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Your wedding ceremony is a deeply personal reflection of you and your partner — your story, your love, your journey together. While saying your vows and exchanging "I dos" are central, much of the ceremony’s flow and tone come from the officiant. The officiant is the "captain" of your ceremony, guiding everyone through the special moments and ensuring everything runs smoothly. They’ll connect with your guests, lead the ritual, and, of course, make it all official. Choosing the right wedding officiant is a significant decision that can make or break the tone of your ceremony. Whether you’re opting for a religious figure, a civil officiant, or someone close to you, this guide provides essential questions and tips to help you find the best person for the job. Questions to Ask Potential Wedding Officiants FOR THE RELIGIOUS OFFICIANT For a Religious Officiant If your ceremony will take place in a place of worship or you want a religious touch, your officiant should align with your spiritual beliefs. Here are key questions to ensure they’re a good fit: How many weddings have you officiated? Do you give a sermon or homily? Can you officiate an interfaith ceremony? (If applicable) Is it necessary to marry in the church/synagogue/mosque, or can we have the ceremony at another venue? Can we write our own vows? Are there any required donations to the place of worship? How often will we meet before the ceremony? Do you require premarital counseling? For a Civil Officiant For couples who prefer a secular ceremony, a civil officiant can help guide the proceedings with professionalism and care. Here are some questions to help you choose the right one: How long have you been an officiant? Do you have sample ceremonies, readings, or scripts we can review? Can we review the ceremony script before the wedding day? Do you personalize each ceremony you officiate? What is the typical structure of your ceremony? What is your fee, and are there any additional costs? Can you help us write our vows? What will you wear on the wedding day? For a Friend or Family Member as Officiant Having a loved one officiate your wedding adds a personal touch but also comes with risks, especially if they have no prior officiating experience. Here are some important questions for a friend or family member considering this role: Do you understand the responsibilities of the role? Are you available and committed to our wedding date? Are you comfortable speaking in front of a crowd? Do you have an idea of what you’ll say, or would you like our input on the ceremony structure? Can we assist with any costs to help you become an officiant? HELPFUL HINTS CHEMISTRY IS KEY Choosing your officiant is like choosing a partner. You’ll want someone with whom you share good chemistry. Meet with a few officiants (ideally 3-5) before making a decision. Ensure that they make you and your partner feel comfortable and relaxed. Your wedding day will be emotional and exciting — you’ll want an officiant who can help ground you in the moment, not add to any nerves. FIND SOMEONE WHO ALIGNS WITH YOUR CEREMONY STYLE. Your officiant should match the vibe and tone you want for your ceremony. If you're having a religious ceremony, the officiant should reflect your faith. If you're more laid-back or humorous, find someone who can bring that same energy to your vows and speeches. Whether you’re going for traditional or light-hearted, make sure your officiant can bring your vision to life. MAKE SURE THEY'RE COMFORTABLE WITH PUBLIC SPEAKING. No matter the size of your guest list, your officiant needs to be comfortable speaking in front of a crowd. They should project their voice, articulate clearly, and engage your guests — making sure everyone can hear and understand the ceremony. Confidence is essential to set the right tone for the big day. Choose Someone You Know or Don’t Know? One big question: do you want your officiant to be someone you know or a professional you don't know? Known Officiants:  If you have a close relationship with someone who is an ordained officiant or can get ordained, they may bring a personal, heartfelt touch to your ceremony. However, they may lack officiating experience, which could make the process more stressful for them and you. Professional Officiants:  If you choose a professional, they’ll be well-versed in managing the logistics of the ceremony. Though they may not know you personally, they’ll ensure everything is legally sound and run smoothly. Just be sure to connect with them to add some personal touches. 5. Experience is Important Officiating a wedding is a big responsibility. Your officiant will be managing the ceremony flow, keeping the mood light or serious as needed, and guiding you through one of the most important moments of your life. Ensure they understand the weight of the job and have the experience to handle it. Discuss the number of meetings needed, timeline, and rehearsal expectations to ensure they’re fully committed to your big day. HOW TO FIND A WEDDING OFFICIANT Here are some practical steps to help you find the perfect officiant: Ask Recently Married Friends or Family:  They may have a recommendation, or even be willing to officiate your ceremony! Check Places of Worship:  If you're getting married at a religious venue, the officiant may already be in place. Consult Your Vendors:  Your wedding planner, photographer, or venue coordinator may have recommendations based on your wedding style and personality. Ask for Ordination:  If you're leaning toward a friend or family member, look into ordaining them online — it's easier than you might think. Here are some helpful websites where you can find officiants and read reviews to narrow your options: Wedding Wire The Knot Officiants.com Final Thoughts Choosing your wedding officiant is such an important decision, but with a bit of research and guidance, you’ll find the perfect person to make your ceremony truly memorable. Whether you’re considering a religious leader, a civil officiant, or even a loved one, the key is finding someone who genuinely understands your vision and values as a couple. As wedding planners, we’re here to connect you with officiants we know and trust—people who can bring warmth, joy, and personality to this meaningful moment. With the right officiant, your ceremony will feel authentic, special, and unforgettable. Photography: Blake Fountian | KMT Photos | Tim Waters | April Mae Creative | Greyson Reese | Amber Vickery | Tim Laielli

Full Service Planning: @ashleynicoleaffair  Venue/Catering : @hsbresort Photography: @twofishweddings Florist:  @fleuraffairco  Musician:  @thesoloharp DJ/Band: @the_pictures_band Cake: @jojosbakerytx Late Night Snack: @whataburger Hair/MUA: @luxbeautyandbridal Rentals:  @premiereeventstx Glam Booth: @ashleynicoleaffair                                                                            Disco ball dancers:   @austinentertainment  Ice Sculpture: @full_spectrum_ice Cold Sparks Send Off: @bigdogpyro

Planning/Design: @ashleynicoleaffair  Venue/Catering: @oasislaketravis  Photography: @mainsqueezephotography  Florist: @jordanflowersevent  DJ/Band: @loveandhappinessband  Dessert: @crumblcookies | @gigiscupcakesusa  Hair/MUA: @adoremakeupsalon  Rentals: @premiereeventstx  Transportation: @charterup | @limosofaustin

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Planning a holiday-themed wedding is an incredible way to add character and charm to your big day. Whether it’s Halloween, New Year’s Eve, the Fourth of July, or Christmas, holiday-inspired details can be woven in tastefully without feeling overwhelming. Here are a few ways to bring the spirit of a holiday into your wedding with balance and style. 1. Start with a Thoughtful Color Palette A holiday palette doesn’t have to mean traditional colors. For Halloween, consider a palette of deep purples, burgundy, and hints of black for a moody look. A Fourth of July wedding can embrace shades of navy and silver for an elegant take on patriotic hues. Using these tones selectively allows you to embrace the holiday while maintaining a sophisticated feel. 2. Incorporate Holiday Favors and Treats A holiday-themed favor or dessert can bring in the festive spirit. For Halloween, guests might love mini caramel apples or dark chocolate truffles. New Year’s favors could be mini bottles of champagne, while a Fourth of July wedding might feature red, white, and blue macarons. Do  choose items that align with the holiday in a subtle way, rather than heavily themed novelties. 3. Add Festive Details with Florals and Decor For a Halloween wedding, try adding dark calla lilies, deep reds, or even subtle skull or bat accents within your decor. For New Year’s, think metallic florals or sequined table runners for a touch of sparkle. Christmas or winter-themed weddings can include garlands, pinecones, or even a wreath backdrop. Small touches go a long way in creating holiday ambiance without going overboard. 4. Curate Seasonal and Festive Food & Drinks Seasonal menus can feel like a nod to the holiday without needing to be overly themed. A Halloween wedding might offer spiced cocktails , or even a signature dark blackberry martini, while a New Year’s Eve celebration could feature champagne toasts and a midnight snack. Consider a small holiday-inspired twist to your menu that adds a bit of seasonal flair without taking the spotlight off your wedding. 5. Set the Mood with Music and Lighting Use lighting to set the tone for each holiday. For Halloween, dimmed lighting with warm candlelight creates a cozy, mysterious atmosphere, while bright string lights add celebratory cheer to a Fourth of July wedding. Consider a holiday song or two during dinner or cocktail hour if it feels right, but keep the overall playlist focused on wedding classics so that the event remains centered on your love story. With the right blend of holiday touches, you can create a wedding that’s festive and tasteful, bringing the season’s charm into your day while keeping the focus on the celebration of your love. Madi Wagner Photography Burken Co Moodyography

Whether you’re ordering a wedding cake, other desserts, or both, figuring out how much to order can be a challenge. You don’t want to run out on your wedding day, but you also don’t want to be left with a mountain of uneaten sweets. Here are some helpful tips to ensure you have the perfect amount of dessert for your big day! How Much Cake Should You Order? When it comes to cake, we recommend one slice per guest. If you’re opting for a dessert table , you’ll need 2-3 bites per guest, which can sometimes make dessert tables pricier than a traditional cake. If the cake is served as the main dessert, guests will often devour it, and couples may find they miss out on having a slice themselves! For the best experience, we suggest serving cake at the end of dinner, when guests still have room for dessert. Serving it later, when everyone’s dancing and drinking, might result in fewer people noticing or enjoying it. The Cake as the Reception Centerpiece Your cake can be a key element of your reception decor, serving as both a visual highlight and a sweet treat. Whether it’s a simple buttercream design adorned with fresh florals or a more intricate, themed creation, the cake always makes a statement. A beautifully crafted cake can be a memorable part of your wedding, leaving a lasting impression on your guests for years to come. Cakes and Desserts: A Trending Approach A recent trend we’re seeing more of is couples opting for a miniature cake paired with a selection of other treats. These mini cakes provide a focal point for cake cutting without the commitment of a full-size cake. It’s a fun way to balance tradition while also offering variety, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The Importance of Serving Cake While unique desserts are a fun way to showcase your personality, the wedding cake remains a beloved tradition that many guests look forward to. Having both cake and additional treats is a great way to offer variety and ensure there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you choose a classic tiered cake or mix it up with other dessert options, incorporating a cake can still be a sweet highlight of your celebration. Don’t forget to ask your planner to box up a slice for you to savor later! We hope these expert tips will help you to have your cake and eat it too! Photography: Burken Co Caitlin Rose Phot o MGM Moments Ashley Medrano Tim Laielli Main Squeeze Photography

Full Service Planning: @ashleynicoleaffair |  @eventsbymal Venue: @eventsatthearlo Photography:@mainsqueezephotography Florist: @bouquetsofaustintx DJ/Band: @thepremieraustindjs Musician: @terravistastrings Catering/Bar: @sterlingeventsaustin Hair/MUA: @lolabeautyatx Rentals: @marquee_rents | @monarcheventatx Drapery:@uniquedesignandevents Signage: @designtoflourish Cold Sparks: @bigdogpyro Marquee Lights: @alphalitaustin Photo Booth: @ohhappydaybooth Transportation: @atxclassiccars

Choosing your wedding florals is an exciting part of the planning process, but it can also feel a bit overwhelming! With several years of experience providing stunning floral designs through our sister company, Fleur Affair , we’re here to help you navigate this essential aspect of your big day. Decide on Your Wedding Colors Choosing your wedding colors is the first step in your floral design journey. Your color palette will serve as the foundation for many design decisions, so it’s important to select shades that resonate with you and complement your overall vision. Budget Wisely Establish a realistic floral budget early on. Discussing your budget openly with your florist will help them tailor their suggestions to suit your financial plan while still delivering a breathtaking design. Create Your Wedding Inspiration Hub Start by creating a dedicated Pinterest board for your wedding to gather visual inspiration for floral arrangements, color schemes, and overall style. This will help clarify your vision and serve as a reference for your florist. To streamline the planning process, set up a Google Drive folder to house all your floral inspiration, color palettes, and relevant notes. This central repository will make it easy for both you and your florist to access and refer back to the information at any time. By combining these two tools, you'll have a cohesive and organized approach to your wedding floral planning! Choose Your Flowers Communicate openly with your florist about the flowers you absolutely want and those you’d prefer to avoid.Your florist will provide expert guidance on which blooms will enhance your design and inform you about seasonal availability. Keep in mind that some flowers may not be accessible on your wedding date. If that happens, your florist will suggest similar options to achieve the desired look. Consider the Venue Think about how your chosen flowers will complement your venue. Take note of the space’s colors, textures, and lighting. Florals that harmonize with the setting can elevate the overall ambiance of your wedding. While it’s great to have a clear vision, staying open to your florist’s expertise can truly elevate your wedding florals. Florists have years of experience understanding the intricacies of flowers—knowing what’s in season, which blooms hold up best, and how to create cohesive designs that fit your vision. Sometimes, specific flowers may not be available or practical for your wedding day. That’s where your florist’s expertise comes in. They can suggest similar alternatives or even recommend incorporating high-quality faux florals for larger installations, ensuring your design is stunning without compromising quality or budget. By trusting their knowledge and being flexible, you’ll achieve floral arrangements that reflect your style while staying realistic. Photography: Corrine Vaz Photo | Camera Shi Photography | Nathaly Norman Photography | Ashley Medrano Photography

Full Service Planning: @ashleynicoleaffair Venue: @theaddisongrove Photography: @ambervickeryphotography Videography: @echoesofophelia Florist: @nativebloomfloral DJ/Band: @dartcollective Catering: @pej_events Dessert: @besameatx Hair/MUA: @luxbeautyandbridal Rentals: @tablemannerstx Live Portrait: @victoriasvisuals Photo Booth: @homesteadphotoboothco Pet Attendant: @peaceloveandpupsaustin