AMERICAN WEDDINGS BLOG
Stay up to date with the latest wedding ceremony trends, script writing inspiration, tips and advice for first-time officiants, and news that matters to couples and wedding ministers.
Stay up to date with the latest wedding ceremony trends, script writing inspiration, tips and advice for first-time officiants, and news that matters to couples and wedding ministers.
Published Tuesday, Mar. 2nd, 2021
"What to do with your hands while you deliver a wedding ceremony?"
New and first time officiants ask this question all the time, and we understand why!
Waving your hands around or gesturing and fidgeting too much will distract from what you’re saying and from the lovely couple you’re marrying. Shoving your hands into your pockets might make you look like you’re not taking the ceremony seriously, or even make you look more nervous than you already are! And folding your arms over your chest? That’s a definite no. (Not to mention, this body language will not look good in the couple’s ceremony photos.)
|* ordination-button *|
This looks and feels professional, and keeps you from waving your hands around or accidentally crossing your arms over your chest.
Don’t just cling to a few pieces of printer paper though! And no death grips, please. Use sturdy (numbered!) notecards, a wedding officiant script holder, binder or padfolio, or place your script into the pages of a book.
This great tip comes from AMM Officiant Jimmie, who tells his grooms to keep their thumb out of their pockets to keep them looking sharp in wedding photos. But this goes for all pocket lovers out there!
Whether you’re rocking a stylish pantsuit, a dress with pockets, a pocketed onesie or jumpsuit, or a classic wedding suit, and want to put your hands in your pockets, this simple tip is foolproof.
Music stands keep your hands free for holding onto microphones, and they won’t create a solid barrier between you and the guests (so folks will still get to see your outfit and body language!)
Script stands are also helpful if you have physical limitations that make holding or carrying things for a long period of time difficult, and they look professional!
You are not a robot! Don’t be afraid to gesture when it’s useful or impactful. You’ll want to help give directions to ring barriers and alert guests and speakers when it’s time for special readings. You’ll want to speak comfortably and not stiffly, which includes some natural movement.
Don’t focus so hard on not moving around too much that you end up looking like a robot or a nervous statue. Keep things loose!
Read more suggestions for performing a perfect wedding ceremony without previous public speaking experience!
There’s no ‘take-two’ when it comes time for a couple to say ‘I do’-- Wedding officiants only get one shot to perform a perfect wedding ceremony.
Give yourself the tools and training you deserve to succeed as a wedding officiant, so that you can stand beside the lucky couple with complete confidence on their big day.
Become a Wedding Officiant with Our Free Online Ordination!