A lot of couples think having a friend or family member officiate their wedding is a great idea—until the big day turns into a total disaster. From awkward silences to forgotten lines, things can go off the rails fast. That’s why we’re bringing in Chris Thielen, an experienced wedding officiant, to talk about what actually makes a ceremony special and how to avoid a cringe-worthy moment at the altar.
When it comes to wedding planning, most couples focus on the venue, the dress, and the party—but what about the ceremony itself? The person officiating your wedding plays a much bigger role than you might think. Chris Thielen has been officiating weddings for over 25 years, and he’s seen it all. From flawless, heartfelt ceremonies to absolute train wrecks, he knows what makes a wedding day run smoothly and what can turn it into an unforgettable (for the wrong reasons) experience.
Chris explains why hiring a professional officiant is worth it, especially when compared to having a friend or family member handle the ceremony. While it may seem like a sweet, personal touch, it often leads to stress, forgotten lines, and uncomfortable moments. He shares his best tips for making sure your ceremony reflects your personality and doesn’t feel like a generic script being read off a piece of paper.
We also dive into what an officiant actually does, from helping you with your marriage license to making sure the ceremony runs seamlessly. Chris shares the most common mistakes couples make when planning their wedding and how to avoid unnecessary stress leading up to the big day.
Plus, if you think the ceremony is just a short moment before the party starts, Chris might just change your mind. A well-done ceremony isn’t just about making it legal—it’s about setting the tone for the entire day and making sure your guests feel just as connected to your story as you do.
Episode Highlights:
- The biggest mistakes couples make when choosing an officiant
- Why asking a friend or family member to officiate can be risky
- How to make sure your ceremony feels personal and engaging
- The little details most couples forget that can lead to awkward moments
- Why your officiant needs to be comfortable speaking in front of a crowd
- The importance of working with vendors who understand your vision
Got a wedding planning question? We’d love to help! Send us your biggest wedding dilemmas, and we might answer them on a future episode. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast—plus, share this episode with someone who’s in the middle of wedding planning!
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