How to Start a Wedding Ceremony (What to Say and Do!)

[@PUAlum]

I think "aren't you glad you're here today......"? is a good opener. then thank the bride and groom and/or parents for including "all of us" in these joyful moments.

[@meatballs0790]

I just officiated my first wedding with 200 guests and absolutely crushed it thanks to your advice on engaging the audience at the beginning. Great way to set the tone. Asked three questions and had them all cheering by the third question.

[@Nodeagent]

3? What were they?! That sounds killer

[@deAndaJake]

I’m officiating a wedding soon. What did you ask? Please help

[@RobertGaron]

😎 What were the questions? ✌️

[@FromPeloToYourHeart]

What were the questions?

[@Mike-yx1ee]

I watched ALL your videos before officiating my friend's wedding...SO incredibly helpful and ALL thanks to you. One of the guests was a wedding coordinator and said that was one of the best officiated weddings she had ever been to and thought I was a paid professional. If I ever considered officiating and wanted to get coached, without a doubt I'd go with you. I'll never do it again though bc it's way too much pressure lol If anyone wants to see my officiant speech for ideas, just let me know. I did a spin on "Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today" and everyone loved it. Thank you again Mark, couldn't have done it without your tips.

[@deAndaJake]

I would love to get a copy of your script! I’m officiating a wedding soon and am putting it together now.

[@Mike-yx1ee]

@@deAndaJake absolutely. You'll have to adjust the beginning since the first half is how I know them and knew their relationship was special. what's your email and I'll grant you "view" permissions on the google doc

[@mckayrealestateauctionco.9897]

I would love a copy of your script.

[@Mike-yx1ee]

@mckayrealestateauctionco.9897 sure what's your email? Read my comment above about tweaking it. I dont remember if its in this video, but the tip about getting the crowd going worked really well. The bride and groom also didn't want a stuffy wedding either

[@vjm007]

My dude! this video helped me greatly recently. Thank you so much. I basically did about two minutes of a “warm-up” introducing myself asking people to silence their phones, made a joke about myself, and asked if everyone was ready, repeated with I can’t hear you is everyone ready and everyone was smiling and laughing and cheering and suddenly it felt like a weight was off my shoulders and then when the ceremony actually started it just flowed!

[@maryw7894]

Friday night I officiated my first wedding and the tips I got from Unboring Weddings made all the difference! Thank you so much for sharing how to start the wedding in a fun way, everyone cheered and felt more relaxed and the whole wedding was more joyful.

[@Sandmanthedrummer]

I just officiated my first wedding with 150 guests and it was amazing. Set the tone with a few laughs to get people relaxed. These videos were perfect! I owe you Mark.....Thank you soo much. Even had a few guest request my services for their wedding.

[@unboringwedding]

'LOVE this! I'm thrilled for you - congrats! So glad I could help. Thanks for letting me know!

[@OpeyemiIfafore]

God bless you, Mark Allan Groleau! Your advice about how to start a wedding is literally the BEST advice! I officiated my first wedding this weekend, and it helped tremendously. The guests instantly loosened up because, as you mentioned, you are giving them permission to react and enjoy the wedding. They clapped, they cheered and literally EVERY guest came up to me after the wedding saying they enjoyed the ceremony, and it was the most fun ceremony they have ever been to. Thank you so much for all that you do, and the help you have provided to so many people. It is truly inspirational and I can't wait to learn more from you.

[@moniquedcarterbooks]

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[@LenaBegemot]

God bless you, Mark Allan Groleau! Your advice about how to start a wedding is literally the BEST advice! I officiated my first wedding this weekend, and it helped tremendously. The guests instantly loosened up because, as you mentioned, you are giving them permission to react and enjoy the wedding. They clapped, they cheered and literally EVERY guest came up to me after the wedding saying they enjoyed the ceremony, and it was the most fun ceremony they have ever been to. Thank you so much for all that you do, and the help you have provided to so many people. It is truly inspirational and I can't wait to learn more from you.

[@chadbaxter5578]

Thank you again. I have followed your steps for the weddings that I have done. It’s been a little over a year and my cousin is flying my wife and I out to Long Beach to marry her and her fiancé on Saturday. And they asked me to officiate which I’m super happy about and I was just having a brain fart on the opening remark so your video helped me yet again. Thank you.

[@carloelstak5964]

Doing my first( and maybe last) wedding next week...this is very helpful!!

[@ReverendFuzzy]

I usually make an announcement first, about 10 minutes before the ceremony starts, to the effect of: "The ceremony will be starting shortly.... Please place your cell phones, and small children on vibrate". It gives everyone a giggle, and lightens the mood. 😎👍

[@Heat0ne]

Yesterday I officiated my cousins wedding and I just want to say thank you for all of your videos!! There was about 100 people! I walked out like a boss from the back about two minutes before the groomsmen came in to warm up the crowd and make a few announcements. For the rest of the night I was a rockstar. The energy through the ceremony and even the rest of the night was electric! Everyone should absolutely take this advice and watch all of Mark's other videos!

[@9ZERO6]

Newly ordained here. You. Have Saved. Me. ( and my bride and groom) Many thanks. Still nervous as heck...but this approach immediately connected with my personality. Whew.

[@9ZERO6]

@@unboringwedding your videos, and emails you sent me literally helped me officiate a fun and quick wedding ceremony. My first wedding went off without a hitch, and the bride and groom were impressed. I cannot thank you enough. Your videos cut through all the complications and anxiety and gets right to the point. Engage the crowd, have fun, and just get the job done. Quick, easy, and the Bride and groom were happy. Total ceremony from beginning to end, 20 minutes tops. Just THANK YOU.

[@davidmackenzie7705]

Mark, I officiated my first wedding yesterday for a very dear friends of mine. I received nothing but incredibly positive feedback for the job I did. I owe you so much credit for my performance as your videos and tips were so helpful. This video about how to start off the ceremony was most helpful of all. I started the ceremony as you suggested and it set the tone perfectly. I have to say, I was scared to death when my friends first asked me to do this but in the end, with the help of your videos, this ended up being a top 10 life experience for me. Keep up the great work and say hi to Toronto my hometown.

[@eva-mariacoughlin9456]

I am officiating my grandson’s wedding in a few days. Did one wedding years ago but didn’t remember anything, as the bride had it all under control then. Now I am a bit nervous but listening to you makes it a lot easier. The bride wants a short ceremony, and that’s good with me. We will be in a traditional mode. Thanks so much! It’s a little more involved then I remember but all good!

[@pedromachado4780]

This was great, I been tryin to find out about "wedding speech sample" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Have you heard people talk about - Heyonnor Speechless Eradicator - (just google it ) ? Ive heard some great things about it and my neighbour got excellent success with it.

[@drmichaelethomasjr]

Thank you for a precise and relaxed intro. It is like getting on a bike after being off for months.

[@neshachristian-hendrickson5598]

Thank you so much! Your page helped a ton. I performed my first wedding, I got lots of good feedback! I am so grateful I found your page. So many people were like if I ever get married you have to do mine. There was laughter, the almost 200 people were saying it was an amazing service. I was able to add t my Buddhist element, and I attribute much of my success to your channel.

[@unboringwedding]

Hey Nesha - I absolutely love hearing this! A million congrats to you. There’s nothing like showing everybody a good time right from the ceremony. I think this means words is spreading about you and you’re gonna be busy! :-)

[@neshachristian-hendrickson5598]

@@unboringwedding I certainly hope so! From lawyer to Officiatant.

[@JuanRamos-wg5ol]

I'm officiating on August 22nd!!!!!!!!!! I'm so nervous! This is so helpful and making it fun and not stresful!

[@mhouze3]

I just officiated my first wedding for my niece and killed it. Thank you so much for your videos. They were so helpful preparing for the big day!

[@unboringwedding]

Love hearing that! Thanks for taking the time to come back and let me know. Thrilled for you! And after breaking the seal on that first one, your confidence will only skyrocket!

[@mhouze3]

@@unboringwedding it has. Dude I was so nervous. I know my nephews will want me to officiate their weddings too. Thanks again and it’s so great that you responded!

[@MyBodyIsMyTemple]

Same doing my first, maybe my last... actually I thought about doing this in my 50's but apparently it came sooner. Doing it for my sister. Your videos are MY ALL right now! thank you!!!

[@trinhngo4647]

Wow! Your advice is incredible! I’m so lucky to find you 😆 Thank you thank you so much!

[@marciawilliams2649]

Had my first 4-3-21 and it went great! Thanks to Marc!

[@dougbullington5749]

Very helpful! Thank you very much

[@dlinsanity]

Just officiated my best friends wedding as both the best man and officiant and your guide helped me KILL it! Never would I have thought I could do that but countless people came up to me afterwards and asked how long I'd been officiated for and if I could do their weddings the following year.

[@OverpoweredByMonk]

Officiating my bffs wedding tomorrow. So nervous. I think this video will make things a bit less scary for me. Wish me luck!

[@susanpoole3285]

OMG! You are helping me so much with your videos. My niece asked me to officiate her ceremony and this will be my first one ever! Your tips have really helped me, along with the bride and groom's input, help us all have a fabulous, personal and meaningful ceremony. Thank you!

[@Oscarbuilds26]

Excellent stuff. The video help me with getting the ball rolling and the script started! I will come back after the wedding and comment to let you know how it went. Wish me luck!

[@unboringwedding]

Awesome! So glad I could help. All the best!

[@barbaraengle3886]

I am a new officiant who watches your videos. Used a variation of your Introduction in a wedding last night for 11 people. It was FANTASTIC! Loosened them up and me up too. Thank you so much. You rock.

[@tadecredgeur]

Mark! Oh my gosh, I do do this, but only in watching this do I now see how it has been impactful. Thank you!

[@l.-._.-._.-._.-._.-.l]

My brother asked me to do his wedding, I am unbelievably nervous about screwing up. I'm horrible at public speaking in front of strangers but i am usually the comic relief/life of the party with friends and family. I came to realize I will know half the guests since it's my bros wedding. Hopefully, I can channel that side of myself without seeming like I am only talking to one half of the room.

[@peterlesa7107]

Am really encouraged by your words have learnt a lot

[@unboringwedding]

I’m thrilled to hear it, Peter! Thanks for letting me know! 👊🏻

[@88broncoll]

Grasias por esta info, muchas grasias.

[@michelekennedy515]

So happy I found your helpful videos. Your tips and suggestions will be put to good use come April... Officiating my sweet niece's wedding. ☺

[@wayneeadon6907]

Great alternative. I'm going through the course and love these ideas.

[@ryanpage5449]

VERY HELPFUL! Thank you. I will be officiating my first wedding in American Sign Language on 8/21. This video is fundamental for me

[@ShyteiCorellianAuthor]

Oh heck yea! Thanks for this - and every one of your videos!

[@michaeldupreez1181]

This has been very informative. Thank you.

[@carolegold6220]

Mark, Many thanks! I’m officiating at my first wedding in two weeks and both of your videos are extremely helpful with insights from your vast experience. Again, with much gratitude!

[@kevinholata9673]

Thank you for the awesome advice

[@unboringwedding]

You are so welcome!

[@jakecurry4270]

You do a good job with these videos. Thanks a lot! They are very helpful!!!

[@carloelstak5964]

Thank you so much for all your videos and tips. I had been asked by the son and fiancée of very good friends to officiate their wedding, and I did so earlier his month. It would be a purely symbolic wedding as they had already been married formally the week before, but I really wanted to do a good job. All your tips and videos were excellent and came in very handy. I used this video as a guide for my opening and it worked like a charm. Right from the start, the guests knew we were there to have some fun and get excited and they sure did! I also used your ten-step checklist, how to deal with the wedding planner and how to run a successful rehearsal. Heck…I used them all. Thanks for all your tips, I had an absolute blast and the couple and their guests LOVED the ceremony. I may have to get licensed and start doing it more often….it is a lot of fun!!!

[@angelicagallegos4053]

I am doing a hamster wedding in 6 days- I take it seriously,and this really helped me,Thank you!

[@allanrobinson5211]

Great! I have my first wedding coming up and greatly appreciate the tips.

[@Dthomas_71]

I will be officiating my first wedding (License Signing Ceremony) next Friday. I am a little nervous, yet super excited. I'm so glad I came across your video and will be watching more of your videos throughout the weekend, to get more prepared. Such great advise and content. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@unboringwedding]

Thanks so much, Dina! Hope Friday goes super well for you. Glad you enjoyed... and that I could help!

[@jordanwright8192]

I love this video !! Great tips. Thank you !!

[@unboringwedding]

Thanks, Jordan! All the best!

[@hiroprotagonist525]

Thank you! About to officiate my first wedding this summer and these videos really help! So much to think about and consider...

[@unboringwedding]

You’re very welcome - and thanks for the thanks! :-)

[@FromPeloToYourHeart]

How was it? My first coming up and nervous as hell 😂😂😂😂

[@hiroprotagonist525]

@@FromPeloToYourHeart It went SUPER well! Here are tips that helped me. I asked for certain things to be taken care of, meaning other people handle it, like a PA system so other people handled that and checked the microphone etc. I asked for a stand of some sort which they couldn't secure, so I bought a small binder and put the speech in it and held it in my hands, and the one or two times where I had to put it down because I needed both hands, I just put it down on a table that was there. Having a rehearsal also helped to iron out bugs. Knowing my speech was helpful, not so much because I wanted to have it verbatim, but so I was familiar with the ceremony in general. I still looked down at my pages too much for my liking, but oh well. Print your speech in big font and space things out in small paragraphs of one or two sentences. It's easier to follow that way. I'd say try to memorize it as much as you can and be yourself.

[@FromPeloToYourHeart]

@@hiroprotagonist525 thank you so much 🙏🏽😍😍😍💖💖💖 Wish me luck🤣🤣🤣

[@FromPeloToYourHeart]

@@hiroprotagonist525 thank you so much for taking the time to respond to me in details, much appreciated 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽💖💖😍

[@tina-junubia6678]

Thank you. About to do my 1st ceremony, glad I found you💃🏾💃🏾💃🏾

[@tina-junubia6678]

Mark Allan Groleau thank you. Will surely come back and give a feedback

[@jeffblackburn7811]

Just got my credentials and have yet to do a wedding, but your videos are great info for me. Thanks so much!

[@jrobbx]

I am officiating my son’s wedding this week and this has been extremely valuable. He and his fiancé have written their vows and want to do a knot tying ceremony. Your 10 steps were priceless to me in being able to get the sequence and structure down. Thanks!!

[@Mztazdabeast]

Doing my first wedding soon..very nerves. Thx so much

[@enamored1]

Great tips! So excited for my first ceremony in a couple weeks, thank you for being my guide.

[@roberte.tinderjr.6669]

Great tips to put us new wedding officiant at ease.

[@pamhahn5284]

How to Officiate a Wedding May I please bother you with another question? Where do I get the certificates to fill out and give them? I know they get the license, but I am to fill out a certificate correct? The company I got certified through sent me a small 2 or 4.

[@southernwitchmagickinthewo5672]

Thanks for the tips!

[@colby6131]

Thank you. Great advice. I’m officiating my sister’s wedding in about 3 weeks and I’m pretty nervous. This is the first video of yours that I’ve watched and I’m hoping the others will help me out as well.

[@jicerylbongabong9026]

Thank you for this sir.

[@stuartlawson8128]

Really good advice and very well presented as you might expect but worth saying dont you think!

[@goodgrits403]

Thank you. My first wedding is in the works. Your video is very helpful.

[@marnieklassen]

Very helpful. What if the opening remarks are happening after the processional? How does the congregation know to shut up for the processional? And what kind of tone is helpful during the remarks that are clearly part of the service now?

[@marnieklassen]

(Getting ready to do my first wedding on Saturday - this is an excellent resource)

[@melissarode1742]

Great advice! By chance do you asks guests to stand as the bride enters? Thank you!

[@TiaMarcia173]

Hi, I’m so glad I found you .... How about a ceremony with just the groom and the bride .... What to say 🥰😄?

[@jameschanja8304]

Appreciate you for the great tips through these tips i promse you that i am going to be the greatest mc

[@cecenightngale2267]

Great vid. Greetings from Tampa FL! :)

[@unboringwedding]

Thank you from 🇨🇦! 🙏🏻

[@scottmorse8847]

Funny story, my first time as officiant for a wedding I told everyone to be sure to silence their phones and halfway through the ceremony a cell phone starts ringing….IT WAS MINE !!😳 I think they got it on video too🤣

[@paperandpenserviceswedding2968]

Love your channel and tips . Keep em coming!

[@Johnshashianand_official]

Superb.....easy and exciting 👍👍👍

[@randallbyron683]

Thank you Mark for this video that makes starting the Wedding Ceremony so much easier for those of us doing it for the first time! As with most events, the start determines how much those present will enjoy it! :-)

[@fordeden638]

I dont mean to be so offtopic but does someone know of a tool to get back into an Instagram account..? I was stupid lost the login password. I love any assistance you can offer me!

[@laynelane9080]

@Ford Eden instablaster :)

[@fordeden638]

@Layne Lane Thanks so much for your reply. I found the site thru google and im waiting for the hacking stuff atm. Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@fordeden638]

@Layne Lane it worked and I now got access to my account again. Im so happy:D Thank you so much you saved my account !

[@laynelane9080]

@Ford Eden you are welcome :)

[@Favouredandree]

My 1st wedding will be on August 5, 2023. I just hope to do a great job.

[@unboringwedding]

Hey, congrats! You’re doing the work here and I’m sure you’ll do great!

[@Farah-ij4qf]

When you said "whether it's 30 people, or 300 people" I whispered to myself "or 3,000". Cause mann Indian weddings are wayy too extravagant. We call way too many people :O

[@theroadtocosplayandcomicco5840]

@@unboringwedding I want a Star Wars wedding my future husband plan to exchange Rings and Lightsabers.

[@grimeremover]

Mark- All your videos have been such good, solid advice! Thank you for just enough information to put something together- you've been a big help! I'm marrying my son and his bride in a few weeks- 1st son to marry & 1st wedding to officiate! Your material along with other sources I have found have brought it all together. Thank you. Tim

[@jeanettepullen2280]

Thank you, for this and your other videos. I appreciate your help. so much good advise.

[@KBfromSA]

Very helpful and you have a new subscriber from 🇿🇦

[@MikeTXBerry]

Aboot. Lol great video, thanks for the tips!

[@paulgroleau8081]

This dude makes me wanna get married all over again - lol - love the comment "5 creepy seconds" - still laughing

[@andeokiror7656]

Nice video, thanks

[@unboringwedding]

Glad you liked it - thanks for the comment!

[@thehealingschooladmin9641]

EXCELLENT YOUR A MARRIAGE OFFICIANT SAVER!!!! LOL

[@unboringwedding]

I do what I can. :-) Glad I could help! 👊🏻

[@JenniferMoleski]

I'm officiating a wedding in September and I excited and nervous. You're helpful--thank you!

[@lizsweddingofficiant1303]

I absolutely love this.

[@jacobtinker7976]

My first ceremony this coming weekend, I have been asked by my son and his fiancée to perform their ceremony! Very honored and proud, but nervous as well LOL I found this video very helpful, thank you for putting it together!

[@IAmFrankieA]

Mark, thanks for all your awesome videos! How many weddings do you do each day? How do we price our services?

[@Susan_Sophia]

Interesting... I think it’s important to create the vibe that the couple wants. For me, I like the more traditional/formal format but if the couple likes this more relaxed approach then I would use these tips. Also when I’m a guest at the wedding I don’t want any attention on anything other than the couple and the depth of what is happening. I guess we are all different 👌🏻

[@editingenglish4betterfluen838]

Love your style and relaxed manner. Great video, awesome tips ...... you make me want to get married again ...... I'll have to talk to the wife ;-)

[@marriagecelebrant7751]

Thank you so much! So helpful new to this wonderful 'job!'

[@teraross]

So besides you being amazing. You have a charitywater.org/spring - 30 minute ad playing before this video. I came to watch you, and instead got drawn into this beautiful, and amazing story about WATER; and a charity helping to bring fresh clean water to the world. I was completely moved - you may not have had anything to do with the ad, but I am so glad that I found it, and you. Keep up the great work--and please everyone who comes here, don't skip the ad!

[@mikemerlyn.1691]

Wonderful ideas. Thanks.

[@mikesentell942]

Thank you , good information , I officiate my first on Oct 15

[@mandreyka]

Thank you Mark for making these great videos, I’m about to officiate a wedding for my sons best friend ( first time) and your guidance is very helpful

[@mandreyka]

Thanks Mark I have a ton of questions lol. It’s 3 weeks away and I’m just now getting around to getting serious about putting it all together, they want a short and sweet civil wedding so it should go smoothly I hope

[@taiwoawolesi7830]

Thanks. Absolutely helpful

[@akeivaaa2513]

"Friends don't let friends take pictures with iPads" Haha I need that to be said at my wedding! Great tips!

[@thiagocelebrante]

I am a Brazilian fan!

[@johnmbereko7443]

Thanks

[@robkunkel8833]

Your topic isgiving away all our Rabbi’ secrets. Love it. I will think of this often. I do SynagogueTours at the #sandfloorSynagogue and sort of deal with that issue, too.

[@hanskohl3136]

Love it. Thanks 🙏🏿

[@gianinamartinez-niquen2633]

Thank I love all the tips🥰

[@viberyt9752]

Very helpful

[@unboringwedding]

Glad you think so - thanks for the comment!

[@novakabdoul2178]

Lovely..kudos

[@carmelsensual]

Great advice! Thanks

[@ricardovieyradjrichardav3314]

Thank you sir

[@sxf093020]

Love your videos, Mark! I'm officiating for the first time (family wedding) and will be doing it in English and Spanish. Do you have tips (or a video) on how to do a bilingual ceremony? I have ideas for punch lines and for making people laugh, but am worried about making smooth transitions so that everyone laughs equally. Am I overthinking it? Thank you!

[@deonlatchman3283]

Thank you

[@curtvlaandorp5558]

Hi, Mark. I'm 16 years old and I'm officiating my cousin's wedding tomorrow. This video has really helped me out. Thank you. Do you perhaps have any more tips and advice?

[@roseannawelch8410]

Your videos are so insightful! Thank you.. Question: Do you have to bring your own equipement such as a microphone?