A Week Before Wedding----

 To make things go smooth and easy a week before the wedding be sure to have and do the following:

1. Get marriage license, and inform officiant that you have it and are ready to go

2. Understand the time needed for the ceremony itself, usually 30 minutes to do from music prelude to recessional. Let minister know any special requests needed in the ceremony and style of ceremony, religious or civil.

3. If you have readers be sure to let them know with copy of reading when they will be called on. And also let minister  know who, what, and when the reading is to be done.

4. Contact other people who need to know things like, location, caterer, musicians, etc. or have a planner or friend contact all parties.


 Communication is important so be sure to let people know you have the marriage license and are ready to be married. Read up on what documents you need to get a marriage license as laws change and some license offices are strict.

 If there is any problem or issue contact the minister who may have a solution.

Civil Wedding Program: What do you say in a marriage ceremony.

 As a wedding officiant I am often asked about what type or style wedding ceremony I do. As a non-denominational minister and former Justice of  the Peace I do a ceremony keyed to what the couple desires. A simple civil ceremony or more elaborate one full of favorite poems that have meaning to the couple. To assist I have a wedding ceremony guide with ideas and links to more information to make a wedding ceremony meaningful. Those ceremonies can be found on my web page at: http://www.figstreet.com/guesthouse/simpleweddingceremony.html This guide has the elements of a ceremony and you can cut and paste parts together.

 I do not limited myself to the suggested vows, couples can write their on personal vows to say to one another at their civil ceremony. And if necessary I have with me the traditional vows for them to repeat to one another. A sample spiritual ceremony is below.

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OPENING STATEMENT:

Dear Friends,

We are gathered here with expectation and love for these two special

people, to join them together in marriage; which is an estate rooted in

the far dawn of human history, yet forever new with each couple who

so pledge themselves freely to one another.

This celebration is the outward sign of an inward union of hearts. It is a

union created by loving purpose, kept by abiding will, and broken only

by the death of love in two people’s hearts. In this event, we are

gathered here to acknowledge the true marriage which already dwells

within them.

CHARGE TO COUPLE: (couple faces one another)

You have come together this day to accept one another in faith and in

love, and to accept the changes that time will bring to each of you and

your lives together. The person that you have chosen to share your life

must be respected, loved, and believed in as an individual, while

maintaining the inner communion of two loving spirits. Preserve and

strengthen the openness that enables you to share your thoughts,

feelings, and experiences; be sensitive to each others needs so that

you may attain mutual intellectual, emotional, physical, and spiritual

fulfillment within yourselves and your marriage.

BETROTHAL:

Groom, will you have this woman to be your wedded wife, to live

together in the shared estate of matrimony? Will you love her, comfort

her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy,

according to this bond of trust?

Groom answers: I will

Bride, will you have this man to be your wedded husband, to live

together in the shared estate of matrimony? Will you love him,

comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, in sorrow

and in joy, according to this bond of trust?

Bride answers: I will

READING BEFORE THE VOWS:

What greater joy is there for two human souls than to feel that they are

joined together to strengthen each other in all labor, to minister to

each other in all sorrow, to share with each other all gladness, to be

one with each other in the silent, unspeakable memories? (George

Eliot)

EXCHANGE OF VOWS:

Groom and Bride will now exchange personal vows which they have

written for one another.

*Groom’s personal vows to be given

*Bride’s personal vows to be given

EXCHANGE OF RINGS:

(The best man presents rings)

The circle of this ring speaks love freely given; it has no beginning and

it has no end.

The circle of this ring declares the unity and oneness of your two lives,

which shall contain your devotion beyond every journey, that you may

always return to your togetherness.

(The groom places the ring on the bride’s finger, saying:

With this ring I give my love, and pledge my faithful trust.

(The bride places the ring on the groom’s finger saying:

With this ring I give my love, and pledge my faithful trust.

Blessing:

Bless these two as they go their way. Defend them in

all assaults of their enemies, that they may hold steadfast to the love

between them.Bless their house, that it may be a sanctuary of peace, a source of

radiance going out to others, a refuge from strife and confusion, a

place of hospitality and honor all who grace its door.

May the power of life abundant ever and always touch their lives,

flowing from one to the other, bringing comfort in any hour of trial, and

bringing glory to themselves and to the world as they pursue their

journey together.

Even as they have chosen each other from the world’s multitudes, may

the days and the years, now veiled by the moment, deepen the

wisdom of that choice and enlarge the storehouse of its treasures, that

they may abide in joy and peace.

THE ANNOUNCEMENT:

Groom and Bride, having chosen each other in love and in freedom,

having declared their purpose before this gathering, and having made

their pledges to one another, I now declare them husband and wife.

Let all others honor them and the threshold of their house. May their

moments here begin untold years of unexpected joy.

Minister says: "Many Pieces, Many Years, and Many Blessings

Together...for the happy couple. Congratulations – you may now kiss

Wedding and Second Line in French Quarter

Jason and Katherine wedding at the Pharmacy Museum in the French Quarter by Dyle films, at Vimeo. They had fun doing a Second Line after the ceremony by Chaplain JK Schwehm.


Katherine and Jason's Wedding Trailer from Dyle Films on Vimeo.

Wedding Invitation Crafts

 Zazzle has a wonderful web page with great wedding invitations, gifts, decorations, bridal shower, and wedding ideas at Zazzle Invitations. Wedding Ideas and Invitations, can be edited on the web. Add names, date, pictures. Create a special invitation, save the date, shower invite, or favors for you wedding.
 You can design your save the date and invitation, then thank you notes all to match. Give it a theme and make your own. All done with a text editor on the web. Bulk prices apply. The more you order the less you pay. Order all at one time for cheap bulk pricing. Professionally printed, shipped direct to you. Save time and gas running all around for save the date notes, invitations, and wedding favors.

Click link here to get some ideas,  Zazzle Invitations Wedding Ideas and Invitations, with web page text editor to add name and date. Here are some I made:

Bridal Shower Invitation - Tea by OrangeOstrichDesigns
Design an invitation online using zazzle

Bridal Shower Invitation by OrangeOstrichDesigns
Make an invite on zazzle

Kiss A Lot Of Toads Wedding Invite by figstreetstudio
Browse other Invitations

SAVE THE DATE WEDDING PERSONALIZED INVITE by figstreetstudio

Custom print invitations on zazzle.

Blue Modern Save the Date Invitations 

Unique Vintage Bridal Shower Invitations 

Budget Weddings: How to save money with a simple wedding

Save Money On Your Wedding 

1. Wedding Planners
2. Rental Halls
3. Bands and DJ's
4. Caterers and Restaurants
5. Dresses, Apparel, and Tux
6. Wedding Officials
7. Marriage License Information
8. Wedding Invitations 
9. Wedding Photography 
10. Wedding Books and other Interesting Links

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Save On Wedding Planners

  Begin your planning with a notebook for that purpose and a list of what you need. There are many web pages with links to wedding services and product providers, use the web to set up your resources. Try to use the free service provided by most rental halls. Catering Directors of most wedding rental places usually have done many weddings and are great people to ask for advice. If you are using a facility the advice comes along free. No need to hire a separate wedding planner unless the wedding is large.  If you use a wedding planner get several quotes on fees and a written agreement. Buy a Wedding Planning Book.
Click here to visit Marriage Preparation Online , for an outline of how to plan a wedding. There are several free guides there about weddings and he also sells a book. The free guides are good information.

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Save On Rental Halls and Chapels

  Some smaller churches and public chapels allow use for a nominal fee. Check with the Yellow Pages and call the pastor. American Legion and VFW Halls rent out to the public. Ask if the price is cheaper on an off day like a Monday or Tuesday.  Some public places like parks and fountains do not charge a fee but require notice of use. A friends lovely home or back yard can be an intimate place to get married. 

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Save On Music and DJ's

  Buy a wedding music CD and have a friend play it in a boom box. Some amateur musicians and music students would play for free as practice, call a music school for information. Have a friend put together the music and be in charge of it at the wedding.

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Save Money On Caterers and Food

  Have friends make and bring food items. The old covered dish wedding.  For sweets buy Ms Debbie Cakes and place them on paper dollies and trays. Have a friend bake your wedding cake. Buy a sheet cake from a food store. Get frozen hors d'oeuvres. at a market or Sam's Club. Buy your flowers at the food store and arrange them yourself. Use disposable paper plates and plastic utensils. Serve grape juice instead of wine. Decorations can be made with candles and holders sold in those Dollar Stores.  Some party supply stores sell wedding decorations, look for sales.

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Save Money On Dresses Apparel and Tux

Save on your wedding dress by shopping early and looking for sample sales. Call the dress shops in your area and ask when do they have sales, then go and shop during that time. Look on E-bay for wedding dresses. After the wedding consider donating your dress to Charity and take the gift off on income tax. Many religious charities have Thrift Stores that accept donations and give receipts for the donated dress. Seek out places that will rent a dress like men can rent a Tux. Borrow a friends dress.

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Wedding Officials

Contact the American Association of Wedding Officiants for help in locating the right wedding officiant for you. Click AAWO .

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Marriage License Information

 The one necessary item that is not discounted but generally does not cost much.

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Save Money On Wedding Invitation 

  Use computer generated invitations  using Print Shop or any computer based publisher. Have them reproduced at a quick printer. Use Post Cards instead of fancy invitation, can get 4 to a sheet and postage is less. See these invitations sold on Fig Street Art Studio. See what they have or ask to design one just for you.

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Save Money On Wedding Photography  

  Have a friend do the pictures. Ask guests to share their photos with you after the wedding.  Have disposable cameras available and ask guests to take pictures and leave the camera for you to keep the pictures. See disposable wedding cameras on Beau Coup.

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Other Interesting Links
Dollar Store wedding decorations web page- http://dollarstorecrafts.com/find-projects/wedding/




This page is a service of Chaplain JK Schwehm former New Orleans area Justice of the Peace, and wedding officiant. Links may be out dated, e-mail him for information.

 New Orleans Wedding Officiant, Dr. Jerry Kenneth Schwehm  served as as Justice of the Peace in 1990 to 1994 in  Slidell, La. and was ordained in 1989 as a Lay Minister after serving as Elder and Deacon in his church for many years. He has a BA and JD from Louisiana State University (1972) and an Honorary Doctor of Divinity from a  local Bible Church in 1990. He has performed numerous wedding ceremonies and is available in the Greater New Orleans area to perform your personalized marriage ceremony. He will go to your location or at his office in Fig Street Studio. He may be contacted at jerryschwehm(at)yahoo.com. 

Components of a Wedding Ceremony : Write Your Own Wedding Vows

Components of a Wedding Ceremony

Generally a wedding ceremony consists of several parts beginning with the Entrance of the Wedding Party usually to music then:
1. Welcome or Introduction done by the Officiant.
2. Presentation of the Bride to the Groom by either the parents or special person.
3. Reading of a Poem or Bible verse by Officiant or special person.
4. Recitation of the Wedding Vows either traditional or words written by the couple.
5. Exchange of rings and/or giving of gifts to children of the couple.
6. Any special event like  lighting candles, drinking wine, or other special ceremony addition.
7. Declaration of Marriage where the Officiant declares the couple married and closing remarks.
8. The First Kiss as a Married Couple.
9. Exit or recessional usually to music.

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Simple Basic Wedding Ceremony

 The step which you are about to take is the most important into which human beings can come. It is a union of two people founded upon mutual respect and affection. Your lives will change, your responsibilities will increase, but your joy will be multiplied if you are sincere and earnest with your pledge to one another.
 __(Groom)___________, will you have this woman to be your wedded wife, to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, and forsaking all others, keep you only unto her, for so long as you both shall live? 
_ (Bride)____________, will you have this man to be your wedded husband, to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, and forsaking all others, keep you only unto him, so long as you both shall live?
 Take hands and repeat after me: I, __(Groom)___________, take you, __(Bride)___________, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, to love and to cherish, from this day forward.
 I, ___(Bride)________, take you, _(Groom)__________, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, to love and to cherish, from this day forward.
 Do you have a ring for the bride?   Please place the ring on the bride's finger and say: With this ring, I thee wed. 
Is there a ring for the groom? Please place the ring on the groom's finger and say: With this ring I thee wed. 
Let these rings be given and received as a token of your affection, sincerity and fidelity to one another.
 In as much as _____________ and _____________ have consented together in wedlock and have witnessed the same before this company, and pledged their vows to each other, by the authority vested in me by the State of Louisiana, I now pronounce you husband and wife. (You may now kiss .)

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Jerry Kenneth Schwehm  served as as Justice of the Peace in 1990 to 1994 in  Slidell, La. and was ordained in 1989 as a Lay Minister after serving as Elder and Deacon in his church for many years. He has a BA and JD from Louisiana State University (1972) and an Honorary Doctor of Divinity from a  local Bible Church in 1990. He has performed numerous wedding ceremonies and is available in the Greater New Orleans and South Mississippi area to perform your personalized marriage ceremony. He will go to your location or at his office in New Orleans. He may be contacted at the below e-mail.

The Secret to Affordable Weddings

Chaplain Jerry Schwehm at  New Orleans Pirates Alley elopement.

  For over 20 years I have done many weddings in the large New Orleans Metro area. I am often contacted by couples on a budget wanting to be married simply in a beautiful spot without a large expense. For an elopement of less than 12 people attending, several beautiful public spots are available for free to use. A marriage license is less then $30, a free location, several witnesses in a public park runs less then $300. A lot better then an office setting where an elopement may be a little less but also a lot less romantic. Cheap, budget, affordable, whatever you want to call it a simple elopement under $300 in a beautiful location saves the couple a lot of money and a lot of planning.
 Over the many years of doing weddings I have found several beautiful locations around New Orleans that we can meet and do a small wedding. I have pictures on my web page with instructions how to get a license and how to book me to meet you to perform a wedding ceremony. Stop in my weddings web page at www.figstreet.com/weddings and see some of the pictures. E-mail me for further details.

Chaplain Schwehm, elopement  in City Park, New Orleans

 I can assist you in locating an officiant in most any city in the USA. I am the President and Moderator of a nation wide group of wedding officiants.


Chaplain JK Schwehm
New Orleans
Wedding Officiant
President American Association of Wedding Officiants

Chaplain Jerry Schwehm at Simple elopement in the French Quarter. Photo by Kathleen Parker.

Changing Name After Wedding

  Most American brides change the last name after marriage. It requires some effort. Here are a few tips, and there are web pages that offer help. A certified copy must be provided to certain agencies, so it takes time. A certified copy of your marriage certificate comes from the office where you obtained your marriage license. The state will mail you a copy for a fee when you requested one.

Changing Your Name After A Wedding

  It is a tradition in western cultures that a bride takes the last name of the husband, it is not a requirement to do so. You need to order several certified copies of your marriage certificate from the office you received your license. Usually this is done when you apply for your marriage license by prepaying for certified copies to be mailed to you.
1. A new drivers license should be obtained by going to your local motor vehicle office with a certified copy of the marriage certificate. That office will help you get a new license with the marriage name. They may charge a fee so you should call before going to get particulars. You may also need to change your auto title and auto insurance.
2. A new Social Security Card should be obtained by getting the necessary forms off the web at:  http://ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/315  You can mail the form in or go in person to your local office but you need a certified copy of your marriage license to present to them. You can telephone them for details.
3. A new Passport can be obtained by going in person to a local office or following the directions on the State Department page at http://travel.state.gov/passport/correcting/ChangeName/ChangeName_851.html
4. You will also need to change your name with banks, credit card companies, landlords, and any other agency that has your name on record. Generally by getting the first 3 done the rest are easier as some agencies will accept the new drivers license as proof of you new name.
5. Be sure the IRS, Voter Registration, your insurance agent, and CPA also knows of the name change so that they make the necessary charges to their records too.

Weddings Under The Tree of Life, Happiness, and Love

 Best place to elope in the Greater New Orleans area are its beautiful parks and lake front.

City Parks Tree of Life, Happiness and Love are great spots for weddings. For details contact Fig Street Weddings with Chaplain JK Schwehm to arrange an elopement or wedding under the biggest and oldest oak tress in the US. More details can be read at: http://figstreet.com/guesthouse/parks.html

 The oldest oak trees are found along the bayou by City Park Ave. Some of these old oak trees are up to 800 years old. They began a forest along a water way that once connected to the Mississippi River. The bayou now forms part of a beautiful lagoon in the park and is populated by water fowl and moss covered trees. A lovely area for small outdoor weddings. More big trees are located in City Park then any other park in the area. Parking is easy. Food is near by in the Parkview Cafe and at Ralph's At The Park. The beautiful New Orleans Museum of Art is a short walk away. The Red Canal Streetcar runs right in front of the park with a beautiful walk to the trees. The park rents spots for larger weddings but a small elopement is OK under the trees with no rental fee for use of the location.

Chaplain Jerry Schwehm at City Park elopement.

BOOKING CHAPLAIN SCHWEHM

 After years of performing weddings I have found it best to obtain information from the prospective Bride and Groom as soon as possible. There is a form that can be cut and pasted to your word processor or download a copy at http://www.figstreet.com/guesthouse/serviceagreement.html. A downloadeable  ".doc"  format for you to complete and get to me along with the required deposit to book your wedding date.  Chaplain Schwehm does waivers of delay for out of state couples. If Chaplain Schwehm is not available he has associate Ministers who help

Marriage License Info--NOTICE: Vital Records Central Office will offer walk-in services at Benson Tower, 1450 Poydras St, Suite 400, New Orleans, LA. Vital Records Customer Serivce Call Center can be reached at 504-593-5100 . You can also get a marriage license at  Jefferson Parish Clerk of Courts Office or any Clerk of Court in Louisiana.

City Park area has several covered spots.

Elopement under tress Scott Myers Photography

Elopement by Scott Myers Photography

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MAP OF CITY PARK:  Tree of Life, Love, and Happiness

View Larger Map ___________________________________________________________ Video of one of the many big trees in City Park. http://youtu.be/HaYUiIaZWDk _______________________________________________________

The Morning Call Coffee Stand has food and large rest rooms. We can meet there to complete the paperwork, it is a covered area with easy parking. Map link below:
https://plus.google.com/106745417835638918906/about?hl=en -------------------------------------------------------------   Video of Wedding in City Park:

Wedding Planning Check List

                Read over, print out, use as a guide to help plan a wedding.

WEDDING CHECK LIST

12 MONTHS  BEFORE THE WEDDING

	Tell families you want to get married. Then have them meet each other.
	Fully discuss type wedding, elopement, formal wedding, big, small, destination, etc..
	Think budget! Discuss what is important and how much to spend on things..
	Discuss with family who pays for what.
	Create a wedding organizer (Binder, files, book). Use it to store all your information, contracts, ideas, photos, etc.
	Speak with your clergy/officiant to learn what is expected and what to get done. Book facility and officiant if ready.
	Visit wedding sites. Book if ready. Church, hall, hotel, home, get ideas off web.
	For large wedding consider a wedding planner and talk with several to see who you can work with.

9 TO 11 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING

	Line up, interview, and visit wedding service providers.
	Photographer
	Videographer
	Caterer  or Restaurant
	Officiant, Clergy if not already booked.
	Florist, decorations, chairs
	Contact ones you like, book them, get written agreement, many of these vendors can be booked up to a year in advance.
	Develop your preliminary guest list.  Base it on wedding size. Talk with family about who must be there.
	Use web to get wedding ideas, style, type, colors, destination.
	Finalize plans with family and friends who are helping.
	Pick and list attendants (bridesmaids, groomsmen, ushers, flower girl and ring bear) . Notify them of selection and what is expected of them.
	Select your wedding rings.
	Begin looking at honeymoon, use web to find a nice place.
	Consider and get wardrobe, gown, tux, dresses.

6 TO 8 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING

	Start planning ceremony and reception music choices.
	Purchase your wedding gown,and accessories.
	If you are having a prenuptial agreement, take care of that now.
	Discuss ceremony with officiant, civil, religious, poems.
	Start pre-marriage counceling (if required)
	Start looking at invitations.
	Sign up for your gift registry
	Send save-the-date cards/newsletter

4 TO 5 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING

	Work with your florist on decorations.
	Place wedding announcement in local newspaper
	Order wedding stationary (invitations, envelopes, programs, etc.)
	Start shopping for bridal party tuxedos
	Book limo/transportation
	Start planning the wedding decorations
	Select hotel. Arrange accommodations for out of town guests, if necessary.
	Select wedding cake (and Groom's cake if you are having one)
	Start making arrangement for rehearsal and rehearsal dinner
	Book anyone not already booked. Get agreements.
	Decide on wedding favors and gifts for family attendants.
	If you decided not to use a Wedding Coordinator, consider asking a close friend not in the wedding party to be your Wedding Coordinator/Personal Assistant.

3 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING

	Order your wedding cake and groom's cake
	Meet with your officiant to discuss details of the ceremony
	Finalize the guest list
	Reconfirm the rehearsal dinner plans
	Buy the cake knife, guest book, toasting glasses and garter
	Choose gifts for your attendants, parents, helpers.
	Have the male members of the wedding party, including fathers, fitted for tuxedos.
	Reconfirm honeymoon arrangements.
	Start writing your wedding vows, if you are doing them yourself.
	Start addressing the invitations (or drop them off with calligrapher)

2 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING

	Send out invitations
	Schedule a hair and make up consultation to do a trial run.
	Start making/buying wedding favors
	Obtain wedding license
	Schedule your first wedding dress fitting.
	Write thank you notes for any gifts that may start arriving.
	If you are having one, begin putting together your ceremony program.
	Meet with vendors (caterer, florists, etc.) to finalize arrangements.
	If you are changing your name, complete the proper documents.
	Finalize music selections for the ceremony and reception and turn them in to the DJ/Band/etc.
	Have formal wedding portrait taken.
	Finalize music selections for the ceremony and reception and turn them in to the DJ/Band/etc.
	Meet with your officiant to finalize ceremony details.
	Reserve room for wedding night.

1 MONTH BEFORE THE WEDDING

	Confirm honeymoon your reservations.
	Meet with photographer and/or videographer to discuss last minute details.
	Start working on the reception seating chart.
	Have final wedding gown fitting.
	Arrange for a reception babysitter, if needed.
	Finish (and print) the wedding program.
	Finalize wedding vows
	Confirm all final payment amounts with your vendors as well as date, time, etc.
	Pick up marriage license. Be sure to have needed documents and cash for the license.

2 WEEKS BEFORE THE WEDDING

	Finalize reception seating chart.
	Confirm delivery time and locations with florist.
	Contact any guests who did not respond to the invitation.

1 WEEK BEFORE THE WEDDING

	Pick up wedding gown, attendants' gowns and all accessories.
	Give final guest count to reception venue/caterer.
	Reconfirm everything with vendors one last time.
	Make sure men get their final fitting for their tuxedos.

1 DAY BEFORE THE WEDDING

	Attend rehearsal.
	Attend rehearsal dinner. Give attendants their gifts.
	Have a manicure and/or a pedicure.
	Put together the tip envelopes (for the vendors) and give them to the designated "tip person" - generally the best man.
	Confirm wedding day transportation.
	Confirm hair and make up appointments.
	If you have access to the ceremony and/or reception venues, bring everything over there that you may need (decorations, guest book, etc).
	Layout everything you need for the next day in a safe place (marriage license, dress, shoes, etc.).
	Speak with everyone in the wedding party and make sure everyone knows where to be at what time. Give them a list or program with times and places.
	Try to go to bed early, rest up the day before.

YOUR WEDDING DAY

	Relax, and eat. Stay calm.
	Share a private moment with your fiance.
	Have your hair and makeup done.
	Give the best man the groom's ring and marriage license. He can give them when needed to officiant.
	Begin dressing two hours before ceremony is scheduled to begin.
	Spend time with parents before you go down aisle..