Friday, February 11, 2011

Why I'm Not Expensive

My work as an officiant falls somewhere between a ministry and a sole proprietorship. My goal is not money-oriented, but I do need to make something to keep going. However, my financial hybrid status also causes some conflicts.

I prefer weddings that do not resemble coronations. I find that the smaller events tend to be more focused, intimate, and rooted in priorities that I can support with both text and conviction. Therefore, I try to keep my fees affordable so that almost anybody can secure the services of an officiant who is trained, literate, and really does give a rip about what is going on.

However, because I am affordable, I am sometimes seen as being naive, "not upscale," and status deprived. Somebody actually said to me, "I think you get what you pay for. So I want to pay more than you charge."

I am actually okay with all of that.

If a couple wants to pay an exorbitant amount to somebody to marry them, and it will make them feel "more married," I say go for it. But you won't be hiring me.

In the meantime, I have made the decision to stick with my modest rates, because I think it's the right thing to do. Somebody has to draw the line, and I just did.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Les Enfants Terribles: When the Sugar and Spice Are Rancid

As an officiant, I am more than an a casual observer of small children. Many are members of wedding parties, and their willingness as participants in their parents' pageants varies dramatically. Others are young guests at the weddings in question. Over the past several years, I have noticed what I think is a distinct trend among very young girls -- particularly those ages 4 and younger. Many of them are adorable to look at, and demonic to deal with.

What is going on out there in Princess Land? And, if a little girl child has been cultivated into budding as a very tiny monster, what will happen when she hits the tween years?

I will freely admit that I haven't raised a small child in a couple of decades. But my experience is far more recent than prehistoric, and I am stunned at what passes as passable public behavior for very short females.

I think we could be in for a really rough ride with teenage girls in about ten years. In the meantime, I am considering investing in some shin-guards.