Bernard Paul

Bernard Paul is a writer and editor for You Can Officiate. He lives in Berlin and enjoys playing the bass and painting in his free time.

10 Indian Wedding Traditions

If you’ve ever attended an Indian wedding you’ll already know that they are steeped in ancient cultural traditions and come with a lot of color, plenty of laughter, food and dancing. In this article we’ll explore ten unique aspects of the Indian wedding tradition. 

Indian Couple In Traditional Wedding Attire

First of all, it is important to note that wedding …

Important Japanese Wedding Traditions

Although modern Japanese weddings these days are heavily influenced by Western culture, traditional cultural elements still influence current wedding traditions. Due to the influence of popular culture, many Japanese couples preferrer celebrating Christian-style weddings. Shinto weddings, which celebrate the religion native to Japan, account for only about twenty percent of all weddings. In this article we’ll explore some Japanese wedding …

What Is Semi-Formal Wedding Attire?

So, your friends have sent out a wedding invitation and asked that you wear “semi-formal wedding attire.” You might be asking yourself ‘what the heck does that mean?’ 

The definition of ‘semi-formal’ can mean a lot of different things to different people. Generally, couples want to spare you the cost of renting an expensive tuxedo or buying a brand new …

Ten Chinese Wedding Traditions

Filled with rituals that stem from ancient traditions, delicious food, and displays of elegance, Chinese weddings celebrate love in a unique and beautiful fashion. In this article we’ll explore ten of the most fascinating Chinese wedding traditions.

Traditional Chinese Couple Pose For Wedding Photo

1. Engagement Ceremony

The Guo Da Li, or engagement ceremony, takes place two to four weeks …

12 German Wedding Traditions

If you have German heritage you might want to include some German traditions into your wedding. This is a meaningful way to honor your culture and family and create special memories as a couple! From the Polterabend to Baumstammsägen, there are a ton of cool elements to choose from. 

Let’s dive right in and explore some fun traditions!

German Couple

Eight Popular Mexican Wedding Traditions

If you are planning on attending a Mexican wedding or want to include some Mexican traditions in your own wedding, you’ve come to the right place. In this article we’ll explore eight of the most popular wedding traditions celebrated in Mexico. 

A Mexican Couple Pose for Wedding Photos

Mexico’s wedding culture is strongly influence by Catholicism, so many of the …

Wedding Photography Planning Tips

A big part of wedding planning is ironing out what you want for your wedding photos. What kind of wedding shots do I want? Is there a specific wedding photo that’s an absolute must-have? Should I hire a professional or should I have a friend be my wedding photographer? These are all valid questions that we will unpack in this …

Beatles Inspired Wedding Ceremony

There’s plenty of reasons to have a Beatles theme ceremony. Besides this British boy band being one of the most popular of all times, it’s undeniable that their lyrics have brought people together. There’s no doubt that hundreds of couples have fallen in love with the “Abbey Road” record spinning in the background. There’s no reason not to bring these

How to Read a Wedding Ceremony Script

Reading a wedding ceremony script can be both an honor and a scary task. Whether you’ve already officiated one hundred weddings or you’re just a nervous friend taking on the role, here are some tips to help you read a wedding ceremony script like a pro.

Officiant Makes Heavenward Glance During Wedding Ceremony
Prepare the Script

First things first, it’s …

A Quick Guide to Festival Weddings

So, you want to get married at a music festival? That’s awesome! If you and your fiance are both ravers, celebrating your love at a music festival is almost a no-brainer. Hey, it might even be where you guys met! This article will walk you through preparing for your festival wedding and give you a few suggestions of popular festivals