if the vendor addressed all your needs and included everything you discussed. If they missed a big chunk of what you talked about - red flag. Their lack of attention to detail will most likely reflect on the rest of the planning process and you don't need to add anything else to your checklist.

Reviewing the quote closely is also important - a few things to watch out for:

• Delivery cost vs product cost: different companies price out their services differently. Some have higher delivery costs, but lower pricing and vice versa. Make sure you're comparing apples to apples.
• Additional fee: ask about what services the quote doesn't cover. For example, some florists might charge you to move décor from ceremony to reception. A caterer might charge a cake cutting or champagne pour fee. A vendor might look like an amazing deal but they might be hiding fees that will be tacked on to your final invoice.
• Negotiable Items: if you really like a vendor, but find that they are coming slightly over budget, don't be afraid to discuss what can be done to adjust the quote. Make it clear you want to work with them - most vendors will appreciate this and be super receptive. Also, remember that great talent is worth the money - like 'em, book 'em.
• Gut Feeling: if you clicked with a vendor and your gut is telling you that it's the right fit, book. Having a connection with a vendor will go a long ways. They will work extra hard to make sure your day is amazing and worry free.

And one final note - don't wait to book vendors you really want. If you want them, the chances are others do as well.

Image: Nancy Anderson Photography

Wedding Wednesday - Getting Ordained in the DMV

Having a friend or family member officiate your wedding is an awesome way to make your wedding unique and unbelievably special. Couples often choose to have a friend or family officiate their wedding because they have different religious affiliations, no religious affiliation whatsoever, or just because it’s kind of a neat thing to do. Make sure that the person you ask to officiate is a good public speaker, and is just as excited as you are to have him/her take part in your wedding, as it will be up to you and your officiant to write and construct the ceremony.

If your intended officiant is not already ordained, then they will need to become so (obviously!). Via the internet is by and far the quickest and easiest way. Take heed, even with the many websites out there, becoming ordained online can be a project in itself, and many states have varying requirements for an individual to legally be able to perform a wedding ceremony. Do you your homework, and make sure you have all of your ducks in a row well in advance of your wedding date. We’ve gone ahead and done some of the legwork for you!

Some top sites for becoming ordained online are listed here. The costs differ depending upon the length of the license or ordination package. The length of time it takes to become ordained varies from site to site, as well. Some are instant, while
others may take several weeks.

Universal Life Church Monestary http://www.themonastery.org/
American Fellowship Church http://www.amfellow.org/
Rose Ministries http://openordination.org/

Before getting ordained it is crucial to confirm your state’s requirements for performing a wedding ceremony. Each jurisdiction is different. Here are some of the requirements for officiating a wedding in our area:

DC
In the District of Columbia, any ordained minister can perform a wedding ceremony, but they must first have approval from a superior court judge. The application must include an endorsement from someone within the same religious society already authorized to perform marriages in DC. If there is no endorser, additional documents must be submitted with the application. For a list of the required documents go to http://www.dccourts.gov/internet/documents/register_clergy.pdf

Officiant Application Fee is $3500
No resident requirements
No expiration date

If the officiant is not ordained, and has no plans to officiate any other weddings in the future other than yours, then an Application for Temporary Authorization to Celebrate Marriage can be filed. This gives an individual temporary status as a civil celebrant to perform one wedding only.

Temp. Auth. to Celebrate Marriage Application Fee is $2500
No resident requirements
You can contact the DC Marriage Bureau at (202) 879-4847 with any questions or go to http://www.dccourts.gov/internet/public/aud_marriage/marriage.jsf for copies of both applications and requirements.

MD
In the State of Maryland, a marriage ceremony may be performed by “any official of a religious order authorized by the rules and customs of that order or body”. This means that as long as an individual has been ordained they can perform a wedding ceremony. No applications to the state or county are required. Although, they may at times be required to show proof or credentials. Easy peasy.

VA
In Virginia, it is much more difficult for a minister ordained online to officiate a wedding in the Commonwealth of Virginia, but one can try!

All ordained ministers must complete registration at the County Clerk’s office and be approved by the Circuit Court. There are no resident requirements and certification is for life. The needed forms and registration fees can vary by county, as can the processing time. The average turn time in this area is approx 10 days. Please note that officiants ordained online often do not get approved. Be sure to
register well in advance of your wedding date, in case you need to go with a plan B.

It doesn’t hurt to check with the County Clerk’s office for alternative options. Fairfax County, for instance, offers a “One Time Civil Ceremony Authorization” to Fairfax County Residents for a hefty $500 + filing fees.


Good luck!

Upgraded Buffets - A Tip for Your Wedding Planning

Buffet or sit-down dinner? Does this question sound familiar? If you are at the beginning stages of planning your wedding this is something you are thinking about. There are many things to take into account - cost, food selection, flow of the event, etc. Many of you have probably considered buffets because of how much variety you can provide your guests, not to mention the cost savings of avoiding a plated dinner. But, at the same time, many of you shy away from this option because you don't want your guests carrying their own plates and you were envisioning a more elegant affair. Well, we have a solution for you - why not have a waiters waiting at the end of the buffet to escort your guests to their table AND carry their plates for them. This option allows your guest the variety and provides a touch of elegance! Voila - an upgraded buffet.