As a wedding officiant, I’ve seen hundreds of ceremonies—and that joyful moment when the couple turns to walk back up the aisle is always a favorite. I joke with couples in our planning meetings to practice the dip kiss so that groom doesn’t bang the bride’s head against a chair. But really, if you’re planning…
Author: Ralph Griggs
Wedding minister officiant serving the Nashville and middle Tennessee area for 20 plus years. Non-denominational and personalized ceremonies. At-Home marriage prep course author.
What Do You Do If Some of Your Wedding Guests Don’t Speak English?
As a wedding officiant, I have the privilege of standing at the very heart of hundreds of ceremonies. I’ve seen countless couples from diverse backgrounds, and time and again, I’ve witnessed one simple truth: every single guest should feel completely included. But that is not always the case. Most often it seems, some of the…
Honky-Tonks, “I Do’s,” and… Security? Why You Might Need It for Your Nashville Wedding
Let’s be real: planning a wedding in Nashville is fun. You’re picking out amazing caterers (hot chicken, anyone?), booking a band that can actually play some Johnny Cash, and choosing between a stunning barn venue in Franklin or a chic downtown hotel with a skyline view. But amidst the cake tastings and playlist debates, your…
Should You Take Dance Lessons Before Your Wedding?
You’ve got the venue, the cake, the photographer—now there’s one more thing to think about: that first dance. For some couples, the idea of dancing in front of a crowd is exciting. For others, it’s about as appealing as public speaking in a swimsuit. Either way, taking a few dance lessons before your wedding can…
Photo Booth Rentals in Nashville: Worth It for Your Wedding?
I see them at most weddings I officiate. And if you’ve been to a Nashville wedding lately, you’ve probably noticed one thing: photo booths are everywhere. And for good reason — they’re fun, they break the ice, and they give guests something to do while you’re off taking your formal photos (or catching your breath…
Real Brides, Real Questions #1
What timeline should I follow for booking Nashville wedding vendors? We’re 6 months out and I feel behind!” 6-Month Nashville Wedding Vendor Booking Timeline (Quick Guide) Feeling behind? You’ve got time. Book in this order and move fast. Weeks 0–1 (Now) Weeks 1–2 Weeks 3–4 Month 2 Month 3 Month 4 Month 5 Month 6…
Beer Donkeys at Weddings: Cute, Quirky, and Totally a Thing
If you’ve been to a rustic or outdoor wedding lately, you might’ve seen a little four-legged guest stealing the show—a beer donkey. Yep, it’s exactly what it sounds like: a sweet, miniature donkey outfitted with saddlebags (or flower garlands) carrying cold drinks to your guests. I saw my first one a few years back at…
What to Think About When Planning a Wedding in Nashville, TN
Congrats on choosing Music City for your big day! Nashville, TN, offers vibrant vibes, from honky-tonks to historic barns, but planning here comes with unique twists like hot summers and downtown traffic. To keep things smooth, here are the key considerations every couple should think about. 1. Timing and Weather Nashville’s weather varies wildly—summers are…
A New Twist on the Unplugged Ceremony
It’s become a regular request for me to enter for the ceremony first and remind everyone that the couple had requested an Unplugged Ceremony. Something like this: Hello everyone and welcome! We have a couple ready to get married. Just a friendly reminder that the couple has requested this to be an Unplugged Ceremony. So…
Quick Tips for Unique Nashville Wedding Transportation
Planning your ride for a Music City wedding? Skip the boring and go for something fun and memorable. Here are 10 practical tips to nail your Nashville wedding transportation, from trolleys to limos and beyond.