CEREMONY GUIDELINES

Today's brides are intent on having a wedding that reflects their unique tastes and personalities, however, the one place they may run into opposition is the location of their ceremony. Unless you are having the ceremony in a family backyard or property, the chances are excellent that whatever site you have chosen, you will come face to face with "guidelines" that you must observe.




Beautiful outdoor location for ceremony

 Commercial establishments will offer suggestions for what works best for their experience, but are generally more flexible in their attempts to accommodate your unique requests. Public parks and spaces have general operating rules that you must follow.


Courthouses and other government buildings have hours and policies that must be strictly adhered to, and cannot be changed!
 
But churches also have wedding policies that must be followed. Each church has there own procedures and booking policies. Some book weddings back to back with little time in between, so keep that in mind and ask that question when looking at venues for the ceremony.


Most churches have procedures as listed below, that must be followed:

1. Typically a church will not allow permanently attached furniture to be moved. You may not like the pew arrangement, but you will be expected to work with it.

2. No tacks or nails can be driven into the woodwork nor can anything be used to deface it.

3. Many churches will not allow aisle runners to be secured in any manner to the carpet or flooring.

4. Many churches do not allow real candles -

5. Saucers and/or mats must be placed under all floral arrangements or greenery that rest on the floor.

6. Always check the policy regarding pew markers, as many have specific rules as to what will be allowed!

7. When using the church organ or piano, they may require that only their staff play them.

8. Many churches require that all music, ceremony input and decorations be submitted to the staff in advance and are subject to approval.

9. If you are not a member of the church, you will probably have to attend pre-marital classes.

10. Some churches do not allow outside clergy to preform ceremonies, so ask that question if you are desiring to use someone else.

11. Some churches do not allow pictures to be taken during the ceremony. Please get clarification on this so that you can notify your photographer.

12. ALWAYS ask for a copy of their rules when doing a ceremony site visit. Go over them and ask questions!

13. REMEMBER that it is your responsibility to leave the area as you found it, clean and free of items. Appoint a dressing room attendant for both the bride and groom. They will make sure everything is out of the dressing rooms at the end.

Church Wedding

A professional wedding planner can be of great assistance in this planning stage. They have planned events in many of the area churches and venues! Ask them to help you!!!!
 
Happy Planning!!!!