Читать книгу Planning Your Marriage Service - Margaret Webber - Страница 8

No book can cover all the differences of architecture and policy in different churches. Be sure to discuss the following subjects with the priest (or deacon):²

1) Service program. Will it be helpful to your family and friends to give them a program, listing prayer book pages, hymn numbers, and names of participants, or even the complete text of the service with the readings? If you do this, you can insert directions for the congregation about when to stand or to be seated, and when to join in prayers or responses. Will you arrange for the printing yourselves, or ask if the church will take care of it? (If you do this, it is important to make your decisions well in advance of your wedding day, and to compensate the church for the expense.)

2) Attendants. What will be the number of ushers and bridesmaids, and where they will stand? Placement may be best arranged at the rehearsal but can also be discussed in advance with the priest.

3) Flowers. Policy as to what can be done and where flowers can be placed will differ from one church to another. There may be also a recommendation or requirement about using a florist familiar with the church.

4) Runner and candles. If you want a runner for the church aisle, find out whether the church has one or whether you need to get one from the florist or caterer. If you want more than the usual candles, find out what is permitted and, if you have a florist provide candles, make sure they are guaranteed to be dripless or that protection for the floor is provided.

5) Photography. Many churches have strict rules about the use of flashbulbs during the service and what may or may not be done with video cameras and lights. Make sure that the professional photographer and your friends know the church's policy. If you have a program of the service printed for the congregation, you can include a sentence saying: “Please take NO flash pictures during the processions or the service.”

6) Costs. Normally the church will have a set fee for the organist and sexton or custodian. There may be one inclusive fee to cover the expenses to the church of providing these services, as well as heat and light and maintenance. An honorarium for the priest is appropriate and generally is not included in the set fees.

7) Other Requirements. Don't forget that you need a marriage license. Get it well in advance (but not so long before that it expires!) and bring it to the church ahead of time. The priest will also tell you, if there has been a divorce, what you need to do to meet the church's requirements in this regard.