Lessons Learned, Part 2

Again we have notes from Joe.  These are things we have learned through experience.  You may think he made up number 1.  Trust me, many times I have walked around to several clerks and asked how would you pronounce this.  Sometimes we are right.

1. Don't be afraid to ask how names are pronounced.  Gone are the days
of Steve and Cindy.  Welcome, Abraxia, Shevvonne, and Reandeal.

2. Ask everyone to silence cell phones.  This prevents the
interruption as Dad calls to congratulate the couple and "I like big
butts" rings out across the wedding room.

3. Have any photographers take a couple test shots, so the happy
couple will be in focus, and you'll be ready for any interesting
camera noises.

4. Wedding rings can cause a lot of confusion.
 3 simple rules:
    * Get the rings ready before the ceremony begins.  Finding them at
the bottom of a purse really puts a crimp in the proceedings.
    * The groom's left hand is opposite the bride's right hand.  This is
surprisingly challenging to remember.
    * Rings often don't fit, especially when you're nervous.  It happens
a lot and means nothing - don't worry about it.

5. Wash your hands after every couple ceremonies, or if anyone coughs
or sneezes.  I don't know how the clerks avoid being sick all the time.

I would add to number 4. 
 Rings hit the floor, no big deal.  Someone picks them up and we finish the ceremony.
 I can't tell you how many times I have said, "other left".

 

More from Joe

Guest blogger, Joe, sent me a list of lessons he has learned at the Marriage Factory. There is a part 2 to be posted later.  At the rate he is writing I expect him to start his own blog.  Every item is something we have learned the hard way.  Item 2 is the one that has me ready to kill.  How many blogs have I written about the question, Is everyone here?  They say yes, but no is the correct answer.

 

Lessons learned at the marriage factory:

1. Check the marriage license - helps discover couples who will need a
ceremony in Mandarin, Thai, Lao, etc.  The dates of birth helps pick
out who's who in the lobby - not every bride wears a wedding dress.

2. Ask if everyone's there.  Mention feeding the meter and using the
restroom, or people will forget where their witnesses have gone.

3. Go over the license with everyone before starting the ceremony.
Fixing typos before things start is free and easy.  Fixing legal
documents is neither.

4. Nervous laughter during the ceremony is normal.  So are tears, so
try to have tissues ready.

5. Nervous people can't remember more than 5 or 6 words at a time, so
parcel out the vows accordingly.

6. Children are bored by weddings, and a wooden bench is really loud
when a child is repeatedly kicking it.

7. And most importantly, be nice to the clerks!
--
Joe Mallon