I.             THE WEDDING

INTRODUCTION

Your wedding is a very special occasion in your life and the life of your church. The church is pleased to provide the facilities for your wedding. As you make your plans you will want to become acquainted with the suggestions and regulations that follow.

THE MINISTER AND THE DATE OF THE WEDDING

1. Prior to the wedding, the minister will wish to meet with the bride-groom-to-be for an initial conference concerning the date and place of the wedding. Another conference or conferences may be necessary for the purpose of discussing the vows and the meaning of Christian marriage.

    2.   Generally the facilities of the church are available for weddings if not           already scheduled.

When you have decided upon a date or an approximate date for your wedding you will want to discuss this with the minister for the purpose of securing the facilities of the church, and also that the minister may schedule the wedding in his agenda. Non-members may not book the church more than six months in advance. Weddings, rehearsals and receptions must be scheduled at times that will not conflict with regular church programs.

   3.    When there is a desire to have a guest minister to participate in the service, this request should be made known to the minister and he/she will in turn extend the invitation to the guest minister.

USE OF THE CHURCH BUILDINGS FOR WEDDINGS

Because the FirstBaptistChurch sanctuary is an ideal setting for a wedding, the desire of the Church is to permit use of the Church for members of the church family and upon proper request to permit use of the buildings by non-members willing to abide by guidelines for this usage.

The church family is defined as members of the church or Sunday School, their spouses and children. Persons who are not members, but who attend the worship services on a regular basis shall also be considered part of the church family. Former members of the church shall be extended the rights of present members with regard to weddings.

Any persons not qualifying as a member of the church family in accordance with the above definition shall be considered a non-member.

1.         For non-members a fee of $500.00 shall be charged for the use of the buildings. The fee is payable when keys for the building are picked up.

2.         For non-members a $100.00 damage deposit shall be paid when keys are picked up. This deposit is refundable except as outlined in items 3 and 4 below.

3.         After the wedding, the parties using the buildings shall be responsible for cleaning up and replacing all furnishings moved for the ceremony. This applies to both the sanctuary and the educational buildings, if used. If the buildings are not satisfactorily cleaned up, members will be billed for clean-up cost.

1. Persons using the buildings must be willing to assume responsibility for any damage to furnishings, buildings, grounds, or p. a. system. Members will be billed for damages. For non-members damages will be deducted from the deposit and the remainder refunded, or additional costs billed, if in excess of $100.00.

5.         For weddings in which a staff member of the church does not participate as well as all non-member weddings a responsible adult member of First Baptist must be present to assist the wedding party. This person shall see that all furniture is replaced and the building cleaned properly. This person shall contact the Pastor prior to the wedding for instructions. The persons using the facilities shall be responsible for enlisting this person.

THE WEDDING SERVICE

The minister in conference prior to the wedding will discuss with you (the bride-to-be and the groom-to-be) the ceremony he uses. If you desire some change in the regular service you may discuss this with the minister at this time. The wedding is a sacred service and some changes or additions in the usual ceremony may be made that are meaningful to you, and that are in keeping with the sacredness and the worship and atmosphere of the Christian wedding.

THE MUSIC FOR THE WEDDING

            The Minister of Music and the Church Organist are available to play for the rehearsal and the wedding. If you wish some other person to play, the invitation to the guest organist should be extended through the Minister of Music. You should, however, contact the Minister of Music with regard to the date, etc. of the wedding.

            The wedding is a service of Christian worship and, therefore, the music shall be of a sacred nature. However, other traditional wedding music may be used if you so desire.

            You should consult with the minister regarding the selection of all music for the wedding, instrumental as well as vocal.

PREPARATION FOR THE WEDDING

1. The sanctuary, by design, is a place of beauty and a natural setting for the sacred service of marriage. Decorations in keeping with the worshipful atmosphere and the beauty of the Sanctuary should be used. Simple decorations are encouraged. If candles are used in the service, only dripless candles will be permitted.

     2.  Although most of the furnishings may be readily taken out or moved, it is suggested that the pulpit remain in place, if possible, to prevent damage to the p. a. system. If there is a need to move the pulpit, arrangements should be made with the church staff in order to have an authorized staff or committee member to disconnect the sound system wiring prior to removal. Any repairs necessary due to unauthorized tampering with the connection must be paid for by those using the building. These repairs are very expensive. All furniture must be replaced following the wedding.

     3.  When use of the church premises in dressing for the wedding is necessary, the church staff should be notified prior to the wedding date. The church staff or the assisting member will designate the dressing area. No other classroom or area may be used for this purpose. The dressing area must be properly cleaned following use.

PHOTOGRAPHY

1.         The photographer may take flash pictures in the narthex of the church before the procession and after the service.

2.         Flash pictures may not be taken during the service.

3.         Flash pictures of the wedding may be taken after the wedding service when the wedding party assembles for this purpose.

4.         It is permissible to take time exposures from the narthex during the service.

5.         If a recording of the wedding is desired, assistance in making such arrangements will be given.

6.         A video recording may be made of weddings. The video operator should be discreet in the placement of cameras.

THE WEDDING REHEARSAL

1.         You should select someone to direct the rehearsal and consult with the one directing the rehearsal prior to rehearsal.

2.         The minister will begin the rehearsal with appropriate introductions of those participating, a statement concerning the wedding, and a prayer. Rehearsals should begin at the time scheduled and should usually last no longer than one hour.

WEDDING RECEPTIONS AT THE CHURCH

1.         Facilities available for the reception include: The Church Sanctuary, the Fellowship Hall, and the kitchen.

2.         Extreme care should be used in moving furniture and decorating for the reception. Anything moved must be replaced.

3.         The use of alcoholic beverages and smoking are not permitted in church facilities.

4.         The policies concerning wedding music also apply to receptions in the Brown Building.