The First Meeting 
The first meeting is to get acquainted and to decide on what type of ceremony a couple wants. Assuming all goes well and we are on the same page, I ask for a $100 deposit to secure the date, explaining that the balance (usually $550, depending on travel, etc.) is due at the rehearsal

I send the couple away with a sample ceremony and instructions on how to write their own vows. I also offer, and most are willing to complete, a temperament style test based on the Myers/Briggs. I explain this is not a pass/fail test or even a compatibility test. It is simply a tool to help couples get to know themselves better, their particular temperament and that of their partner, and how the two styles interface. It's fun!

 The Second Meeting 
The second meeting, usually about six weeks later, takes about an hour and a half. At that time we go over the results of the test and have a little discussion about it. We go over the rough draft of their vows and discuss the ceremony further to see what changes they might want to make. I e-mail the couple a list of sample readings, for instance, to look over and see what they like.

 The Third Meeting 
The third meeting is to walk through the ceremony to make sure we are on the exact same page before getting to the rehearsal. I also go over other aspects of the events surrounding the ceremony to make sure all bases are covered.

 The Rehearsal 
Finally, there is the rehearsal, which I prefer to conduct myself even if there is a coordinator.