We hope www.heyrev.com answers all the questions you have.
Here are a few specific questions and answers.
WHAT WILL YOU WEAR?
BRENT: I usually wear a black suit and tie. If you like I have an Anglican-style robe and a really nice Bathrobe with little ducks on the lapel! If you are thinking casual, no problem!
TRACY: I too wear a nice, black suit with either trousers or skirt. And, casual is no problem
EVER DONE A THEME WEDDING?
Yes we have, they are lots of fun. Scottish, Celtic, 1920’s, Gangster, etc.
BRENT: I was invited to participate in a Star Wars wedding dressed up like Obee Wan Kinobe, the Jedi master. (I really wanted to be Han Solo tho’!) It was was great fun!
TRACY: I wanted him to be Han Solo too!!! Wink Wink!!!
CAN WE WRITE OUR OWN VOWS?
Absolutely. It’s important that you feel good about the words you will share.
From a legal/ethics standpoint the vows need to be your "declaration of commitment" and we suggest you keep them down to about 10-12 lines. If they are written as a love letter we simply have you read/recite them to each other after a short formal vow.
IS PHOTOGRAPHY OKAY DURING THE CEREMONY?
You betcha! We have no problem whatsoever. It’s your day!
The videographer and photographer have an important role in recording this important event for you. Sadly, there are many officiates who do not allow photography.
BRENT: One Photographer even found my good side..
TRACY: I was amazed!
WHAT ABOUT KIDS AND/OR SMALL ANIMALS?
Love ‘em. We have two kids, 2 dogs and 2 cats. Kids teach us about innocence and spontaneity. Animals teach us about unconditional love. Many people involve pets in the ceremony these days.
TRACY: I recently had the rings brought to me by a Rottweiller. I stood very still that day!
BRENT: I had a 4 year old ring bearer kick me in the shins during his Dad’s Vows! I don’t cry at weddings...I did that day!
DO YOU STAY FOR THE RECEPTION?
Thank you for asking. We do get invited quite often and always consider it an honor. If we can stay we will, but, usually have another commitment to attend to (eg Family/Chaplaincy). Besides we eat a lot, just think of the money you’ll save!
DO YOU HELP WITH THE REHEARSAL?
Sure! A lot of officiates won’t. We like an opportunity to meet everyone so we are not just some stranger showing up on the wedding day in a suit. It also allows us to get a sense of your expectations, the venue, the people involved. And in the event of a Rehearsal schedule conflict we encourage you to go with what works for your Bridal Party, and then we will meet to get the paperwork and talk/walk through the ceremony related details. More Rehearsal Info
DO WE MEET BEFORE THE REHEARSAL?
A Pre Rehearsal Connect is part of our Process. About 3-4 weeks prior.
Most cost/time effective way is a simple Conference call.
And if your/our schedule permits let’s grabba cuppa!
DO YOU PROVIDE THE MARRIAGE LICENSE?
No, that is your responsibility. We need to get it from you at the rehearsal so we can complete it as well as prepare the BC Registry and a Commemorative Certificate for you.
Click here for Marriage License Info
DO YOU REQUIRE PRE-MARITAL COUNSELING?
We highly recommend it, but do not make it a pre-requisite. It is a worthwhile investment into your relationship that will help you understand yourselves, your relationship and your expectations.
DO YOU HAVE A BACKUP PERSON IN THE EVENT OF A CANCELLATION/EMERGENCY?
This is a great question many couples forget to ask. We have only missed a 2 weddings over the last 30 years, due to sickness/emergency. The good news is that we have 5 family members who are licensed to marry. And we have several minister friends and colleagues we could call upon.
WHAT ABOUT COVID?
We offered our couples two options.
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1.Full Refund of the Deposit
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2.Transfer of Deposit to new Date and Time.
Pleased to say that 90% of our couples rescheduled.
A stressful, painful time for them and us. But we got it done!
IS IT OKAY TO GIVE THE OFFICIATE A GRATUITY?
Yes, but it is not expected or required. It is a nice gesture, deeply appreciated and always a pleasant surprise. A ‘pat on the back' for a job well done.
We usually do one of three things with a gratuity or tip.
· Put it into our kids education fund
· Treat the family to a movie/dinner
· Get my wife/husband a little something special on the way home!
(flowers & wine = hugs & kisses)
Remember, picking the right Wedding Officiate can make or break your wedding day!
