9 Mistakes to Avoid in Your Wedding Ceremony

Wedding ceremonies are becoming increasingly unique and personalized, and it’s important to avoid common mistakes to ensure a perfect day. Karla Firestone of Marry Me Karla in Boston, Massachusetts, explains: “It is not only the couple’s day, but it’s the start to their marriage and the beginning of their life together. If they want to forgo any of the traditional aspects of the wedding ceremony, I fully encourage and support them to; however, there is something to be said about staying true to certain dos and don’ts.” Here are the most common mistakes that officiants recommend avoiding:

1. Failing to Encourage Guests to Find Their Seats

Make sure that all guests are seated before starting the ceremony to avoid confusion and keep the positivity of the moment, according to Danielle VillaRamos of Once Upon a Vow in Brooklyn, New York.

2. Not Asking the Audience to Turn off Their Cell Phones

Request that everyone turn off their electronics, or consider having an ‘unplugged ceremony’ where guests are asked to silence their phones before entering, as Karla suggests. This reduces potential distractions and allows guests to remain present in the moment.

3. Not Preparing the Rings Ahead of Time

Make sure that all rings are checked, removed from excessive packaging, and polished before the ceremony. According to wedding officiant Eric Hunt of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, struggling to remove the price tag distracts from the meaning of the event.

4. Not Moving Out of the Way for the First Married Kiss

After the announcement, “you may now kiss your bride,” ensure that the couple receives the spotlight they deserve without having to worry about the officiant getting in the way, as Karla recommends.

5. Not Focusing the Ceremony on the Couple

The wedding ceremony should be personal and unique to the couple, with guests feeling as if they truly understand the individuals involved. Speaking with the officiant is essential to ensuring the ceremony is tailored to the couple in question.

6. Failing to Rehearse

Rehearsing the ceremony is essential to maintaining its uniqueness and personalization, according to Karla. Ensure that important names or themes are conveyed properly.

7. A Lecture-Based Ceremony

JP Reynolds, an officiant of non-denominational, interfaith, cross-cultural, and same-sex wedding ceremonies in Los Angeles, California, cautions against using the ceremony to give a presentation on the meaning of marriage. Reynolds instead recommends being the voice for the couple and the hopes and wishes in their hearts.

8. Failing to do a Mic Check

Make sure everyone can hear by testing the mic and establishing how the couple will hold and use it, whether it’s held by the officiant, pointed toward the couple, or held by the couple themselves. According to JP, relying on a faulty lapel mic may cause the bride’s voice to go unheard.

9. Failing to Make Eye Contact

It may be natural to look at the officiant, but couples should focus on each other to fully appreciate and celebrate the promises they’re making. Holding hands, gazing into each other’s eyes, and getting lost in the moment will help minimize distractions and make the ceremony truly magical, according to Eric.