Wedding Planning Guide

General:

1.        Have you reviewed the marriage laws for your state?

2.        What is the exact location of the wedding?

3.        What is the time of the ceremony?

Rehearsal:

1.        What time do you wish the rehearsal to begin?  ("It will take about one hour.")

2.        What is the time and location of the rehearsal dinner?

3.        Is the pastor and his wife invited to the rehearsal dinner?

4.        The bride and groom needs to bring the license with them to rehearsal (if not before).

Ceremony:

1.        What time are pictures to be taken? (before/after)

2.        How many guests are expected?

3.        Is a bulletin desired?  Who will print it?

4.        What names are to be used in the ceremony?   (full given/nicknames/middle names)

5.        Have you selected the songs and their placement in the ceremony?  Do they meet with your approval?

6.        Has the organist, soloists, and other musicians been selected and contacted?

7.        Will this be a double ring ceremony?

8.        Do you object to "the kiss" at the end of the ceremony?

9.        Do the bride and groom wish to use standard vows or to modify or write their own? (vows must be approved)

10.     Will the bride be given away?  By whom?

11.     Is there a particular Scripture you wish read? 

12.     Will you be using Unity Candles?  If so how do wish to include this is your ceremony?

13.     Organize the processional.

14.     Will a unity candle be used?

15.     Will the bride or groom sing?

16.     Will flowers be handed to parents?

17.     Will the ceremony be taped or a video made?  Who is in charge?

18.     Is a "kneeler" needed for prayer?

19.     Will another pastor be involved?  What part will he have?

20.     Go over the ceremony step by step.

21.     Go over the recessional.

22.     Who will be in the receiving line?  Where is it located? Will there be a host and hostess at the reception?

23.     Will the ushers usher each row out individually after the ceremony or only family members?

24.     Is the reception at the church?  Do they understand church policies?

25.     Explain clean-up procedures and rearrangement of the church for Sunday services.  Establish who is responsible (if not a custodian).

26.     Explain "no smoking" and "no alcoholic beverages" in the church.

27.     Discuss picture taking during the ceremony.

28.     Explain rental costs if any.

29.     Give bride and groom a copy of the marriage and ring vows.

Example Beginning of Wedding Service

for Rehearsal Purposes - Based on a 2:00 P.M Service

12:00 -- Entire wedding party dressed and in sanctuary for pictures

1:45 -- Wedding party in annex

1:55 -- Solo(s)

2:00 -- Seating of Honored Guests

Begin Suggest Wedding Music

1.        Seat groom's grandmother

2.        Seat bride's grandmother

3.        Seat groom's parents

4.        Seat bride's mother

(Mother's could go forward to like separate candles of bride and groom for the unity candle ceremony - if used)

Begin Processional

1.        Pastor and Groom enter from side

2.        Groomsmen and Bridesmaids

3.        Maid/Matron of Honor and Best Man

4.        Flower Girl and Ring Bearer

Begin Wedding March            

1.        Bride with Father enters  (Bride's mother stands as signal for all to stand)