What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My pricing is based on several factors:
1) How big of a wedding are you having? A simple eloepment ceremony with just the bride and groom and a few guests starts at around $150, but can be higher depending on your location and how complicated of a ceremony it is. Larger ceremonies with full wedding parties and big guest counts can range from $250 and up. I keep my pricing as competitive as possible, but do keep in mind that the larger your wedding is, the more work I have to put into it.
2) Where is your ceremony being held? Fanciful Hearts Wedding Ceremonies is located outof Baltimore County. I do travel to most surrounding counties but anything outside of a twenty-five mile radius is an additional charge.
3) If you are intending to have a wedding party (bridesmaids, groomsmen, etc.), then a wedding rehearsal is strongly recommended! This is so everyone is comfortable with what is going to happen on your BIG DAY, and how the processional, recessional and ceremony will all play out. It is very important for your officiant to be present for this! Rehearsals are an additional fee of anywhere between $50 and $100, again depending on the size of your wedding and location.
4) All of my wedding ceremonies are fully customized for each individual couple. I work closely with every couple that I officiate for to create a unique ceremony tailored just for them! Nothing is pulled out of a book or a "cookie cuter" ceremony, no matter if you are eloping or having a huge wedding with 30 people in your wedding party and four hundred guests!
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Once hired for a wedding ceremony, I typically begin communicating immediately with my clients via email. I will have the couple complete an initial questionnaire that enable me to get a clearer idea of who they are and what type of ceremony they are looking for. A face to face meeting is typically arranged after that at which time I conduct a further in-depth interview to allow me to get to know the couple better and get all of the details of the wedding, preferences of ceremony, etc. Once I meet with a couple, a ceremony is written in draft form and sent to the couple for editing and approval. Normally the couple will have at least 7-30 days in advance of their wedding.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have married 218 couples since starting my business in 2015. I am an experienced writer and used to being in the public eye with no fear of speaking in front of groups of people. I'm also a career employee with the Maryland Judiciary as a Court Clerk, and am extremely familiar with the marriage licensing process. I can assist couples with information pertaining to obtaining their marriage license and what to do after the marriage ceremony has happened as well.
How did you get started doing this type of work?
Originally I became ordained in order to officiate the wedding of my nephew. Once I performed that ceremony, I realized immediately that officiating was something of a "calling" for me and I wanted to do it on a professional level. Hence, Fanciful Hearts Wedding Ceremonies was launched!
What types of customers have you worked with?
I have worked with couples in all age ranges, religions and races. I have officiated weddings in many different faiths (including inter-faith ceremonies). I have officiated for many LGBTQ couples as well. I maintain a consistent Top Pro status on Thumbtack, with a rating listed as exceptional. My reviews from many past clients are all five-stars.
Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
I recently officiated a destination wedding in Myrtle Beach for one of my closest friends. We began work on her wedding cermony almost 18 months in advance to ensure something completely unique and reflective of her and her fiance, their personalities, and their relationship. The script that I eventually created for them was beautifully personal; and garnered many compliments from the couple's family members and friends after the ceremony was completed. The wedding is one of my "featured" projects (Cara and Scott-Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Wedding).
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
Make sure that the officiant you are working with is willing to provide sample ceremonies, ceremonies they themselves have performed, and can give you references of clients they have worked with in the past. Don't hire an officiant who performs a ceremony out of a book!!! Don't go with a "cut and paste" ceremony, choose something personalized that best reflects who YOU ARE as a couple and as individuals!
What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
The most important details for me that I need to have answers for immediately are the date, time and location of the ceremony. Know if you want a religious or non-religious ceremony, and if you wish to write your own wedding vows. Other than that, I am happy to provide interview questions that will help the coupld to determine what sort of ceremony they are looking for.