The Sacrament of Marriage

Wedding Coordination

Wedding Rehearsal

An important part of the preparation for the wedding celebration is the wedding rehearsal. The rehearsal is scheduled with the Wedding Coordinator prior to the wedding. It is essential that all members of the wedding party be present for this rehearsal as well as any individuals whom you have selected to proclaim the scripture readings during your celebration. Out of respect for the Wedding Coordinator, as well as any other rehearsal that may be planned, please make sure that your entire wedding party arrives on time. Your rehearsal time is limited to one hour. Please call the wedding coordinator no sooner than 5 months prior to your wedding date to schedule your rehearsal date and time.

Environment

The most important thing on the day of your wedding is your spiritual readiness to begin the task of deepening your bonds of love within the context of a truly Christian relationship. Celebrating this moment of decision far outweighs concerns over pictures, flowers or decorations. It is often the case, however, that couples have questions regarding the use of these enhancements to the liturgical environment. We therefore provide the following guidelines.

Flowers

Floral arrangements enhance the beauty of any environment and we welcome your creativity with regard to this area. Please be mindful of the fact that as a sacramental celebration, the principal goal of liturgical environment is to help convey the mysteries of God’s saving love, and not merely to decorate space. The following guidelines should be followed:

Wedding couples may select a florist of their choice. In the event of multiple weddings on the same day, brides may contact each other and the florist to share expenses. We highly recommend couples share these expenses whenever possible. Please check with the Wedding Coordinator for names and phone numbers of other wedding couples.

The Church environment is decorated according to our liturgical calendar. There are certain colors used during the different seasons which will be prominent and which may influence your decision as to arrangements.

None of the Church decorations or furniture may be moved for a wedding. Flower arrangements may be placed on the shelves behind the altar. Please be respectful while working in the sanctuary area.

Flowers or bows may be tied on the end of the pews with rubber bands or plastic clips. No tape of any kind is to be used. No swaging of ribbons on pews.

Garlands and aisle runners are not permitted.

Candles may never be used on the pews. No candelabras on the altar or aisles.

The flowers are considered a gift to the church and are not to be removed after the ceremony.

Bubbles, flower petals, birdseed, rice or doves are not permitted.

Photography and Video

We want to make sure that your wedding is a day that you remember and a day that you can view again. A Catholic wedding ceremony or Mass is primarily a celebration of a couples love in union with our worship of God as an act of thanksgiving for this love. Therefore, we must make sure that while we catch this moment on film, we keep the primary emphasis in focus. For this reason, the following guidelines must be followed by your photographer. Please provide them with a copy of the form letter to photographers and videographers.

All photo/video work must be done with the available light. Our electrical system has been updated and is more than adequate. No flood, strobe or spotlights are permitted.

No flash photography is allowed during the ceremony. You may use a flash for the seating of parents, the Processional (entrance of the bridal party and bride), and the Recessional (the bride and groom exiting the church).

Posed pictures are never allowed in the church before or after the ceremony on Saturdays because of our tight wedding schedule. There are no exceptions to this rule. There are areas around the church that are available (e.g., the front lawn of the Rectory, along the side of the church on 7th Street and the Duval patio).

Video cameras (without floodlights) are permitted only in certain areas. Check with the Priest and Wedding Coordinator the day of the wedding.

All photographers and videographers must check in with the Wedding Coordinator prior to the ceremony to receive any specific requirements of the Priest.

At no time are you or the photographer allowed to rearrange the furniture in the church.

For further information on the Sacrament of Marriage here at St. Monica Parish, please click on the links to the right.