When the Officiant Has to Cancel at the Last Minute: A True Story
Sometimes, life throws curveballs when we least expect them. I learned this firsthand on Thursday, July 24. It was a day that tested not only my ability to adapt but also the importance of having contingency plans in place.
That morning, I received a call that stopped me in my tracks: “We’re trying to figure out since your dad is DNR comfort care if we need to send him to the ER or keep him here.” The call was from the skilled nursing facility where my 85-year old dad had been moved just 12 days earlier. At that moment, I knew that I had to get to the hospital immediately — despite the uncertainty of what I was walking into.
I had a wedding ceremony I was personally officiating scheduled for 2:00 pm at Rocky Mountain National Park, with a 2.5-hour drive ahead of me. My plan was to leave by 11:00 am, but now I was in a bind. As the medical power of attorney for my dad, I had to go to the hospital and knew it would not be a quick trip, but I also had a responsibility to my couple and the wedding they had been planning.
In an unbelievable moment of clarity, I remembered one of our officiants was living near RMNP for the summer. Without hesitation, I called her. She immediately rearranged her schedule to step in and officiate the ceremony. I emailed her the script and called the groom to explain the situation. Though I was still uncertain about my dad’s condition, I was incredibly fortunate to have a backup plan in place, allowing the wedding to go on as planned.
My dad’s condition was ultimately more serious than expected, and he passed away hours later, just after midnight.
The Importance of a Backup Plan
This experience reaffirmed why it’s essential for wedding officiants — and anyone in the wedding industry — to have reliable contingency plans. Life happens, and when it does, having options ensures that a couple’s big day isn’t derailed by unforeseen circumstances.
As the owner of an officiant company, I always keep at least one officiant unbooked, someone who can step in at a moment’s notice. I jokingly refer to them as my “Designated Survivor Officiant” — ready to save the day if the scheduled officiant can’t make it. This kind of foresight gives my couples the peace of mind knowing their ceremony will still go off without a hitch, no matter the situation.
In the wedding world, it’s not just about showing up on time and being prepared — it’s about planning for the unexpected. Having someone lined up to step in makes all the difference when life takes an unexpected turn. So, if you’re a couple planning your wedding, I encourage you to consider how you’d handle the unexpected. And if you’re working with a wedding officiant, be sure to ask about their contingency plans and make sure they’re ready for whatever comes their way.
Because when it comes to weddings, and life, it’s always better to be prepared.
by Denise O’Malley, Owner
Elevate Wedding Officiant
