Even though everyone is dressed in formal, and the event is taking place at the Ritz-Carlton, this ceremony, and others like it, should not be confused with a Planned Formal Ceremony. This is because no elaborate options are being used, there is no bridal party, no ring bearer or flower girl running down the aisle, and no rows of chairs seating hundreds of guests expecting an elaborate performance.

What is more, Non-planned Formal Ceremonies are not rehearsed, simply because the couple is not required to give the level of performance warranted by my Planned Formal Ceremonies. Those ceremonies often involve Unity Candle Lighting, Wine Sharing or using the Sand Ceremony etc. They also may include supplemental options such as actions in Memoriam
 

and or the Giving of Roses. These ceremonies are extensively rehearsed and their roles coached. You cannot give that level of instruction in the minutes prior to the start of a ceremony.

This is why a Planned Formal Ceremony is priced differently than a Non-planned Formal Ceremony- they require more. The average investment in time for a non-planned formal ceremony is about 4 to 5 hours when driving is included (coming and going) as well as prepping the couple, and then performing their ceremony. For a Planned Formal Ceremony, which involves three trips that investment goes up to 15 hours plus.

There are couples who simply need me to perform a ceremony for them, with no rehearsal (just a little prepping when I meet them prior to their ceremony). The details of their ceremony are worked out by phone and email in the days and weeks prior to their big day. Cara and Eugenio's ceremony, shown above, is a perfect example of this.