Once You Have Both Decided You Would Like To Work Together,
Here’s What Happens Next…

• Let’s schedule a time to connect! We would love to learn more about the two of you, your love story, and your wedding plans. During our consultation, we will explore a variety of ceremony options, go over important marriage license details, and walk through the logistics to help you start shaping the ceremony part of your special day.
• You will receive an Agreement of Service outlining the date, time, location, fee, services provided, cancellation and late fees, etc.
• To reserve the date and time for your celebration, an invoice will be emailed for the retainer fee of $200, which will be due within 48 hours of receiving the Agreement. Retainer payments are non-refundable.
• Full payment will be due one week prior to your special day, upon receipt of the final invoice.
• You will receive detailed information of how to obtain your marriage license, signatures required on wedding day, and filing (returning) of the license after your wedding.
• You will receive your “homework assignment!” You will receive a ceremony preference questionnaire for you both to work on together. You are encouraged to email your responses separately as you provide detaiks regarding your love story.
• Once we receive your responses to the ceremony preference questionnaire, you will be provided with a detailed ceremony outline that will give you a helpful glimpse into the flow and format of your ceremony. From there, we can make revisions and updates. Once your outline is finalized, we will begin crafting the perfect ceremony for you!

Let’s Talk Rehearsal!

• Yes, there is a fee to attend your rehearsal, which typically ranges from $100 to $150.
• The fee is determined by travel distance and whether you’d like me to simply be present or actively lead the rehearsal.
• Please share your rehearsal date and time once it is scheduled so I can reserve it on my calendar.
• If your ceremony is straightforward (no readings, guest speakers, unique unity traditions, theatrical elements, etc.), and you have a Wedding Planner/Coordinator, you likely won’t need your Officiant in attendance.
• Your Planner/Coordinator typically leads the rehearsal, focusing on the processional and recessional, rather than the ceremony content, which we will have finalized well advance.
• If you don’t have a Wedding Planner or Coordinator, we’ve got you covered! Bonnie has successfully facilitated hundreds of rehearsals, both in person and via live stream when needed.
• That said, it’s always a joy to meet couples (and their families) ahead of the big day. So, if having your Officiant present at the rehearsal brings you peace of mind, we’re happy to be there—let’s get it scheduled!

Timely Arrival at Your Ceremony

• If Bonnie has attended your rehearsal, she will arrive at your venue approximately 45 minutes before the ceremony begins.
• If your first meeting with Bonnie is on your celebration day, she will plan to arrive one hour prior to the ceremony start time.
• Upon arrival, Bonnie will collect your marriage license (and a hug!), and connect with your planner or coordinator, photo/video team, and DJ to review key ceremony details—helping ensure everything flows smoothly and seamlessly.

Your Wedding Officiant’s Attire

• Bonnie will always arrive dressed in either a long gown or a professional business suit, chosen with care and consideration for your event.
• She thoughtfully coordinates with your color palette and avoids prints or bright colors—unless specifically requested by you.
• She has over 50 gowns and a dozen pant suits, so she will always arrive dressed to impress!

Will a Microphone Be Provided?

• For outdoor ceremonies with more than 12 guests, voice amplification is essential. Bonnie spends many hours crafting your custom ceremony—from reviewing your details to writing the script—so it’s only fair that every guest can hear the heartfelt message being presented.
• Standing behind a couple outdoors, with a breeze, waves, aircraft overhead, or other environmental distractions, can make it difficult for guests to hear without a microphone. For that reason, amplification is required.
• Typically, Wedding Officiants are provided a microphone with professional sound, by the DJ. If no DJ is hired, Weddings by Bonnie has a microphone/speakers available for an additional $40.

Why Do You Charge So Much?
While it might seem like the Officiant’s role is simply to “show up and read a script for 15 minutes,” the reality is that crafting a meaningful ceremony takes hours of dedicated work behind the scenes—and it truly sets the tone for your entire wedding day. In fact, Officiants are often the lowest-paid vendor you’ll hire for your wedding—sometimes costing less than a single plate of hors d’oeuvres!

Here’s What You Are Really Paying For:
Personalized Preparation: A professional officiant takes the time to get to know you—your story, your values, and your vision (and can even help you discover what that vision might be!). Then we begin crafting a ceremony that’s meaningful, personal, and uniquely yours—not a generic script.

• Writing & Editing: Crafting a heartfelt, well-structured ceremony often takes several rounds of writing and editing. This includes gathering and reviewing your information (from the ceremony preference questionnaire and initial consultation), and creating a custom script that reflects your relationship.
• Communication & Coordination: Your officiant works closely with planners, DJs, photographers, and other vendors to make sure everything runs smoothly and nothing important is missed.
• Travel Time & Expenses: Getting to and from your venue takes time and resources, especially for locations outside the officiant’s local area. This travel time is part of the overall commitment and is factored into the fee.
• Day-of Presence: A professional arrives early, is dressed appropriately, keeps the ceremony on track, and speaks clearly and confidently—even in outdoor, windy, or noisy conditions.
• Legal Expertise: Your officiant is responsible for correctly handling your marriage license—filing it properly and ensuring it’s legally binding.
• Experience & Calm Under Pressure: You’re hiring someone who can roll with last-minute changes, unexpected surprises at the altar, keep the energy positive, and be a steady presence during emotional moments.

Ultimately, you’re investing in someone who helps set the tone for your entire day. A professional officiant brings skill, presence, and heart—and ensures the moment you say “I do” is unforgettable for all the right reasons.

What If My Officiant “Calls Out” – Can’t Make It! 

• Weddings by Bonnie will never leave you without an Officiant, even in the event of an emergency—Bonnie has every base covered.
• She will not inform you that she is unable to perform your ceremony unless a qualified replacement has already been secured.
• We have a trusted network of Ordained Ministers and Officiants throughout the Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill area who can step in as needed.
• Bonnie always carries both a printed and electronic copy of your ceremony script, ready to share with your Planner in case of a last-minute emergency on the way to your event.
• Every detail is taken care of to ensure your ceremony proceeds smoothly, no matter what unexpected challenges arise.

Last Minute Wedding Plans – No Problem!

• Bonnie began her career as a Wedding Officiant in Las Vegas, where “last minute” is the norm—and usually means later today. So if you’re getting married tomorrow, this weekend, or even within the next two weeks, don’t worry—there’s still plenty of time to create a romantic and meaningful experience.
• As long as you’re both 100% confident that entering into this lifetime commitment is the right step, Weddings by Bonnie will make it happen—and connect you with trusted, reputable vendors for any additional services you might need.

What If The Ceremony Starts Late?

• We value your time and are committed to honoring it—just as we kindly ask that you respect ours.
• If your ceremony begins more than 45 minutes later than the scheduled start time, a $75 late fee will be applied and must be paid within 48 hours of your wedding date.
• Of course, we understand that life happens. Exceptions will be made for circumstances such as severe traffic delays, sudden illness affecting the couple, wedding party, or immediate family, unexpected weather changes, and other unforeseen emergencies.
• Please keep in mind that certain delays, while understandable, are not considered excusable reasons for starting your ceremony late. Some real-life examples:
  • A parent losing track of time while sitting at the bar.
  • Scheduling furniture or other deliveries during the hours of your wedding.
  • Hair and makeup running significantly behind.
  • Last-minute shopping for wedding items.
  • A photographer requesting a delayed start time of several hours, or a different day – for better lighting conditions.
• While we understand that wedding days can be unpredictable, timely coordination is crucial to ensure a smooth experience for everyone—especially your guests and vendors.
• We truly appreciate your efforts in helping keep everything on schedule.
• If you know early on that your day will be running behind and your ceremony start time will be delayed, please notify your Officiant as soon as possible so they can adjust their arrival accordingly.

What Can You Do For Your Officiant?

• Bride & Groom Talking During the Ceremony: We know it’s natural to feel a mix of nerves and excitement during the ceremony—you’re standing in front of your loved ones about to marry your best friend! We kindly ask that you keep personal comments and conversation to a minimum during our shared time at the altar.
• Communicate; Just like in any strong marriage—or business partnership—communication is key to ensuring your Officiant arrives fully prepared and informed.
  • We understand you’re juggling many vendors and answering countless questions. But more often than you’d think, Officiants are the last to find out about important updates—like a change in ceremony location or start time, the addition of a unity tradition, a guest reading, or even that a microphone won’t be available.
  • Please take a moment to review your ceremony outline carefully, and keep your Officiant updated on any changes. Or, feel free to have your Planner reach out to us directly—we’re happy to work together to make sure everything flows smoothly!
  • Please remember, your Officiant is providing one of the most meaningful services of your wedding day, and we truly appreciate being included in all relevant communication and timelines leading up to the ceremony.
• Have Your Planner Reach Out to Your Officiant the Week Prior: A great Planner will usually gather contact information for all your vendors—but Officiants are sometimes overlooked in that process.
• Please Do Not Use Your Cell Phones for Your Vows or Readings:
  • While it might seem convenient to use a cell phone during your ceremony, it’s strongly discouraged.
  • Not only do cell phones look out of place in your wedding photos, they also tend to bring unexpected technical issues – especially during vow readings or when a loved one is sharing a poem or reading.
  • Vow books, note cards or decorative card stock look much more elegant and they are reliable!
  • This will prevent any of these scenarios from happening: “there is no reception,” “the battery died,” “it’s too bright, I can’t see the screen,” or “I scrolled down to far and now I can’t find my place!”

Why Should I Hire a Professional Officiant Instead of Having a Family Member or Friend Officiate?

• This is definitely becoming a common trend, and we totally get why—it feels meaningful to have your best friend or favorite cousin lead your ceremony.
• Below are just a few reasons why hiring a professional Officiant (like Bonnie!) is one of the smartest decisions you can make for your wedding day.
• And if you’re still on the fence, just ask a Planner, DJ, Musician, Photographer, or Videographer whether a professional Officiant can be just as personal and meaningful as a friend or family member.
• Spoiler alert: they’ll set you straight!

1. Calm, Clear, and Confident Delivery
   Bonnie has officiated countless ceremonies and knows exactly how to keep things flowing—no shaky hands, nervous giggles, or missed cues. You get someone who can speak with poise, heart, and a captivating presence… even if your flower girl and ring bearer take a detour down the aisle.
2. Your Ceremony Deserves to Shine
   This is the moment it all begins—the part where you actually get married! It should be seamless, personal, and memorable for all the right reasons. A professional Officiant knows how to strike the perfect balance between heartfelt and polished.
3. We Know the Legal Stuff
   Completing and filing a marriage license correctly matters. Bonnie knows your local requirements and ensures everything is legally binding. She has been an Ordained Minister through American Marriage Ministries since 2013 and knows the laws of each state’s requirements. You would be surprised how often well-meaning family members/friends forget a signature, use blue ink, print where they should sign, or forget to file the license with the local Registrar of Deeds office. No bueno.
4. Emotionally Steady
   Friends and family members are often too emotionally involved. Tears, nerves, or stage fright can take over. Bonnie brings warmth and composure, so you can stay present in the moment without worrying about what’s coming next.
5. Less Stress, More Celebration
   When you hire a pro, your loved ones get to enjoy the day instead of stressing over writing a ceremony, figuring out where to stand, or Googling “wedding ceremony 101 tips”! We’ve got it covered.
6. A Personal Touch—Still Very Much Included
   Worried it won’t feel “you”? Don’t be. Bonnie creates custom ceremonies that reflect your story, your vibe, and your values. You get all the personal touches without putting someone you love in the hot seat. Read Bonnie’s reviews – that should clarify any doubts about whether or not she can make it “personal.”
7. Logistics of Your Ceremony
   There are several “behind the scenes” details that most couples are not aware of —but that make your ceremony run seamlessly. Your Officiant will connect with all your vendors ahead of time to share important ceremony nuances and coordinate the flow. This advance communication helps ensure everything from the opening announcements to that final “kiss with a dip” goes off without a hitch.

Will You Step Out of the Way for Our First Kiss as Husband and Wife?

• Wedding Officiant 101:It is essential for the Officiant to be completely out of the frame for the couple’s first kiss as newlyweds. Well, we take it a step further than that and actually move away from the altar before pronouncing you married to ensure your moment is captured perfectly (photographers LOVE this!).
• After one memorable photo of Bonnie awkwardly making her get-away (looking like she was being chased by a monster), she came up with a smooth, practiced exit plan that happens well in advance of your first kiss.
• By the way, she also steps off to the side as you share your personal vows – those are your moments to be shared intimately together.

Will You Hold the Microphone For Us As We Share Our Personal Vows?

• Respectfully, no. Your personal vows are intimate, heartfelt words meant to be shared between the two of you—without someone standing in your personal space holding a microphone.
• And from a visual standpoint? An officiant’s arm awkwardly appearing out of the side of your face in your vow photos is… less than ideal.
• If you’re not comfortable holding the microphone yourself, consider holding it for each other—it’s a tender and beautiful gesture that adds to the moment.
• Prefer to keep the microphone out of it entirely? No problem. Your Officiant can inform your guests that you’ve chosen to share your vows in your natural voices, without amplification. Once your guests know it’s a thoughtful choice—not a forgotten mic cue—they will understand and respect your preference.

What If We Forget Our Marriage License?
PLEASE DON’T! No Marriage License = A Commitment Ceremony.

• Bonnie will send friendly reminders via email and text to bring your marriage license, rings, vow books, unity tradition supplies, along with all of those other important items you will need to remember.
• Without a valid marriage license—whether it’s a newly issued license, or a recorded document (if you were legally married prior to your celebration), your Officiant will not be able to mention “marriage,” pronounce you “husband and wife,” or officially state that you are “married.”
• Instead, the ceremony will acknowledge you as “lifetime partners” or a similar term, indicating a meaningful commitment without legal recognition.
• The best policy is to leave your marriage license with your Planner during rehearsal. If you don’t have a Planner, leave your marriage license with a trusted family member that won’t have so many duties to take care of on the actual day of your wedding.