Inviting Last Minute Officiant

lizzi97

Our original plan for an officiant fell through, so we just hired a new one a few days ago (the wedding is two weeks from today). We know that we should invite her to the rehearsal dinner and wedding reception, but considering the truncated time-table, would it be rude to email her instead? Then maybe just drop the formal invites in the mail for a formality or should I forgo the formal invites altogether?

ETA: The numbers for the caterer have already been submitted, so I would need a response ASAP.

Marina007

I've never been to a wedding where the officiant has been invited to the reception (that said, I've only been to 4 weddings, and they were all in the UK). I would consider the officiant a vendor, and one who only really needs to be there for the ceremony (and rehearsal if you're having one). Since you're paying him/her, I don't see why they should be guests at the reception (unless, of course, you are friends or something).

jessicabessica

I would email her about it and then send a formal invite, too.  Say something in your email that a formal invite is on its way, but you wanted to let her know about your RD and reception, and it would be great if she could let you know if she thought she could make it as soon as she knows.  Your caterer has probably accounted for a few extras, so I wouldn't be too stressed out about getting an answer from her (obviously ASAP would be good, but you probably have enough to think about that I wouldn't get too worried about this one). 

lizzi97

I always thought that the officiant was supposed to be invited to the reception, but I definitely feel as though we should invite her to the rehearsal dinner. Thanks for the feed back!

Choco9

I'm not sure, but my coordinator said they are hardly ever invited to reception and rarey rehearsal dinner either.  She is referring to someone you hire (like we are doing), not your own church's pastor/priest. 

jessicabessica

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_inviting-last-minute-officiant?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:65d81c95-18a6-46da-95af-632390c58579Post:0e679e76-f524-441c-a214-1fadf9688c00">Re: Inviting Last Minute Officiant</a>:
[QUOTE]I'm not sure, but my coordinator said they are hardly ever invited to reception and rarey rehearsal dinner either.  She is referring to someone you hire (like we are doing), not your own church's pastor/priest. 
Posted by Choco9[/QUOTE]

If they are doing the rehearsal, I would definitely invite them to the RD, and I think it's courteous to invite the officiant to the reception.  I doubt many officiants would want to attend if they don't have any other connection to the event other than being paid to officiate at it, but I'm all for friendly gestures towards someone who is essential for the wedding to take place, and they can decline if they don't want to come. 

mica178

Traditionally the officiant is invited to both the reception and the RD.  However, if you have no relationship with the person, the officiant will usually decline the invitation.  If you're in a rush for the numbers, I'd call your officiant up and ask if he/she wants to attend.

aragx6

I will not be inviting my officiant to the wedding -- they'll be a vendor, nothing more nothing less. The "thank you" for them performing the ceremony is their fee.