This is the time of year as a wedding officiant and celebrant, I begin sitting with people who are planning their weddings for next year.   While some couples I speak to have hired some of their vendors, I find that many have not yet located the right photographer, DJ, or Day of Wedding Coordinator.  In these cases, I offer personal referrals to professionals I have worked with that I believe are tops in their field.  My criteria is their professionalism, their ability to listen to the individual needs of my couples, their ability to proactively work with other vendors, and their knowledge of what it takes, down to the smallest detail, of making sure the ceremony and wedding celebration is smooth and seamless.  Referrals from someone you trust is a good way to ensure that you are getting the right person for your special day.  If your officiant does not have referrals that they would for their own day, if they don't "rave" about whose card or name they are giving you, keep looking.  The preliminary leg work will pay off on your big day!