Book Your Officiant Early!

In this post I will explain why it is so important to book your officiant early.  This is a note I received from a bride last July:

“My fiance and I are looking for a last-minute officiant for our wedding.  We’ve actually been wedding planning for over a year but kind of put off getting an officiant until this last minute.  If you are available for this date please let me know!”

Well, I wasn’t available and I’m not sure if any of my trusted colleagues were either.  Couples, if you are beginning the planning process, please book your officiant early.  It has been my experience over the past nine years that based on the popular engagement dates below, January is the heaviest booking month in the industry.  In fact, most of my high-season Saturdays (May-October) will be booked by early February. I would like to share a few facts with you  regarding booking your officiant:

Although weddings take place year-round, 76% of weddings occur during the Summer and Fall months.  In fact, 25 dates make up 50% of all weddings in 2015.  (You guessed right, they are all on a Saturday!).

Most popular dates to get engaged:

Christmas Day, Valentine’s Day, Christmas Eve, New Years Day, December 20th (Saturday before Xmas), December 13th (2 Saturdays before Xmas, New Years Eve, December 19th (Friday before Xmas), December 23rd, and Independence Day.

Check out this easy rule of thumb:

Based on the average 13-month engagement, most couples search for the majority of their vendors 7-9 months prior to their wedding

In summary:  Book your officiant early!  I would hate to get your call in July for an August wedding like the bride above and have to say, “I’m sorry, I’m not available.”

Seattle Wedding Officiants, Wedding Officiant, Seattle Officiant, Elaine Way, Book Your Officiant Early

Data based on WedInisights, industry data from WeddingWire

Historic 1625 Tacoma Place Wedding

I met Emily and Anthony about five months before their October 2014 wedding.  I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I had officiated the wedding of Anthony’s sister and brother-in-law a few years previously.  I love it when this happens because I get to celebrate with the new couple and catch up on the family too. Emily and Anthony chose Historic 1625 Tacoma Place for their fall wedding.  Historic 1625 is a 6,000 square foot venue with high ceilings and separate rooms for both the ceremony and reception.  It was a perfect location for Emily and Anthony’s 175 guests.

Everything was elegant about this wedding.  From the black tuxedos on Anthony and his groomsmen to the beautiful black gowns on the bridesmaids — everyone looked amazing.  Emily was gorgeous and elegant in her gown and veil, and she sparkled from head to toe.  The tables were beautifully decorated, and Emily and Anthony even made some home brew.  This couple beamed with love through the entire ceremony, which included a wine box and love letter exchange.  With 175 of their family and friends around them, a good time was had by all.  Please enjoy the beautiful photography of Vail Studio.  Congratulations Emily and Anthony!

Seattle Wedding Officiants, Elaine Way, Nondenominational Minister, historic 1625 tacoma place wedding, Vail Studio

Seattle Wedding Officiants, Elaine Way, Nondenominational Minister, historic 1625 tacoma place wedding, Vail Studio
Seattle Wedding Officiants, Elaine Way, Nondenominational Minister, historic 1625 tacoma place wedding, Vail Studio

Seattle Wedding Officiants, Elaine Way, Nondenominational Minister, historic 1625 tacoma place wedding, Vail Studio

Seattle Wedding Officiants, Elaine Way, Nondenominational Minister, historic 1625 tacoma place wedding, Vail Studio

Seattle Wedding Officiants, Elaine Way, Nondenominational Minister, historic 1625 tacoma place wedding, Vail Studio

Seattle Wedding Officiants, Elaine Way, Nondenominational Minister, historic 1625 tacoma place wedding, Vail Studio

Seattle Wedding Officiants, Elaine Way, Nondenominational Minister, historic 1625 tacoma place wedding, Vail Studio

Seattle Wedding Officiants, Elaine Way, Nondenominational Minister, historic 1625 tacoma place wedding, Vail Studio

Seattle Wedding Officiants, Elaine Way, Nondenominational Minister, historic 1625 tacoma place wedding, Vail Studio

Seattle Wedding Officiants, Elaine Way, Nondenominational Minister, historic 1625 tacoma place wedding, Vail Studio

Seattle Wedding Officiants, Elaine Way, Nondenominational Minister, historic 1625 tacoma place wedding, Vail Studio

Seattle Wedding Officiants, Elaine Way, Nondenominational Minister, historic 1625 tacoma place wedding, Vail Studio

Seattle Wedding Officiants, Elaine Way, Nondenominational Minister, historic 1625 tacoma place wedding, Vail Studio

Seattle Wedding Officiants, Elaine Way, Nondenominational Minister, historic 1625 tacoma place wedding, Vail Studio

Seattle Wedding Officiants, Elaine Way, Nondenominational Minister, historic 1625 tacoma place wedding, Vail Studio

Seattle Wedding Officiants, Elaine Way, Nondenominational Minister, historic 1625 tacoma place wedding, Vail Studio