FAQ 

Frequently Asked Questions

We hope these answers help you! If you don't find the answer to your question, please contact us!  Inquiry Form

1. What or who is La Donna Wedding Officiating & Ceremony Coordinating Services?
We are a team of professional wedding Ministers and Officiants. We conduct spiritual, non-denominational religious, civil and secular ceremonies and we offer personalized ceremonies that reflect the couple being joined in marriage.

2. What is the secret to planning a meaningful ceremony?
Choose a perfect setting that gives you the ‘right’ feeling and can accommodate the number of guests that you wish to invite. Select a professional wedding Officiant with whom you are comfortable and one that will work with you to create the ceremony of your dreams.

3. What is the goal of La Donna Wedding Officiating & Ceremony Coordinating Services?
Our goal is to provide you with a beautiful, unique and meaningful ceremony created with your personal touches and our professional assistance ensuring a memorable day you will truly cherish!

4. What is included in the ceremony?
The standard ceremony is composed of the following: Seating of parents, processional, greeting, charge to the couple, consent, vows, ring exchange, benediction, pronouncement, presentation of couple and recessional.

5. What are some of the ceremony options available to us?
Options available that may be included to your ceremony are prayers, readings (either of a religious nature or perhaps a love poem), promises, guest participation of vows, affirmation of vows, blessing, unity candle lighting, hand ceremony, vessel and the rose ceremony and wine ceremony. For couples with children, the family promises, medallion ceremony and/or ribbon ceremony are also offered to include the children making it even more meaningful.

6. May we write our own vows?
Of course you may and we encourage your personal input.

7. Do we have to memorize our vows?
Not unless you want to. You may also read your vows from a hand-held card or repeat them after first being said by the Officiant. The Officiant will say the vows in short phrases so that you may repeat them easily. Of course the option is always there to memorize them, if that is your desire.

8. May our family or friends participate in the wedding even if they are not part of the bridal party?
Your family and friends are welcome to participate in the wedding by reading a scripture, poem or the like, by saying a prayer, singing or playing a musical instrument or in whatever way you would like them included. This is your ceremony and it should be personalized as you see fit.

9. May we add our personal touches to the content of the ceremony?
Yes. Our goal is for the ceremony to reflect you, the bride and groom, as well as your relationship and feelings. Your personal touches are most welcome.

10. May our children be included in the ceremony?
We encourage children to be included whenever they can be. They are an important part of the new family that is being created and it makes them feel so much more a part by including them in the ceremony. Include them by adding any of the following ceremonies: the family support ceremony, the medallion ceremony and/or the ribbon ceremony. All of these ceremonies are created for the inclusion of children.

11. How long will the ceremony take?
Our ceremonies are personalized for each couple; therefore, each ceremony will vary in length. A standard ceremony will generally take approximately 15-20 minutes and when you include options that are available for inclusion in your ceremony, it may take up to 30 minutes or so.

12. What fee would you charge for officiating at our wedding?
The fee would depend upon what services you require and the time involved. Other beneficial and complimenting services that we offer include rehearsal coordination, bridal consulting/coordinating and wedding day directing.

13. How much of a deposit is required to secure our date and time?
You can secure the date by signing a contract and furnishing a 50% deposit. The balance is due 14 days prior to the ceremony.

14. When should we book our Officiant?
The sooner you book, the better. Some months are busier than others. We suggest you book your Officiant as soon as you have your wedding date determined and ceremony site reserved.

15. May photos be taken?
Yes, they may. The only rule is for the photographer (whether a professional or a friend) not to be intrusive during the ceremony. Professional photography is a service that we also offer. Ask for details.

16. Is a rehearsal necessary?
As a rule, a rehearsal is recommended for a well-orchestrated ceremony. You only have one chance to make it flow well and for everything to turn out beautifully. You want to make this special day as perfect as possible. A rehearsal will also ease some of the stress and unknown factors that your bridal party and you may have. Whether your Officiant is present at your rehearsal or not, you should always walk through your ceremony with your bridal party at the ceremony site. We also have wedding coordinators on staff to assist with rehearsals and on your wedding day.

17. Is the rehearsal cost included in the price of the ceremony?
There is a nominal fee to include the services of a rehearsal. The rehearsal is held on a separate day and, therefore, requires additional time.

18. How do we book one of your Officiants to conduct our wedding ceremony?
Submit an Inquiry Form [Inquiry Form] or contact our office by phone or email. We can send you information in the mail or set up a no-obligation appointment to go over the details. Your date may be penciled in for a few days while you make a decision. 

19. Do we get to meet the Officiant before our wedding day?
You may certainly meet your Officiant before your wedding day. The phone number of the Officiant is furnished when services are contracted and you may call and set up an appointment…or, if you prefer, you may speak with the Officiant prior to booking their services. We want you to be comfortable with your decision to book one of our Officiants.

20. What do your Officiants wear to the ceremony?
They wear appropriate business attire including suits or clergy robes. Discuss this directly with your Officiant.

21. What time does the Officiant arrive before the wedding ceremony?
We arrive approximately 15 minutes prior to the ceremony. You will be requested to furnish your Officiant an on-site phone number or emergency contact number (generally someone’s cell phone), as well as directions to the wedding site.

22. Does the Officiant stay for dinner?
It is proper etiquette to extend an invitation to your Officiant. Although an Officiant would appreciate your gracious offer, she/he may have another wedding ceremony or other commitment that may prevent acceptance of your invitation.

23. Is a gratuity required or expected?
No, but you may feel you would like to express your gratitude for providing you with a beautiful ceremony in this way. Some couples also send a thank you card with a picture taken during the wedding ceremony or of the couple themselves. It is also great to refer a friend. Some couples do all of the above.

24. What if we need consulting or wedding day coordinating services? Can La Donna’s assist us?
Yes, we can. We offer consulting services to address your wedding related questions and concerns and we also have wedding day coordinators to give you and your family a stress-free, enjoyable and memorable wedding day by taking care of all the little details and making sure that everything runs smoothly. Consultants and coordinators are really a very affordable necessity.

25. Can you provide us with the names of reputable service vendors that we might need for our wedding day?
Yes, we can. We work with many professionals in the area and would be happy to furnish you with their information.