Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/171645
Throwing the biggest party of your lives takes a lot of work and decision making. I Now Pronounce You Marriage Officiant or Commissioner? Both are licensed by Vital Statistics to marry you. A Marriage Officiant generally performs a more personal, and if desired, faith-integrated ceremony, while a Marriage Commissioner conducts civil ceremonies. Some non-denominational venues offer their own officiants or you can search for one on your own, by area, at www.vs.gov.bc.ca. The fee is $75 plus tax, rehearsal fees and mileage. It's important to meet your officiant well before the big day. "If you like your officiant and connect on a personal level, that is a good indicator that they are the one for you," say Shawn and Erica Miller of Young, Hip, & Married, a company that offers pre-marital counseling and the services of wedding officiants. Book your officiant as soon as you've secured your ceremony venue. This allows adequate time for your officiant to get to know you and prepare a ceremony that is meaningful and personal. Aisle Style Ideally, the same decor should run through your ceremony and reception. Confirm what time you can begin decorating the ceremony venue and make sure your decorating team has enough time to get the job done. To reduce costs, ask your decorator if you can move and reuse elements from the ceremony for the reception. Big, Shiny Tunes Make It Legal Remember to pick up and apply for your marriage license one-to-two months prior to your wedding. These are available in-person at most independent insurance outlets and at London Drugs' insurance counters for $100. Bring it to your ceremony rehearsal for your officiant to complete. Music plays a prominent role in the feel of your day. Live music runs the gamut from string ensembles to Jamaican steel drum bands to DJ/Musician collaborations. Book your musicians as early as possible as you will need time for consultations. Ask your venue about its sound system. Whether live or recorded music, you may need amplification and you, your officiant, and those doing readings may need microphones. If these are not available through your venue, you can rent them from an audio/video supply company like ProVision Rentals in Vancouver. Chance of Rain If you're getting married outdoors, have a Plan B in case of inclement weather. Some venues have options ready while at other locations—such as public parks—it's up to you to have a contingency plan. www. r e al we d d i n g s . ca RW21_part 1.indd 23 23 9/19/11 2:59:14 PM