It’s your wedding week!
Here is some last advice I have for your ceremony as your date approaches.
You can also re-review the information from the Process Overview and 90 Day Out pages about marriage licenses, final payment and more. There is also a list of helpful resources on the Client Portal main page.
Take a Deep Breath!
I know it sounds crazy, but this final stretch should really be a time to relax and take in all of your hard work. I do have a few things to share for you.
The most important thing is that you feel comfortable around each other. Spend a lot of time this week holding hands and looking at each other. It sounds strange… but it works! One of my jobs during the ceremony is to be a conduit for your energy and love and the more in tune you are with each other both physically and emotionally, the more you will enjoy your ceremony.
If you are nervous about being the center of attention, I will tell you now what I am going to tell you on your wedding day. Focus on each other, listen to me and don’t lock your knees! LOL!
Confirm Your Details
When I sent you the ceremony, I sent you information about when and where we would arrive. You do not need to reply, but please make sure that we have all the correct information, especially if you made changes.
Also, if you are working with a partner officiant, he or she should have emailed you their contact information and a hello. Please make sure you have that contact information for the day of your ceremony.
Things Not To Forget!
Don’t forget your marriage license or rings! Also, you will need your ritual materials if your ceremony contains rituals. If you are having a park elopement, I can provide a small portable ritual table. Please make sure that you have requested it.
If you do forget your marriage license and you need to schedule another time to meet an officiant to sign it, there is a $75 fee, per our contract.
Your Hands
You can do whatever like with your hands during the ceremony. Most couples hold hands. Many who choose not to at the beginning end up reaching out to each other by the end of the ceremony. You should do whatever makes you comfortable! If you face one another, and hold hands, you have what I like to refer to as an “anchor”. A focal point, a brace, a sense of center. You also won’t end up with pics of just the back of your head!
Your Rings
We talked about rings during the 90-day update. If you have a wedding (bridal) party, I’ll ask for the rings when we get to that part of the ceremony. If you are having a couples-only ceremony, you can each hold each other’s ring, and I’ll hold the bouquet when you need your hands free.
Fun fact: For most of you, your rings will feel very tight when you go to put them on each other. It is very humid in Savannah GA year-round, even if it is a day where it does not feel that way. It is a universal experience couples who marry here will share. Please don’t think your rings don’t fit because you indulged in way too much shrimp and grits during your visit here!
Escort Notes
If you are being escorted down the aisle, I have some notes for you.
Unless you indicate otherwise, when you arrive at the altar, I’ll ask who gives their blessing for this marriage to your escort.
First, I recommend telling your escort(s) what you’d like them to say. It depends on family and culture, but “I Do, “We Do,” and “Her Mother and I Do” are most common.
Second, let your escort(s) know what you’d like them to do when they leave your side. The most typical is to have the escort kiss the bride’s cheek and shake the partner’s hand before they go to their seat. If you are more traditional, the escort can also place the bride’s hand in the partner’s.
If you are working with a wedding planner, he or she may strongly recommend the placing of the bride’s hand with her partner because this is Southern tradition. You do not need to do this unless that is how you want this to happen.
If you have hired your officiant to attend your rehearsal, we will practice this.
In my experience, escorts- especially dads- get really nervous, more than the couple!
Planning for a Prompt Ceremony
Your officiant will arrive well before the ceremony start time to answer any last questions you may have and make you feel comfortable. Because of the nature of our job, we often attend multiple ceremonies per day, though we space them out so there is plenty of travel time in between. However, if your ceremony starts really, really, really late, we cannot guarantee that we can stay to officiate your ceremony and there are no refunds, per our contract. There is also a $50 rebooking fee.
If you have family or guests that you know tend to be late, you may want to give them an earlier start time. You know your people best.
Rain Plans
Sometimes the weather does not go as planned. In case of rain or storm conditions, we will plan that week and day for back-up plans. Except for Hurricane Matthew when we were evacuated, I have never had a wedding rained out.
Notes for The Popup Elopement Package and the Savannah Elopement Packages (Ceremony + Photo Packages) Only
How You’ll Get Your Photos
Your photographer will email your digital gallery directly to you in 14 business days for SEE (Savannah Elopement Experience) and POP (Pop-up Elopement) or 21 business days for IDW (Intimate Destination Wedding).
Guests
If you have more than 5 guests for the Savannah Elopement Experience, you will pay your guest surcharge(s) as part of your final payment unless you have selected an extra hour of photography. The fee for the extra hour is paid directly to your Photographer.
Photos with your guests can take much of your precious photo time. It will go more quickly if you have a specific list of individual family and guests shots you’d like before we take you on your newlywed walk. Your photographer can use your list to arrange people for those photos. Examples may include bride with specific family members, groom with his family members, and then bride + groom with each family.
You should also have somewhere to direct your guests after we conduct the ceremony as it will only be the two of you for your newlywed walk. If you need ideas other than their hotel, let us know!
As a reminder, the Popup Elopement Package does not allow for any guests over 5, no exceptions. You can ask your photographer to take a group shot of you and all your guests if you’d like.
We can’t wait to see you on your wedding day!