The majority of your wedding planning will focus on your wedding reception, but it is important not to forget that your wedding ceremony will also need a certain amount of planning too. The ceremony really is the most important part of the day it is the entire reason for the party that follows so you should give it equal consideration.

After you have found a potential ceremony venue you should arrange to meet with the officiant who will conduct the ceremony to discuss any pre wedding requirements, what will happen during the ceremony and other things such as music, readings, vows, prayers and hymns.

This meeting is important, not only will it enlighten you to what is required and what will happen, but it is also you introduction to the officiant who will marry you. This is your time to discover if the officiant is open to your ideas for your wedding and if you feel comfortable with them and ultimately work with them.

When you attend this meeting for the first there are some important questions you should consider asking. Firstly you should find out if there are any requirements for you to marry at that particular venue. Some officiants may require you to attend services on a regular basis, others may want you to have been christened or baptized there.

Next you need to know how much your wedding ceremony will cost. Ask if they have a fixed fee structure or if a donation is required to the church fund. At some places you may also be expected to leave any floral arrangements and decorations in place for the venue to use in the future.

Find out how much you can personalize the ceremony with your own music, hymn choices, prayers and if you can write your own vows. It is important also to run any changes or additions to the service past the officiant first. Some may be more than to happy accommodate your choices, whilst others will be less so. Remember that for a civil service your choice of music should have no religious overtones.

Other things to consider and ask of your officiant are if they will be delivering a sermon or speech on your wedding day and if you can see it before hand. Find out what they will be wearing also. Ask about any site restrictions such as photography, filming and more commonly confetti.

Depending on your wedding date the venue may already be decorated, for example at Easter or Christmas. Ask about decorating the venue yourselves and find out what will be provided to you, e.g. is there a PA system in place, will there be an organist or choir.

Finally ask about arrangements for the wedding rehearsal and when you will be able to do it. You should also ask about your marriage license, you may need to bring it with you on your wedding day or they may sign it before.

It is important that your officiant can inject the right kind of atmosphere into your ceremony, according to what you want of course. You will find some officiants who are very formal and solemn in their approach whilst others take a less formal approach and will inject some humor into the ceremony.

If the officiant is unknown to you it is important to consider how you get along with them. Do you like their style or approach will you enjoy working with them? It is also important to remember that they will be performing the most important part of your day and having an officiant whom you trust can help calm your nerves and keep you both relaxed. A good officiant will also be able to offer you guidance and advice in both spiritual and non spiritual matters.