You've planned your Cinderella moment carefully, putting more thought into your dress, your hair, your make up than you ever have before. So...why should your guests look at the back of your head during the ceremony? Arranging the bridal party so they face out toward the audience is not a new thing in the realm of weddings, but it is rare. Think of the advantages, though. Your guests see you and hear you and revel in your big moment as much as you do, and you can share it with them, too. In fact, one officiant, who practically insists that the bride and groom face out, says it builds a stronger sense of family and friendship to share this moment face-to-face with your guests. As an extra perk, your dress will look that much more fabulous in the photos.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
May 9th 2008 @ 3:07PM
Becky Scott said...
I love this idea. A friend of mine did it and it was so nice to see their faces as they said their vows.
May 9th 2008 @ 8:16PM
Rev. Christopher said...
The worst wedding ceremony invention and idea EVER, EVER, EVER…. AND.... as a Wedding Officiant, I do not offer this service. Besides it simply looks like a 30 minute photo shoot of bridal party formals......
This "idea" began a few years ago when coordinators tried to do something creative in the ceremony process, which by the way, is not the area they should be messing with at all. (Some feel they need to justify their fee by sticking their nose into the area they are not welcome) and this has been and still is unprofessional.
If all you do is talk about the "pretty" side without sharing the down side, this post will lead couples down the road of wedding day disasters.......
If you have the Officiant standing there with the couple, the cons are simple, the guests and family can’t see, The Officiant's backside is on display (not pretty), the couple is no longer looking at each other and the ceremony then loses any and all intimacy. (Is the couple becoming intimate and making promises with their friends and family or with each other?) The photographer is placed in a horrible position of trying to see past the Officiant while you put your rings on.
Now, if the Officiant is asked to be on the backside of the room, well, why is an Officiant there at all? A couple could simply play a pre-recorded wedding ceremony on an Ipod just like the ceremony music. Why not? You’ve already taken away the intimacy.
What happens when the Officiant is on the other side of the room and can’t see the bride or groom close enough to see if they are “losing it” OR are about to fall. What happens when the rings are missing and the Officiant is across the room? (I carry spares just for this Oops and trust me, it happens often) What if the Officiant can’t see the bride trembling and needs a smile or wink or even a touch on the elbow for reassurance? A wedding is; two people making promises to each other, in front of witnesses, overseen by one of authority.
Remember, the whole concept is to have guests witness a special moment between the two of you, not to make the bride and groom uncomfortable and feel like two fish in a fish bowl.
I understand some couples want something a little different in their ceremony, this is not the answer, trust me!
If your Officiant is too shy to stand in public and wants to hide in the back, hire another one.
Your Officiant should be the rock to keep everyone stable in what is most often a very nerve wracking moment and event. Take the rock away and turn it into a fashion show, you're asking for trouble.
Your Officiant should have the ability to share the moment and keep the energy and attention on the couple.
The toughest job for me as an Officiant? To do all the talking without being heard and to be in the center of all the attention without being seen. Miss those twwo elements, and I have failed my couple.
The answer is not to hide the Officiant and place them in a position to not be able to save their couple from disaster.
Just my thoughts and I wish all a lifetime of Love and Happiness.
May 13th 2008 @ 2:23PM
Becky Scott said...
I think disaster is a bit strong. It's not for everyone, but I certainly enjoyed it at the wedding I went to. The couple still looked at each other, only we could SEE it, and see the wonderful looks on their faces. I loved it.