Married By Sheri: 10 Questions with Sheri Burdine

Officiant - Sheri Burdine

Business: Married By Sheri
Location: Mansfield, New Braunfels, Texas TX
Experience: Over 13 years
Profile: Married By Sheri
Website: marriedbysheri.com

1. Introduction: What's your story?

Greetings,
I am Sheri Burdine of Married By Sheri. As long as I can remember I was always planning something. In school I was planning prom and plays. In my 20's I was planning rallies and parties on campus. As an adult I was coordinating fundraiser events, and my children, as well as all my friends children's birthday parties and block parties. I was known as the "party planner" before I ever was one.

It wasn't until a friend of mine came to me and said, " help me plan my daughter's 300 person wedding", that I was bit by the wedding bug! I was still running my own nonprofit as well as co-owner of a therapy business, so wedding/event planning was part-time, but truly had my heart. After a few years, I gave it all up and went full-time coordinator mode. In 2015, one of my brides lost her minister at the last minute. I stepped up to save the day and became an ordained minister/ marriage officiant! From that moment on I was Married By Sheri.

This journey has been the best adventure of my life. I was born for so many things, but truly blessed that being an Officiant & Day of Coordinator is one of my talents and "jobs" if I can call it that. Because it truly is just plain fun to me! While everyone else seems to stress out with all the planning, decisions, and wedding details, it excites me and brings me joy. So, I always say to my bride & groom, "relax, I got you!"

2. What's your experience as a wedding officiant? How many weddings have your officiated?

I first became an officiant in an emergency situation, and had honestly never dreamed of being one. However, life had different plans. In 2015 I was quickly ordained to perform a wedding for a bride who lost her minister that very day. I had worked with her to plan her wedding for over 6 months and had grown very fond of her. After her wedding was a big success, I was hooked. So, I started my own business as Married By Sheri offering Officiant and Day of Coordinator services. After my first bridal show, I was booked with 12 weddings in that one day in 2015, I had a wedding 10 months out of the year. I was ecstatic. Since then I have performed an average of 4 to 6 weddings a month. Some are combo weddings of officiant & Day of Coordinating and some are simply a marriage. I perform weddings 7 days a week except for major holidays and my birthday! (which is a major holiday to me)

My experience includes big dream weddings in a church setting or at beautiful venues, to simple backyard ceremonies.

3. How far in advance do couples need to secure your services?

As long as the couple has their marriage license, and if I am available that day, I am there!
I require no advance notice, though I highly recommend a pre-booking. My plan of action to book your day is as follows:

Contact me on my "book your day" page on my website. Give me basic details.
I will reply with additional questions and confirm your date.
Once all information is complete I email you a contract. You sign date and return via email.
You will pay a $50 deposit to secure your date, Balance is due on wedding day.
Super easy process.

Then the fun begins.
We set up a meet & greet to discuss your wedding day.
Then create a customized ceremony tailored to you!

4. How would you describe your officiant style?

My style is your style!
This is your wedding, not mine. I can create any atmosphere you wish for. If your vision is romantic, done. If you vision is serious and formal, done. If your vision is humorous and light-hearted, done. If your vision is all the above, you guessed it, done!

5. What are your fees for officiating a wedding?

$150 -$250

- If you are wanting to get married in a quick simple ceremony, but not in a courthouse, I offer a beautiful ceremony for $150. It actually includes several perks, because every bride and groom deserve a special day with memories. For no additional cost I bring toasting glasses and non alcohol bubbly. Plus, a cake bite to take your first bite out of marriage. Plus, I capture the memories on your cell phone camera and give you a Facebook worthy, hang on the wall certificate to tell the world "we are married!" **(2-10 People) Not at a venue.

- If you are wanting the BIG dream wedding, flower girl, bridesmaids and all the magic, I offer a beautiful ceremony for $250. It also includes the rehearsal, customizing your wedding vows and ceremony, as well as a Facebook worthy, hang on the wall certificate to tell the world "we are married!" ** (2-500+ people) At a church, venue, or other location.

$850 - $1050+
Officiant & Day of Coordinator Combo
I have really crafted my organization skills and love being at your service from start to finish!

$600-$800+
Day of Coordinating fee without Officiant.
I do it all, or one or the other.

6. What do you wear when you officiate a wedding?

If you have a special request, I am open to your ideas. I am there to make you happy.

However, I wear a basic black suit and blouse or a dress pending on the day.

7. How many pre-wedding sessions will the couple need to have with you?

Officiant Only:
Our first meeting will be online as you complete my book your day page.
Our second meeting will be through email.
Our third meeting with be our in person meet & greet to discuss your wedding day plans.
Our forth meeting will be rehearsal.
And finally the wedding day!

Officiant & Day of Coordinator:
Our first meeting will be online as you complete my book your day page.
Our second meeting will be through email (and several more along the way)
Our third meeting with be our in person meet & greet to discuss your wedding day plans.
Our forth meeting will be walk thru at venue
Our fifth meeting will be rehearsal.
And finally the wedding day!

I am available by phone, text & email for all my couples.

8. Will you be able to create a personalized ceremony?

Simple answer, YES!
I can create anything you dream up. That is the most exciting part of planning and working with you is being creative.

9. Are you available to travel if needed?

I will travel anywhere for love! As of this date, I have performed all my weddings in Texas. Between Ft Worth and San Antonio, and little towns between. If I am chosen to have the honor to be part of your love story, I will travel wherever you wish to go. However, travel expenses will need to be covered in addition to my fee. But, I certainly have ceremony, will travel!

10. What is your cancellation and/or refund policy?

Though I hope you do not have to cancel, but I certainly understand life changes. I will be happy to refund your money excluding the $50 deposit. There is a good chance I turned away another couple, I have already spent time and money driving to meet you, and created your ceremony. The $50 deposit will compensate for my time. Anything over the $50 deposit, I will return to you, and wish you well.