2. Ring Bearers will find a way to lose the rings so be sure to give them fake ones while the best man and matron of honor hold the real ones.

3. If the ring bearer and flower girl stand with party during ceremony, they will “steal the show” literally. Have a parent sit with them during ceremony.

4. Don’t forget the marriage license! You will have 5 days to send it after the ceremony or the wedding is null and void.

5. Those who miss or are late to the rehearsal will make mistakes on wedding day. Have everyone get there early. Make sure DJ has the music you would like.

6. Biggest regret of married couples: they forgot to have someone video tape the wedding. You don’t need a professional, just someone with a camcorder.

7. Have alternative plans if it rains!

8. If you say your own vows, bring a “cheat sheet.” People fear public speaking more than death.

9. Have people you would have wanted in the wedding party but couldn’t for whatever reason, do a reading or poem during ceremony.

10. Remember the main part of the day is not the frills and the wardrobes; the lifetime commitment you make is why the celebration is taking place.

2. The length of the average ceremony is 25 minutes. Most couples prefer a shorter ceremony, but not too short.

3. Couples prefer traditional vows, traditional music, a unity candle, a reading from Scripture or a poem, and the conclusion: “You may now kiss the bride”

4. 50% of weddings have a parent as the best man or matron of honor.

5. Average wedding party consists of 3 men, 3 women (not including couple), a flower girl and a ring-bearer.

6. 95% of couples prefer the officiant to read the vows rather than recite their own vows.

7. Bride is nervous something will go wrong.

8. It’s extremely rare that something goes wrong.

9. Average amount of words said by bride and groom is 40 (repeating vows and saying “I do”)

10. Typical response from family and friends: “Beautiful Ceremony”

Use the “Contact” link on our website to fill out all the information you can concerning your wedding and one of the officiants will be in contact with you soon after, usually the same day you fill out the information. If you like, we can set up a consultation with you where we can talk in depth about your ceremony.

What qualifications do you have?

All of our wedding officiants are fully licensed. They are very experienced and have consistently proved themselves to be the finest officiants around. We guarantee your absolute satisfaction. Both Rev. David and Rev. Elliott have Master’s degrees in Ministry and are licensed by the State of New York.

What happens if you cannot perform my ceremony due to an emergency?

Once we have agreed to perform your ceremony, we consider this a very sacred trust. When one of our officiants is unable to perform the ceremony, we will defer to the other officiant who has the same experience and quality as the other. To date, we have never had an emergency situation prevent us from officiating a wedding. The bottom line is that if you book one of us for your wedding, you will get a beautiful, memorable wedding that you and your family will remember fondly for years to come.

What do you wear during the ceremony?

We generally wear a suit but we can change our attire to suit your preferences. Regarding appearances and every aspect of your ceremony, we strive to make the wedding a joyous occasion and not cause any offense to any guest or to even the bridal couple themselves. Just tell us what is important to you and you will get exactly what you want.

How long is the ceremony?

Most ceremonies are between 20-30 minutes, depending on what the couple wants to include in the ceremony. The length of the ceremony is totally up to you. It should be only as long as you want it to be. The length depends on many variables including: will someone read a poem or sing; how many people in the bridal party processing in and out etc. You are not charged based on the length of your ceremony.

What is your fee?

Check out our link “Packages” You will find our prices are some of the best in Western N.Y.

What about our marriage license?

Here is a website that provides information for all states of the U.S., and also provides a list of the county offices where you can go to apply for your license: www.usmarriagelaws.com.

What types of ceremonies do you perform?

We have done almost every kind of ceremony that you can think of: Traditional, contemporary, non-denominational, second marriages, vow renewals and more. We will customize your wedding to be exactly what you want it to be. You will not be disappointed.

Where do you perform ceremonies?

We are willing to travel anywhere. No matter where you wedding is, we can help you have a great ceremony. We can officate weddings wherever you are getting married, including churches, reception halls, parks, outdoors, or even at your home. Most of the time, the ceremony is held right at the reception site.

Do you know any outdoor sites for a wedding ceremony?

Yes. Over the years we have performed many ceremonies in parks, gardens, town gazebos, and river and ocean fronts. We would be happy to recommend some of our favorite sites depending on the size of the wedding and the location relative to where the guests are coming from. Since it is impossible to predict the weather, we recommend that an alternate place be picked in case of inclement weather on the wedding day. The invitations should specify the outdoor location and the alternate location in case of rain.

What other services do you provide?

We are ordained ministers that offer a full spectrum of ministerial services such as:

• Counseling
• Vow Renewals
• Commitment Ceremonies
• Speaking Engagements

Do you require premarital counseling?

No, we do not require premarital counseling. You and your partner are adults and your choices in such matters are strictly your own. However, we offer premarital counseling and if you would like suggestions or advice for pre-marital counseling, we are happy to provide resources and help you any way we can. An extra fee will be required for those who desire this.

Is a rehearsal necessary?

Couples have different feelings on this issue. Most couples find that a rehearsal is not necessary as long as the minister/officiant is experienced, knowledgeable and prepared (which, of course, we are). Other couples choose to rehearse. Another option that the couple chooses if they are intent on a rehearsal is to do a short rehearsal a half-hour before the ceremony begins. To add to your comfort level, consider the following:

• We make sure we arrive early to the wedding site, usually 30 minutes before the wedding begins, so that we can go over anything which needs to be addressed.
• We have the entire wedding script in front of us during the wedding ceremony, all of which you pre-approve weeks or months in advance so that there are no last minute surprises.
• We do over 400 weddings a year so we get plenty of rehearsal officiating in front of a live audience.
• Keep in mind that we have never had an unhappy wedding couple. We put our heart and soul into each wedding ceremony and personally make it our highest priority to make each one great.
• We can assure you that you and your guests will absolutely love the wedding ceremony. We totally guarantee it.

Is it proper to tip the minister/officiant?

Though it is not necessary to tip the minister/officiant, if you feel you have received wonderful service and an amazing ceremony and wish to express your gratitude, feel free to do so.

Do you require a deposit?

Since we have several couples wanting to reserve the same date; we do require a non-refundable $100 fee. (Please note that your wedding date is reserved only upon the receiving of the deposit)

What methods of payment do you accept?

We accept cash or personal check.