Invites to Wedding Insights Blog

How to get more done without going crazy Engaged couples, wedding stress is always in the room with you when this could be an awesome time for connection and excitement. Correct me if I’m wrong, but you face some unique stresses in a day and age when stress is high anyway. You have an extra set of details, decisions, and emotions to  manage even if you have one of our fabulous event planners from the Traverse City area organizing on your behalf.   But all is not lost.    Stress we collectively endure Expert copywriter, Stephanie Fleming of Ready to… Read More »

The trend is simple ceremonies “We just want something short and simple,” is the answer to my question, “What type of ceremony are you looking for?” I receive more often these days. There’s nothing wrong with simplicity, even if it’s motivated by being shy, nervous or linking the concept of simple to affordable. What my task is as an officiant is to understand and define what simple means to you, so that short, sweet, simple, or to the point, doesn’t devolve into boring.     Consider these three points People come from far away to not only celebrate, but also… Read More »

Bad weather can be a real joy killer for the long awaited outdoor wedding. That’s why one month before the ceremony, I bet 95% of all couples begin to check their weather app every hour. Because “Let’s move the ceremony inside” due to bad weather is the last thing any couple wants to say, especially if you’re paying a hefty fee for your venue’s outdoor view.   One of my personal favorite locations has a chairlift and requires two mechanics at the bottom and the top of the lift. Getting to the site is a unique experience that is nothing… Read More »

Spirit-oriented Wedding Ceremony What does it mean to have a Spirit-oriented wedding ceremony?   Is there a difference between Spirit-oriented and a religious wedding ceremony?   Examining the difference Spirit-oriented wedding ceremonies embrace the personal relationship a couple has with nature, or a mystical power. Jesus, Father, and Lord are replaced by the words Spirit, Creator, Infinite Intelligence, Father/Mother God, or Universe.   When someone tells me they are Spirit-oriented, I know they mean their relationship between their being and Spirit is personal, and there’s no pre-determined behavior that is expected. They can be casual or more formal. The ceremony… Read More »

Can an officiant create a magical wedding ceremony? Some couples have planned their wedding day since childhood. They imagine the dress, the rings, the tears, the kiss that seals their vows.   Then there’s the party. They see their friends and family dancing, having a great time, the taste of wonderful food, and making connections after years of separation. All these can bring on a powerful sense of satisfaction. IF only on the actual day those dreams come true, the couple can even remember what happened. Enter the blur Because for many couples their wedding day is a blur. Those… Read More »

Stringing the Pearls — an interactive ceremony Stringing the Pearls is an interactive ceremony that invites your couple’s attendants to affirm the partners best qualities. Being shown how much they’re supported by others is a great addition to any wedding ceremony.        Easy to do This ceremony is so easy to do — just a bit of preplanning is necessary to make it happen. Send this link so attendants can see how it’s done. Give Stringing the Pearls a try and let me know how it goes for you and your couple!     We can help you… Read More »

Here’s a new kind of introduction I’d like to use in 2022. Since it’s your wedding, I’d love to have your opinion! I’ve amended this introduction from the original author (see below) who is wonderfully humorous. Primarily this introduction lets people know your ceremony is NOT going to be canned, but unique. When we have our planning meeting share with me if this is a go for you or not. Yes is a valid answer. No is a valid answer. Sound reasonable? Officiant introduction  Greetings everyone! Congratulations on making the guest list! My name is Rev. Crystal Yarlott and I love… Read More »

Your Short and Simple Ceremony   Besides being asked what my fee is to officiate a wedding, the second comment I receive most is, “I just want a short and simple ceremony.” Which leads me to ask, “What do you mean by short and simple?”   Defining sweet, short and simple Wedding ceremonies for someone who comes from a traditional background, short and sweet could mean one hour and lots of references to Lord. That’s because traditionally led wedding ceremonies can last several hours and are sometimes designed to be testimonials to a particular theology. For the people who spend… Read More »

Add meaning to your wedding ritual with a Special Ceremony   Have you considered adding a special ceremony to your wedding ritual? A special ceremony is a process or segment that further symbolizes or adds meaning to the wedding address and sharing of your vows. If you haven’t considered this yet, for the next five posts, you’ll find a series of special ceremonies to contemplate adding to your ceremony.   A special ceremony by other names You may have heard the Wine Box ceremony also referred to as the Time Capsule, Emergency or Anniversary Box Ceremony. Each has a little… Read More »

Time is one of your most valuable possessions, yes? Everybody on the planet has things to do and planning your wedding is one of those to do’s you most likely must participate in.   Un-canned must be planned If you want a ceremony that’s not canned, then your officiant has to find out what’s important to you, what preferences you have and present you with some options to choose from. Some of your precious time will need to be devoted to the wedding planning meeting.  But how much time?   Exchanging Vows Only Does NOT a Ceremony Make If you’re… Read More »