5 Things to Tell Your Officiant Before the Wedding Day
Your officiant helps set the tone for your wedding day—don’t leave them guessing! Here are 5 simple but important things to tell your officiant before you walk down the aisle. — J.J. Ash Events and Designs
As wedding planners, we know that the magic is in the details—and some of the smallest moments can make the biggest difference, especially during your ceremony. Your officiant plays a crucial role in setting the tone, keeping things flowing, and guiding your guests through the experience. But unless they know what you need ahead of time, things can fall through the cracks.
That’s why we’re sharing 5 important things to communicate with your officiant before the big day. Whether you're getting married in Virginia, D.C., Maryland, or anywhere in the DMV, these tips will help ensure a smooth, seamless ceremony—with no awkward hiccups and picture-perfect memories.
Ask Them to Make a "Phone-Free" Announcement
Before the processional begins, ask your officiant to kindly remind guests to put away their phones and be present. You can even build in a short moment during the ceremony when guests are invited to take one quick photo—then tuck their phones away again.
✨ Why It Matters: You’ll avoid a sea of raised phones blocking
the photographer’s view of your walk down the aisle. And trust us—your professional
photos will thank you.
Rehearse with Just the Two of You (Before the Rehearsal!)
A mini run-through with your officiant—without your full bridal party present—can go a long way. Whether it’s via Zoom or in person, practicing the timing, cues, and pacing ahead of the full rehearsal helps everything run smoother when the big group gets involved.
✨ Why It Matters: It gives you both a chance to ask questions, review transitions,
and eliminate nerves—before the full wedding party arrives.
Have Them Step Away After the Kiss
Once you’ve said your vows and sealed it with a kiss, remind your officiant to gracefully step to the side. It’s a simple move, but one that gives your photographer a clean, uninterrupted shot of that iconic moment.
✨ Why It Matters: You love your officiant—but you probably don’t want
them in every photo of your first kiss.
Assign Post-Ceremony Directions
Have your officiant announce what happens next immediately after you’re pronounced married. Whether it’s heading to cocktail hour, group photos, or a receiving line, guests appreciate a little guidance—and your planner will thank you, too.
✨ Why It Matters: It avoids the post-ceremony confusion where guests
don’t know where to go or what’s next.
Review What Happens with the Marriage License
The ceremony may be over—but the paperwork still matters. Go over where the marriage license is, who’s signing it, and when it needs to be returned. Don’t leave this part to chance.
✨ Why It Matters: There’s nothing worse than scrambling to sign legal documents
during the reception when you should be celebrating.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Assume—Communicate
Even the most experienced officiants appreciate a little direction. The more you communicate ahead of time, the smoother things will go—and the more relaxed you’ll feel walking into your ceremony.
At J.J. Ash Events & Designs, we support couples every step of the way, from rehearsal logistics to wedding day coordination. If you’re looking for planning services in Virginia, D.C., or Maryland, we’re here to make your wedding day feel effortless and unforgettable.
When Planning Becomes Too Much: Why We Offer Real Support foR Real-Life Couples
Wedding planning shouldn’t feel like a second full-time job. Learn how J.J. Ash helps busy couples in Virginia and the DMV plan with purpose—and without the stress.
Planning a wedding is supposed to be exciting, right? But what happens when the to-do list starts feeling like a second full-time job?
We recently spoke with a couple who said it best: “We have our vendors, but we’re the ones relaying to their messages, chasing down contracts, coordinating calls, and we still have real jobs and kids to raise.”
Sound familiar?
This is exactly why J.J. Ash exists.
The Mental and Physical Load Is Real
Couples today aren’t just picking out cake flavors and color palettes. They’re managing multi-vendor timelines, legal documents, emails, and back-to-back meetings, all while working full time and managing everyday life.
The idea that planning your wedding should be something you can juggle on your lunch break?
Unrealistic. Stressful. Unnecessary.
You Shouldn't Have to Be the Middleman
When a couple is expected to:
Coordinate timelines between 8+ vendors
Field emails from florists, rental companies, and DJs
Track RSVPs and floorplans
Manage rehearsal schedules
Update everyone on last-minute changes
...you go from being excited to being overwhelmed.
We believe your wedding should be a celebration — not a source of burnout.
This Is Where We Step In
At J.J. Ash Events and Designs, we offer full-service planning and wedding management because we know life doesn't stop just because you're engaged.
We’re here so you don’t have to be the go-between. So you don’t have to worry about whether your chairs are arriving on time or which vendor still hasn’t confirmed their arrival time.
We manage the logistics, the personalities, and the plans so you can enjoy the moment and protect your peace.
Our Services Are Built for Real-Life Couples
Whether you’re working full time, raising a family, or simply trying to hold onto your weekends, our planning process is designed to fit your lifestyle.
We communicate clearly, work with your schedule, and keep everything organized and moving forward. You’re still in control, but you’re not alone.
Most of All You Deserve to Breathe
If the process of planning your wedding has started to feel like a job, you’re not doing anything wrong. You just need support. That’s what we’re here for. Let’s build your wedding around your life, not the other way around.
Ready for real support?
Let’s talk about what you need and how we can help.
Inquire Here | jjash.com
How to Plan a Stress-Free Wedding in Virginia | Expert Planning Tips from J. J. Ash
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Wedding planning is exciting… until it’s not. Between vendor emails, budget tracking, and Pinterest spirals, it’s easy to go from joyful to overwhelmed. But here’s the secret: planning doesn’t have to be stressful.
At J.J. Ash Events & Designs, we want you to focus on the big picture—the celebration, the love, and the once-in-a-lifetime moments—while we handle the small details that make a wedding seamless.
So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath. This guide will walk you through how to keep your wedding stress-free while ensuring every detail (even the ones you might never think about) is accounted for.
1. Focus on the Experience—Not the To-Do List
Many couples come to us feeling buried in decisions:
- What color should the napkins be?
- How should we seat guests who don’t get along?
- Where will guests put their coats and bags?
- Who makes sure the florals on the sweetheart table aren’t blocking the photographer’s shots?
While these are important details, they shouldn't be your stress to carry.
At J.J. Ash, we step in to anticipate and solve these concerns before they become problems. We consider every aspect of your guest experience so you can focus on celebrating, not troubleshooting.
2. Design with Photography & Guest Comfort in Mind
Most couples focus on how things will look in person, but we also consider how your wedding will appear in photos and videos.
✔ Are your reception tables too close to the dance floor?
✔ Is there a great spot for guests to store their belongings without cluttering photos?
✔ Will the lighting at your venue flatter your floral arrangements and décor?
We look at your venue from every angle—not just as planners, but as storytellers—so your wedding is both visually stunning and effortlessly functional.
3. Plan for the Unexpected (Because Something Will Happen)
No one wants to think about things going wrong on their wedding day, but a great planner does.
✔ What happens if your venue manager isn’t there when a vendor needs access?
✔ How do we relay last-minute changes to your bridal party without stressing you out?
✔ What’s the backup plan if the temperature drops at your outdoor ceremony?
✔ Who ensures the groom feels just as celebrated, with special moments built into the day?
We are problem solvers. While you’re sipping champagne and soaking in the moment, we’re behind the scenes:
- Managing last-minute schedule shifts
- Troubleshooting vendor issues
- Keeping the day running without unnecessary interruptions to you
We don’t just put out fires—we prevent them from starting in the first place.
4. Keep the Ceremony & Reception Flowing Without a Hitch
A well-planned wedding isn’t just about what happens—it’s about how it feels. The right flow of events keeps guests engaged, prevents downtime, and ensures a smooth transition between moments.
✔ No-Phone Ceremony or Unplugged Wedding? We’ll make sure guests know the rules.
✔ Reception Playlist? We’ll coordinate a perfect mix of songs, blending old-school classics with modern hits.
✔ Guest Movement? We’ll anticipate how guests move from cocktail hour to dinner and ensure nothing feels rushed or awkward.
We fine-tune your timeline so everything flows effortlessly—from your entrance to the last dance.
5. Delegate the Stress—You Just Enjoy the Day
You shouldn’t spend your wedding day directing traffic or answering texts.
✔ Who takes on last-minute vendor stress so it doesn’t fall on you? We do.
✔ Who makes sure the groom’s experience is just as special as the bride’s? We do.
✔ Who ensures that guests feel cared for, without pulling you away from your own celebration? We do.
We don’t just plan weddings—we protect your peace.
When the unexpected happens, we contain the stress, filter the information, and handle it without interrupting your joy.
You Enjoy the Celebration—We’ll Handle the Details
At the end of the day, your wedding is about one thing: celebrating your love with the people who matter most.
At J.J. Ash Events & Designs, we take the pressure off, handling both the big picture and the smallest details so you don’t have to.
Now Booking Weddings in 2025 & 2026!
Planning a wedding in Virginia, DC, or Maryland? Let’s make it stress-free, elegant, and unforgettable.
Schedule a Consultation
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book a wedding planner in Virginia?
For luxury weddings in Virginia, DC, and Maryland, we recommend booking a full-service planner at least 12-18 months in advance.
What does a full-service wedding planner do?
A full-service wedding planner, like J.J. Ash Events & Designs, handles every detail of your wedding, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience.
Do I need a wedding coordinator or a full-service planner?
If you want a turnkey planning experience, a full-service planner is ideal. A day-of coordinator is best for executing a wedding you've already planned.
Do you work with specific venues in the DMV area?
Yes! We have experience planning weddings at luxury venues in DC, Maryland, and Virginia, including historic estates, wineries, and ballrooms.
What is the difference between a venue coordinator and a wedding planner?
A venue coordinator manages the venue logistics, while a wedding planner manages your entire event, including vendors, setup, timeline, and last-minute changes.
From Family Gatherings to Dream Events
Welcome to J.J. Ash Wedding & Event Services! As you explore our website, you'll discover a company built on a love for family, celebration, and creating unforgettable experiences. But before you dive into all the services we offer, I wanted to take a moment to share the story behind J.J. Ash – a story rooted in the warmth of family gatherings and the magic of transforming a space.
Growing Up With Celebrations
Family has always been the center of my world. Growing up in a large, extended family meant constant celebrations. Birthdays, holidays, even "just because" gatherings were a regular occurrence. From the bustling living room at my grandmother's house, overflowing with laughter and delicious food, to birthday parties for my own four children, these events hold a special place in my heart.
More Than Just Decoration
While the love for creating beautiful spaces grew, so did my organizational skills. Helping my grandmother prepare for church functions honed my meticulous planning abilities. These seemingly different skills – creativity and organization – became the foundation for J.J. Ash.
Our Mission: Making Your Vision a Reality
At J.J. Ash, we believe every event, big or small, deserves a beautiful and functional setting. We go beyond simply decorating a space; we transform it into a canvas for your vision. Whether you're planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, we understand the importance of every detail. Our mission is to handle the logistics and planning, allowing you to focus on what truly matters – creating lasting memories with loved ones.
Our Values: Your Celebration, Our Passion
Family Focus: We understand the power of celebrating life's milestones and creating lasting memories for families, just like mine.
Unwavering Organization: We believe meticulous planning is the foundation for a stress-free and seamless event.
Passionate Creativity: Driven by a genuine love for design, we strive to create unique and unforgettable event experiences.
Client-Centric Approach: Your vision is our priority. We listen attentively to your dreams and transform them into reality.
Partnering with You to Create Unforgettable Moments
J.J. Ash is more than just an event planning service. We are your partner in creating unforgettable moments. We leverage our experience, organizational skills, and design passion to transform your event space, ensuring a smooth and stress-free celebration.
Let us take care of the details, so you can focus on creating lasting memories with the people you love.
We're so excited to embark on this journey with you! Stay tuned for more blog posts filled with inspiration, planning tips, and a glimpse into the wonderful world of J.J. Ash. In the meantime, feel free to browse our website and contact us to discuss your dream event.