FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My contracts have a two(+) payment system (usually an equal fraction plus mileage so far at each step.) At times of payment I like to formally check in with couple to be sure we're happy and moving forward, this is also an appropriate time to end our contract. (All scripts and plans so far would be surrendered to couple to allow them to move forward as easily as possible in the event that our contract is ended.) Notes: I usually expect meetings to be over food, client pays or provides (home made is totally acceptable!) I expect $1 a mile for travel to meetings, rehearsals, and ceremony. (If couple will be traveling to my area for their ceremony, "meetings" can be by phone or Skype, and don't require mileage or feeding me.) First payment at end of first meeting, if and only if we decide to move forward. (confirms that I am ready to start creating/editing/planing details of ceremony before next meeting.) Second payment after two hours of in person consultation on script or blocking of ceremony (or after those tasks appear to be completely done if done sooner. Said meetings don't usually make sense to be 2 hours long so that's actually multiple meetings.) (Rehearsal payment: formal rehearsal is optional, it increases cost by about 1/3 from base quote if it wasn't already included. I also hope to eat at the rehearsal dinner.) Ceremony payment (Last payment) after ceremony, before signatures on license. I reserve the right to eat at the reception. By the way, I consider eating with my couples a chance to get to know them a little better socially and as such I consider this to be an important part of creating a connection that will enhance our interaction in the ceremony.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
-Meet with couple to check the fit regarding our collaboration to create the ceremony of the couples dreams/needs. (Initial meeting free) -Consult on location and flow of ceremony, as needed. -Research ceremony traditions appropriate to the couple's desires. -Blend different traditions into one ceremony. -Write and/or adapt a script for ceremony. -Edit the ceremony to fit the needs of the couple and their guests. -Offer creative suggestions for parts of the ceremony. -Provide support with writing of personal vows. -General hand holding to plan the ceremony (even including help with getting the license.) -optional: Sing a song as part of ceremony (a cappella, to a track, or to live instrumentalist, also able to sing part of ceremony in style of a Cantor.) Arrive early to ceremony site, coordinate wedding party, ushers and key guests.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have taken voice acting classes from MJ Lallo to learn to read a script well. I taught High School for many years and developed confidence speaking in front of a crowd that may not even be friendly! And I have also learned to pronounce many different/difficult names easily. I use my research skills to understand the cultural traditions that are appropriate and required of a couple for their wedding after first meeting once contract is started. My incomplete minor in World/Art History taught me the research techniques I need for that. And I went and got ordained. So, yeah, I got this.