Oops... We forgot the minister!

On several occasions I have received panic calls from brides who breathlessly ask if I would officiate their wedding that coming weekend. When I ask them why they waited so long I was told what with dealing with the gowns, the photographer, the florist, the seating arrangements, the service just ‘slipped their minds’. Most of the time I could not assist in their request because each service I conduct is unique to the couple and that takes time.

I remember vividly a young man who was frantic and begged me to officiate. He said he would bring his fiancee to my office and do everything right there. They arrived and we started to discuss the options, the readings and so on. In the middle of this, he asked my fee. When I told him, he stood up, grabbed his fiancee’s hand and said – the ceremony only takes 20 minutes. We think $25 is enough for that. Off they went. These people had arranged everything other than a minister at a resort hotel which must have cost at least $100,000. Need I say more.

On my brochure it clearly states, Don’t Forget the Minister! I believe it is the most important part of the wedding. So many people overlook that in the excitement of the glamour. The weddings I have performed with one or two exceptions, have not lost time in asking for my involvement and once to my utter joy, when I told them my fee they said the words that will ring in my ears forever….IS THAT ALL? Bliss.

I could write a book on weddings and perhaps I will. Some have been hilarious, magnificent, weird and wonderfully creative. It is important for couples to know, be they same sex or heterosexual that the beauty of the event starts with the spirit of the union. Funny thing – I never had any challenges with gay weddings. Got to be a message there somewhere!.