Often Asked Questions And Suggestions?

1.) What religious or denominational background is required to be married through Can-A-Lope Weddings? God gave marriage to all men and women. Can-A-Lope Weddings is not affiliated with any religious or denominational organization. Can-A-Lope Weddings requires only, that you love each other and that you have a desire to be married.

2.) How soon should a Minister be contacted before the Wedding date? Many Weddings are planned up to a year in advance. Many Weddings are planned in a few months or a few weeks, while others in only a couple of days. Can-A-Lope Weddings suggest, that as soon as you and your fiancee have chosen a date, that would be the time to book the Minister. If you would like to book your Wedding with Can-A-Lope Weddings CLICK HERE

3.) What is our stand on same sex unions and marriages? We are for preserving the sanctity of marriage given by God for a man and a woman only. We adhere to a biblical standard in the wedding service industry. No ministers are allowed on our site who don't stand for the sanctity of marriage given by God. We do-not perform gay or lesbian unions.

4.) If the Father of the Bride is not present, does the Bride have to have someone give her away? The Minister can either skip "the who gives away part" or he may include it and the mother of the bride may respond "I do". In our experiences, we have witnessed a daughter, a son, a family member, and the whole Wedding party give the Bride away in place of the Father. When absolute answers aren't available, good taste will guide you to the proper choice.

5.) Should the Minister or Officiant be invited to the rehearsal dinner or the wedding reception? The Minister and his/her spouse should be invited to the rehearsal dinner and the Wedding reception. Of course it is always his/her choice to attend. 6.) Can we say our own vows? Many couples choose to write their own vows or some may amend existing religious Wedding ceremonies with their own words. Others leave the Wedding vows to the Ministers discretion. Can-A-Lope Weddings suggests, if you are going to write your own vows:

1.) The shorter the better for some.
2.) Don't include everything.
3.) Be positive.
4.) Have a help sheet.

7.) Should we tip the Minister and how much? Traditionally a Ministers fee for performing the ceremony will range from, $100.00 to $400.00, depending on the state the, Wedding ceremony, is performed in. This could vary depending if he/she comes to the rehearsal. Can-A-Lope Weddings, Weddings Ministers, charge $125.00 - $300.00 for the ceremony and $225.00 - $400.00 for the ceremony and the rehearsal. Traditionally, the best man will handle paying the Minister, if not paid in advanced. It is customary to tip the Minister anywhere from $10.00 to $50.00.

8.) What is the most important thing to the Wedding Party and the Guests, besides the Wedding ceremony? Surveys have shown, most guests consider the reception, the food and especially the Wedding cake, to be top priority at a Wedding. A Wedding cake is absolutely essential to a reception and may be any flavor, color, or shape you wish. You should expect about 80% of your Wedding guests to eat Wedding cake. The kinds of cakes that modern Brides serve, do not lend themselves to being kept at room temperature for a year, nor do they freeze longer than 6 months.

9.) Can a person be married more than once? Many denominational and religious organizations will say no, a person cannot be married more than once. Can-A-Lope Weddings will not refuse any couple (a man and a woman only) the right to be married, regardless of one's past, race, color, religion, or denominational background. Can-A-Lope Weddings does not encourage divorce, but we do understand that things do and can happen in marriages. We count it a joy to help couples move from their past into a new beginning, that marriage can offer. We believe that our God is the God of many chances.

10.) What Is The Downside Of Having A Friend Or Family Member Perform Your Marriage Ceremony? Although an honor, presiding over a friend or family member's wedding has its pros and cons. Yes, there are benefits to being married by someone familiar, but even these can become detrimental to the potentially successful marriage ceremony. For example, a "deputized" officiator friend or family member:

1. Can make a bride and groom more stressed or nervous during the pre-ceremony planning. Causing extra work for all concerned - bride, groom and their "deputized" or "licensed" friend or family member must learn about the wedding ceremony (planning and presentation).
2. Does not provide qualified "back-up" in the event of "cold-feet" or illness
3. Does not know how to construct a wedding ceremony - as to legal requirement or presentation protocol. Writing to present orally is different than other kinds of writing.
4. Is unable to knowledgably plan important organizational aspects of the wedding ceremony. Officiant planning and organizational coordination, whether pre-ceremony, week-of-wedding, or on the ceremony day are crucial to the bride, groom, and those participating in the marriage ceremony.
5. Is, by virtue of "non-training", not competent and knowledgeable marriage officiator. A number of people are dependent upon the wedding officiant. What if they are not knowledgeable or competent? In fact, wedding photographers, ceremony musicians, wedding coordinators/planners, etc., often dread working with "deputized" or "licensed" family members or friends of a bride or groom. It makes their job harder, and can negatively affect their professional services. "Hand-holding" the wedding officiant is not part of any other wedding vendor's job description.