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PREPARATION FOR YOUR WEDDING
It is not required that a minister of First Baptist Church officiate at your wedding for you to be able to secure your wedding in our facilities. However, if a minister from another church should officiate at your wedding, the pastor at First Baptist Church must approve him. Once approved, it will be your responsibility to acquaint him with the procedures in this book.
1. Conference
Our pastor will require pre-marital counseling. Couples are strongly urged to contact the pastor’s secretary, to make an appointment for a conference with the pastor as soon as their wedding is scheduled.
2. Reservations
Unless the bride, groom, or either’s parents have been active members of the church for at least 1 year, at the time the wedding is scheduled, the wedding is regarded as one of a non-member. In cases of conflicting dates, members will be given priority. No wedding will be scheduled on the calendar more than 6 months in advance. All weddings should be scheduled to start no later than 4:00 p.m. Church members whose reception will be held somewhere other than the church will be allowed to begin their wedding no later than 5:00 p.m. Non-church member weddings will not be scheduled in December. No weddings or rehearsals shall be scheduled on Sundays, Wednesday nights, or other special services.
Weddings of members or non-members will not be confirmed until all fees and deposits are paid. Please refer to the fee page for fees to be paid.
3. Music
As in any worship service, a marriage ceremony should contain music that will honor and glorify God. The minister of music must approve all music. You are encouraged to contact him early in your planning for guidance and suggestions. Music must be turned in at least two months prior to your wedding date. Our minister of music will be happy to meet with you to help you choose appropriate music for your wedding. Non–Christian or secular vocal music will not be approved. Please see the music form to be signed at the end of this book. If organ music is used, it is desired that one of the church’s staff organists be used (This fee will be set by the organist). If you prefer to use another organist, the minister of music must approve the organist.
4. Wedding Coordinator
The church wedding coordinator will be available for all weddings in the church. Non-church member weddings are required to have the church wedding coordinator present. Church members have the option of whether or not they want to use the church coordinator. The wedding coordinator will be available to be in charge of the rehearsal, direct the wedding, coordinate use of all church facilities, and any other duties relating to the wedding. All information and scheduling should go through the wedding coordinator. Any corrections or changes in your wedding reservations should be cleared through the wedding coordinator, as soon as possible.
Duties of the Wedding Coordinator
1. Meet with the bride or couple to explain policies. This meeting should take place as soon as possible after the wedding date has been decided.
2. Administer all wedding policies of FBC.
3. Meet with the bride at least one week before the wedding to discuss her plans and establish the positioning of attendants and the seating of parents and guests.
4. Conduct the rehearsal (in coordination with the Minister).
5. Ensure that everyone understands his/her responsibilities and knows exactly what to do.
6. Ensure that all participants, musicians, and ministers have a correct order of ceremony.
7. Arrive at the church at least one hour prior to the wedding to ensure all is going according to plan.
5. Wedding Fees & Deposit
No wedding is put on the church calendar until all fees are paid. See the wedding fees page for the correct amount. A separate damage deposit check for $200 must accompany all wedding fees. This check is to ensure all wedding guidelines are followed and that there is no damage to church property. This check will be returned on the Monday following the wedding if no damage.
Return to main Wedding page.
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