WEDDING NOTES™ – Following Ceremony Guidelines

While the majority of today’s brides are intent on having a wedding that reflects their unique tastes and personalities, the one place they may run into opposition is the place chosen for the ceremony.  Unless you are having the ceremony in your own backyard, the chances are excellent that whatever site you have chosen, there will be “guidelines” that you must observe.

Commercial establishments will offer suggestions for what works best in 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 all must adhere to.  But churches also have wedding policies that must be followed.  Each church will have its own procedures, but in general, expect these policies or at least versions of them,

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.  If Kate and William can, so can you.
2. No tacks or nails can be driven into the woodwork nor can anything be used to deface it.
3. Saucers and/or mats must be placed under all floral arrangements or greenery that rest on the floor.
4. All arrangements for music, ceremony input and decorations must be submitted in advance and are subject to the approval of the priest, minister, rabbi or church wedding coordinator.
5. Floral arrangements or candles that must be taped to the pew ends are likely to be forbidden.
6. A church may require that its organist be utilized.
7. A church may require that no pictures be taken during the ceremony.  Your photographer needs to know this in advance.
8. Common sense says that no trash be left behind in the building so you should appoint a dressing room assistant who makes sure that all bags and related apparel items are removed.

If you have not been provided with a set of guidelines for the venue you have chosen for your ceremony, be sure to ask for clarification.

We are here to help you with all of the details surrounding your wedding.  Stop in and ask our professionals to help you review your list and how to create a memorable wedding in conjunction with the printed requirements.