You Were Asked to Officiate a Wedding. Here Are 10 Tips to Do It Calm, Confident, and Clean.
Someone just trusted you with a big moment.
If you are officiating for the first time, you do not need to be perfect. You just need to be prepared enough that the couple feels safe, the guests can follow along, and the ceremony feels intentional.
At JAM Entertainment, we see hundreds of ceremonies every year across Reno, Lake Tahoe, and Napa. The officiants who do the best are not always the most experienced. They are the ones who practiced, slowed down, and collaborated with the vendor team.
Here are 10 simple tips that make a real difference.
1) Write it out, then practice it out loud
What reads well rarely sounds natural on the first pass. Say it standing up, like you will on the day. If a sentence feels clunky, rewrite it until it sounds like you.
2) Record yourself once, then watch it back
Use your phone. You will notice pacing, posture, and habits you did not realize you had. Fixing those before wedding day is one of the best gifts you can give the couple.
3) Speak slower than feels natural
Nerves make people rush. Slow feels confident. Slow feels warm. Slow also gives guests time to absorb what you are saying.
4) Replace filler words with pauses
“Um,” “like,” and “you know” show up under pressure. A pause feels powerful and calm. If you lose your place, pause, breathe, and continue.
5) Look up often, even if you are reading
If you are using notes, hold them at chest height. Practice lifting your eyes every sentence or two. Guests connect with your face, not the paper.
6) Do not announce it is your first time
This ceremony is not about your resume. Confidence reassures everyone in the room. If you are prepared, you have earned the right to sound prepared.
7) Give clear stand and sit cues
Never assume guests know what to do. Simple direction prevents awkward moments.
Examples:
“Please rise.”
“You may be seated.”
8) Meet the DJ at least 30 minutes early
This one is massive.
Confirm:
Mic placement and how to hold it
Where you will stand
Processional order
Any music cues for vows, ring exchange, and recessional
If you want to understand how a DJ supports ceremony flow, this is a helpful reference:
Wedding DJ and Master of Ceremonies Experience: https://www.jamentertainment.events/wedding-dj-reno-tahoe-napa
9) Step aside for the first kiss
After “You may kiss,” take one or two steps to the side. Give the couple a clean photo moment. That frame becomes a favorite more often than people expect.
10) End clearly, then get out of the way
Practice your final line so it lands with confidence. A strong ending makes the ceremony feel complete.
Example:
“Family and friends, it is my honor to introduce for the first time, [Name] and [Name]!”
Then step aside and let them have the aisle.
A quick legal note (because this matters)
Requirements vary by state and county. If you are officiating in Nevada, confirm authorization rules with the county where the ceremony is happening. Nevada has county-level authorization and the Secretary of State maintains officiant info here: https://nvsosuat.nv.gov/licensing/marriage-officiants
If you are officiating in California, general marriage requirements and presence rules are outlined here: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHSI/Pages/California-Marriage-License-General-Information.aspx
If you are not sure, ask the couple to confirm with their county clerk before wedding day.
Helpful reads if you want the ceremony to feel smooth
Crafting a Seamless Reception Timeline: https://www.jamentertainment.events/blogs/wedding-reception
5 Questions to Ask a Potential Wedding DJ: https://www.jamentertainment.events/blogs/potential-wedding-dj
See real events and gig logs: https://www.jamentertainment.events/wedding-vlogs
Planning tools couples use with us: https://www.jamentertainment.events/wedding-planning-app
FAQs
How long should a wedding ceremony be?
Most ceremonies feel best in the 12 to 20 minute range. Long enough to feel meaningful, short enough that guests stay present and comfortable.
Do I need to memorize the ceremony?
No. Notes are fine. Practice enough that you are not reading word-for-word the whole time, and you can look up often.
Where should I hold the microphone?
Keep it 2 to 3 inches from your mouth, slightly off-center to reduce “breath pops.” If you turn your head, turn the mic with you.
When should I meet the DJ?
At least 30 minutes before the ceremony starts. Earlier is even better if you can.
What is the biggest mistake first-time officiants make?
Rushing. Slow down, breathe, and let the moment land.
Should I mention inside jokes or embarrassing stories?
Only if the couple explicitly wants that vibe. When in doubt, keep it warm, respectful, and focused on who they are together.
