Monday, August 18, 2008

How Important is a Wedding Pastor?

The pastor is literally "front and center" at your wedding, and will shape many of the feelings of the occasion.  Select a wedding pastor after asking:

Who can help us have the wedding we've envisioned?
Who can carry out our ceremony in a thoughtful, not sentimental or stodgy, manner?
Who can custom-build their remarks to reflect who we are as individuals and as a couple?
Who can be a friend to us for life and not just perform a ceremony, but nurture our marriage?

What does Dave Believe About Marriage?

Marriage is part of God's plan for our very best.  A healthy marriage involves two healthy people deciding to "do life together."  Together we can be what we could never be separately.

Dave has devoted his life to helping people live the life that Jesus described - "life at its best."  Having nurtured hundreds of marriages, Dave distilled some of his insights into a one-hour DVD called "Relational Readiness."  This complimentary DVD has corresponding fill-in-the-blank notes so that a couple can watch and discuss the material together.

Relational Readiness discusses....

The basis of every good marriage
The difference between belonging to someone and belonging with someone
Three compatabilities required for harmony
The difference between and A-shaped relationship and an M-shaped relationship
Healthy roles for husbands and wives

A couple is provided a copy of Relational Readiness when they meet with Dave to discuss their wedding plans.

What can you Expect from Dave as your Wedding Pastor?

Dave takes personal interest in the bride and groom.  Dave tailors his remarks to their stories and helps them have "their" wedding.  Dave brings spiritual and relational insights to the ceremony, but never in a preachy manner.  People of all faiths (or none) enjoy Dave's practicality and relevance.  

Dave likes to meet with bride and groom once prior to the wedding in order to learn more about the couple and to discuss the ceremony.  Dave can also provide premarital counseling upon request.

Dave will attend the rehearsal, if needed, and be at the wedding site one-half hour prior to the ceremony.

Who Else Needs to be On My Team?

A great wedding takes a great team.  Some of the other individuals you may need for your team include....

Coordinator
Caterer
Audio/Visual
Cake
Disc Jockey
Flowers
Limo
Musicians
Photographers
Videographer
Facility

If you need some help putting your team together, Dave can point you in the right direction.  You can also check out some of these web sites....



What is an Appropriate Honorarium?

While some wedding officiants have rates of several hundred dollars, Dave feels that an appropriate honorarium for his services is $250, including a rehearsal.  

Other elective fees....

Relational Readiness DVD and Workbook....FREE
Prepare Inventory (computer generated report on your relationship, plus follow up consultation)....$100
Four Sessions of Premarital Counseling (including Prepare Inventory)....$250

How do I Contact Dave?

Interested in having Dave perform your wedding and nurture your marriage?  Dave can be reached through email at dave(at)ctkonline.com, or via phone at three six zero, four two zero, two nine one five.  Dave can let you know about his availability within 24 hours.