That’s awesome, Kalissa! A LOTR wedding sounds so fun! Yes – you definitely want to create a lighthearted atmosphere for a theme wedding. All the best!

Thanks, Oliver! You’re very right, I want everyone to be happy, and that stems primarily from the bride and groom’s wish that they want all their guests to be happy on their wedding. After all, they’re typically wining and dining all the guests as well, and it’s all the people they love the most. No need to make the guests suffer on the couple’s behalf! lol On the contrary, wedding officiants can be an integral part of everyone having a great time from the moment the ceremony starts and for the entire rest of the day. the energy is already there to channel! Thanks so much for your comment.

Haha – well… it depends on the joke. Because “jokes” are so subjective, you’re not gonna win everyone over with a joke. That’s why I recommend starting with the little tease (“c’mon you can do better than that… ‘good afternoon!'”), then with asking an obvious “yes” question to break the ice like, “Are you ready for these two to get married??” Everyone will shout back at ya, and the ice is broken.

That said, if it’s super hot (or cold) out and people are uncomfortable, it’s best to just name that and put it on the table: “How many people wish it were just a few degrees coooler??” with a smile. Again, you’re gonna get everyone “YEAH!”ing back at you. It’s the safest way to break the ice. Because if you tell a joke that doesn’t work right off the top, that’s a tough hole to crawl out of for the rest of the ceremony. 🙂 Thanks for your question!

If you’re part of the processional, I’d say still do the opening remarks like this, and then close them out by making a fun comment that you have to leave now but you’ll be back in a few moments along with everyone else. Be fun, be human, and anything goes! Thanks for the question, Nick!

Hi Doug – I think it’s up to you! For me, as a hired pro who is going to be centre-stage for about half an hour, I like to stay out of the limelight until it’s time to take the mic, so to speak. As officiants, it’s very easy to come off as “stealing the show” when it should be all about the couple. So my advice would be to proceed with caution and err on the side of “graciously on the margins” until it’s time to do the job. Make sense?

I thought about being a little early so that I could greet the guests informally as they are seated, a personal contact. How does that sound to you?