Wedding Ceremonies

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. Be certain to check references from previous Brides and Grooms, check the Minister's credentials, make certain they have a professionally designed web site and have the ability to choose the ceremony package that fits your needs and your budget.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. A Minister should be a confidant, helper and friend to be trusted. Many people don't realize that it takes a special personality to communicate and deliver a perfect ceremony. Standing before 300 guests performing a ceremony takes a confidant, professional and experienced
speaker.

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. I would advise going to the Knot.com, Brides.com, Decidio.com, Wed Plan.com and Thumbtack to be certain your Minister of choice is professionally represented.

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. I offer a very sophisticated and professionally delivered wedding ceremony. I custom design and write my ceremonies to fit the Bride and Groom's lifestyle and their special requests.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. Brides and Grooms make my day!
I truly enjoy meeting each couple in a complimentary consultation so I can get to know them. Their weddings are happy, loving events, and I take great pride in being a part of their special day.
Every wedding ceremony I write is memorable, and the compliments I receive from guests and family fortify my belief that I have made a difference in their lives.

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. I am often asked "What would happen if, for some unforseen reason, I could not attend to administer their ceremony?". I have four ordained Ministers on my staff who are experienced and very professional. If I should not be able to attend, be assured there will be an experienced Minister to perform the wedding.

Q. Do you have a favorite story from your work?

A. I have many stories from weddings I have performed over the past years, however they will remain confidential.

Q. What do you wish customers knew about you or your profession?

A. The details of my experience can be found on my web site at www.macallisterofficiant.com under the tab "Meet Reverend Bonnie".

Q. How did you decide to get in your line of work?

A. A friend of mine is a caterer and wedding planner. She could not find professional Officiants, and because of my background, she thought I should persue this career.
It was the best decision I ever made! I love my work and it is more rewarding than any profession I've ever had.

Q. What are your most common types of jobs?

A. I perform not only Civil and Elopement Ceremonies, but also formal wedding ceremonies of all types.
I practice at venues such as The Franklin Park Conservatory, Scioto Reserve, Kinsale Country Club, Wedgewood Country Club, The Anthenaeum, various Golf Club venues, at back yard tented events, at my "Chapel of Rings and Roses", in couples homes or church, basically anywhere the couple chooses to be married.

Q. Tell us about a recent job you did that you are particularly proud of.

A. I am proud of all my ceremonies and can't pick a favorite.

Q. Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field?

A. I keep a valid active Minister's license with the State of Ohio and attend courses and seminars pertinent to my occupation.

Q. What are the latest developments in your field? Are there any exciting things coming in the next few years or decade that will change your line of business?

A. I believe the mid range wedding market will increase over the years. The present economy is prohibiting many couples from having very expensive weddings, so my fees are affordable for everyone.

Q. Describe your most recent project, what it involved, how much it cost, and how long it took.

A. My most recent project was directing a rehearsal with 10 bridesmaids, 2 junior bridesmaids,10 groomsmen, 2 junior groomsmen, 3 flower girls, 2 ring bearers and 3 readers.
This rehearsal took over 1 1/2 hours and was included in my ceremony fee.

Q. If you have a complicated pricing system for your service, please give all the details here.

A. I require a complimentary interview with my Brides and Grooms. During that interview, they choose the elements they want to include in their ceremony and at that time we decide on what the fee will be.
My pricing system is not complicated, but I do not publish my fees as they are all custom tailored.

Q. If you were advising someone who wanted to get into your profession, what would you suggest?

A. If you don't enjoy working with people, if you aren't a professional orator, if you can't honor your commitments of time, date and location, if you are judgemental, if you think it is easy to just 'get a license' and perform ceremonies, my suggestion to you would be to find another vocation. This is a rigorous, demanding and complicated vocation that requires good writing skills, the ablity to gain trust and confidence from your clients, experience in dealing with people for years and above all, practicing client privilege and protecting confidentiality.

Q. Write your own question and answer it.

A. In the planning process, what should I do first?

Answer: The first person you should secure is your Officiant/Minister. Most couples reserve the venue, cake, flowers, invitations, music, catering, linens, limos, photographer, etc., and are all ready for their wedding event, only to realize they forgot to reserve their Minister.
Without an experienced, talented and professional delivery of a ceremony, a wedding is clouded.
Seek out the most sought after Minister in your area and book early!!