Handling Wedding Ceremony Interruptions (for the Officiant)

Rock the Mic like an AMM Minister with this helpful wedding officiant advice: What to do when someone interrupts a wedding ceremony or other unexpected issues arise

 

We recently worked with a couple that was searching for a minister who could do it all. The couple asked for someone who could deliver a beautiful and personal wedding ceremony, while also entertaining the crowd and managing the moment.

 

Now, you may think, “Isn’t that all the same?” Well, yes and no.

 

Within a wedding ceremony, there are the words you say and the performance you give. The best wedding officiants excell at both creative writing and public speaking. But everyone has their own style and skill set, and finding your balance will require some practice and research.

 

If you’re reading this as a bride or groom, this means that considering both the composition and delivery you want for your ceremony will help you find the right minister.

 

(For more help narrowing down your choices and finding a wedding officiant, read Choosing a Wedding Officiant: What (or Who) Are Your Options?)

 

 

Fainting bride or groom? Missing wedding ring or wedding vows? Unexpected delays or other wedding day mishaps? Ministers with good improvisational skills can handle any surprise! Wedding mistakes happen, but a good wedding officiant will handle it with grace, calm, and efficiency.

 

 

Weddings typically involve a lot of people, inviting the unexpected to occur. We've been to beach ceremonies with strangers shouting inappropriately, seen kids in the ceremony get distracted, dealt with fainting members of the bridal party, and much more. But ministers with good improvisational skills can handle all of these surprises and more, adding a little extra levity to the ceremony or (in extreme cases) averting wedding disasters.

 

As a minister, you're in charge of managing the ceremony and must act responsibly to deal with anything that comes up. You always want to maintain a positive tone, and bring the attention back to the couple and their day.

 

With any outburst or surprise, you have three options as the wedding officiant:

 

1. Let it Be

It's always best to continue the wedding ceremony, so recognize when an interruption doesn't need a response. Learn when to just let it be.

 

For example, don't talk back to a heckler at an outdoor wedding. This sort of disruption doesn't need a response, and you don't want to start a fight. Instead, keep the focus on the couple.

 

(Read Did I Just Say That? -- 3 Ways to Handle Wedding Ceremony Mistakes)

 

 

Some wedding surprises will add to the levity and joy of the day. As a wedding officiant, you'll learn when to let it be, when to roll with it, and when to speak up.

 

 

2. Roll With It

 

If something unexpected but cute, fun, or endearing happens, roll with it! Give it a quick acknowledgement and then get the wedding ceremony back on track as quickly as possible.

 

For example, if a child participating in the ceremony gets distracted, a quick "Isn’t she so cute?” or “Aww, he seems a bit shy...” will smooth things over (and keep things moving) while the parents step in to help, and the ceremony continues as planned.

 

(Read 5 Wedding Ceremony Gaffes, Blunders, and Mistakes to Avoid)

 

 

3. Speak Up

 

Occasionally, an interruption will occur that can’t be brushed off or ignored. Know when to speak up! If this happens, be ready with an announcement that a pause is needed but that you'll continue the ceremony as quickly as possible.

 

For example, if a bridesmaid faints, the ceremony must be stopped to provide aid. Make a quick announcement to let guests know there will be a quick break, and then, once the bridesmaid is attended to and feeling okay, the ceremony can resume.

 

You’ve got this!

 

With these tips for managing the unexpected, you’re gonna rock the mic like an AMM Minister.

 

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More tips for Wedding Officiants to help you officiate your first wedding

 

Everything's easier when you're prepared! 

 

• 4 things you might forget the day of the wedding (and what to do about it)

 

• Asked to Officiate (Step by Step Workbook for Wedding Officiants)

 

• How to Officiate a Wedding For the First Time
   

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Get Ordained Online to Officiate a Wedding with American Marriage Ministries! 

 

Get ordained online to officiate a wedding with free online ordination through American Marriage Ministries (AMM). 

|* custom-button, "https://theamm.org/ordination-application", "ORDAINED MINISTER ONLINE APPLICATION" *|

Why AMM? American Marriage Ministries is an inclusive nondenominational internet church that ordains and trains ministers to officiate marriage ceremonies. We are a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit church, and help people from all backgrounds and beliefs become ordained ministers for weddings. Our online ordination is free, accessible, and never expires.

 

Officiating weddings is an incredible honor, and a great way to show your love and support for the people getting married. As a wedding officiant, you will help to create memorable ceremonies and memories that last a lifetime.

AMM Ministers can legally officiate weddings in every state* (it's much harder in Virginia, where we're looking into our options). After getting ordained with AMM, you might need to register your ordination with your local county clerk’s office. Click the link above to get started! 

 

 

Become an ordained minister online with American Marriage Ministries and officiate wedding for friends and relatives. (Photo cropped: Biserka Stojanovic / iStock)

 

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