FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Pricing as mentioned elsewhere depends on: *Whether Custom Ceremony is to be Written *Length of Ceremony *How much Research is involved *# Guests *Time of Day *Travel Distance (including Gas & tolls or train fare) *Clothing Purchase- If I'm required to purchase clothing that I do not own for the Ceremony (I own a great deal of appropriate clothing for most types of Weddings) (This include Religious Garb that I don't own) *Number of In-Person Meetings, that couple requests [if I request a meeting, there is no additional charge]* (One introductory meeting is a given) *Whether Rehearsal Attendance is Mandatory* (I've officiated so many Weddings, I'm well acquainted with my role & don't usually, it necessary to attend rehearsals, but will do so at the Couple's request. *Out-of-Town Weddings - These require *additional discussion re accomodations, and of course the trip itself. I offer *Free Advice on how to put together Orders of Service (Wedding Programs distributed to guests) & advice on the best ages of Flower girls, & Ring Bearers. I also know how to include children from previous relationships in second marriages in a way that is beautiful and meaningful! If you are interested in my services or are comparing me to other Ministers, and you don't phone me, please be fair and indicate what you are seeking in a Ceremony so that I can offer you a reasonable fee (or honorarium). Please be fair to me & the other Officiants on this site & be realistic when you tell us about the kind of Wedding you are seeking. This is a time when kindness and honesty does definitely get you what you're seeking!...;)
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I studied Comparative Religion on my own and also with a Unitarian Universalist Minister, and a Rabbi to stay current on the religion front and I've even performed a Wedding with an Islamic theme (an Imam actually married this couple in the Middle East [I wouldn't be actually permitted to spiritually marry an Islamic couple nor a Jewish couple, since I'm not a Rabbi], but I'm familiar enough to be able to do a theme if a couple requests one. I've also read the wonderful book, The Search for God at Harvard by Ari Goldman which I recommend to every Minister heartily!
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
I spent a lot of time around people in the area of religion and realized that since I was in the helping professions (as a Librarian, Teacher and Academic) that I would be an excellent Minister. I was a good public speaker, enjoyed helping people, loved doing research, was a professional Writer and Editor, so it was a natural outlet for me.