The Reverend Raphael G. Warnock, Ph.D., Senior Pastor 407 Auburn Avenue, N.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30312 Office: (404) 688-7300 Fax: (404) 521-1129 Email: info@ebenezerchurch.us www.historicebenezer.org historicebenezerbaptistchurch Visit Pastor Warnock on the web @ www.Raphael G. Warnock.com Rev. Raphael G. Warnock, Ph.D. Twitter.com/RaphaelGWarnock
Dear Engaged Couple, I take this opportunity to extend congratulations to you on the announcement of your engagement. Marriage is a sacred experience; it covenants a man and a woman with one another and with God. This is why it can never be entered into lightly or without serious thought. The covenant that is established is a life long one and God will strengthen us with it and hold us accountable for it. In Ebenezer, we take very seriously the act of marriage. It is a commitment of the highest order, and the individuals who enter into it must be aware of what they are committing to and what is expected of them. With this in mind, our pastor, The Rev. Dr. Raphael G. Warnock does several things to make sure that you’re prepared for this tremendous step. The first and most important is scheduling and completing your pre-marital counseling sessions. The intent of these sessions is to enable couples to understand what marriage entails and to set them on the proper path toward an enriching experience. The Bible says in Matthew 19:6 “what God has joined together let no man put asunder.” As you prepare for one of the most exciting days of your life, please know that our church is ready and willing to assist you in the planning of your very special day. During your time of planning and preparation, you will have many questions. Our Wedding Handbook will serve as a reference guide, assisting you in making sound, appropriate decisions. Each couple is strongly encouraged to read and consider the guidelines outlined in our Wedding Handbook. The Ebenezer Baptist Church bridal coordination team is ready to assist you with the planning of your special Christian wedding service witnessing where two shall become one, displaying a symbol of love which is an everlasting blessing. As the church administrator of Ebenezer Baptist Church, I look forward to sharing in this blessed occasion with you and pray God’s blessing for you.
Glenda F. Boone
Scheduling Marriage Counseling Sessions – Three (3) pre-marital counseling sessions with the Officiating Pastor are mandatory for members. All pre-marital counseling sessions must be coordinated through the Church office. Please note, your wedding date cannot be confirmed by the Church Administrator until the conclusion of your initial pre-marital counseling session. Non-members who go thru counseling at their church will need a letter indicating completion of counseling and a recommendation of marriage. Notifying the Church of your desired wedding date: Please contact the church office to request the date for your ceremony. The Church Administrator, Mrs. Glenda Boone, will determine the availability of Pastor Warnock and tentatively reserve the Horizon Sanctuary. Weddings performed at the Ebenezer Baptist Church must be officiated by an ordained minister. If another minister is to share in this worship service, Pastor Warnock must extend the invitation to him/her. Please contact Pastor Warnock’s administrative assistant for more details. The Wedding Coordinator confirms your wedding date. Once the church approves the date and time, you cannot change the time without obtaining approval from the church. Sundays are reserved for worship services. Therefore, weddings and rehearsals are not scheduled on Sundays. The church also observes holidays and weddings are not scheduled on these days. It is imperative that you contact, Mrs. Glenda Boone (404) 688-7300 Ext. 224 to request the date for your ceremony Wedding Coordinator – Our church wedding coordinators led by EBC Wedding Director, Mr. Mr. Jimmi Littles, will personally meet with the bride and groom after your first pre-marital counseling session with the Officiating Pastor and official confirmation of date and time of your wedding is received from the EBC’s Special Events & Services. Organist - The music ministry of the Ebenezer Baptist Church is capable of providing you with the best in sacred and classical wedding music. Our music staff can assist you in selecting appropriate music. Please refer to page 8 for a listing of suggested music that would be appropriate for a Christian wedding. Wedding Coordinator- A wedding coordinator will be assigned to assist you with your rehearsal and wedding ceremony. The church wedding coordinator, Jimmi Littles, III is here to make sure that your wedding runs as smoothly as possible; he will act as the "go-
Please plan your wedding wisely. Modest arrangements which you can afford are more desirable than beginning your life in debt. A church wedding involves basic costs aside from attire, invitations, and the reception. Below is the fee schedule for the Ebenezer Baptist Church. A 35% non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your date. This fee is paid in advance to the church and collected by one of our bridal coordinators. Fees related to the wedding are to be paid in advance and, and all checks made payable to Ebenezer Baptist Church.
Weddings at Ebenezer will include: Pre-Marital Counseling, Coordination & Facility Fee
Pre-Marital Counseling: Officiating pastor for pre-marital counseling and wedding: Three (3) Pre-marital Counseling sessions.
Fees: An EBC Wedding Coordinator will assist the Bride and Groom in selecting an all inclusive Wedding package for their exclusive needs.
Deposits : A signed contract with a non refundable deposit of 35% is required to secure the wedding date.
Balance: The balance for all weddings/receptions is due 21 days prior to the date
Ebenezer Baptist Church All-Inclusive Wedding Packages One Stop Services: Includes full-service catering, silk floral arrangements, sanctuary decorations, photography, musicians, sound technicians, disc jockeys, floral decorations, onsite wedding coordinators, premarital wedding counseling, master of ceremonies for reception, disc jockey, banquet hall and full service catering are available to you at Ebenezer Baptist Church through its Special Events and Services Division.
Your wedding options include: Horizon Sanctuary: Historic Ebenezer’s Horizon Sanctuary breath taking to say the least. Your all inclusive wedding package will include basic ceremony decorations, alter flowers, unity candle and communion railing and even the wedding programs. The Horizon Sanctuary is also equipped with state of the art technology including sound and lighting. Having a large wedding? No problem, The Horizon Sanctuary can accommodate up to 2,000 guests Photography (Wedding): EBC has some of Atlanta’s most preferred photographers that provide clients with elegant portraits and spontaneous candid shots. Specific terms and conditions apply. While the wedding photos are included in the inclusive package price, additional fees will apply to cover the reception. Receptions: The Banquet Hall can accommodate 250 guests seated and 500 standing reception style. This grand room can be decorated in so many different ways; the possibilities are endless. The rental price includes round tables and chairs. Colored table linens and napkins are available at an additional charge. Catering: Our onsite catering services provided by Atlanta’s best, Black Tie Catering, offers menu selections that are unmatched in the industry. Both buffet style and seat and serve options are available. Tables/Chairs: White silk floral flowers are provided for in our all-inclusive packages to be used in the Horizon Sanctuary’s pews, altar and on the guest tables as centerpieces for the reception. Reception Master of Ceremonies and Disc Jockey: Our EBC Master of Ceremonies music and sound coordinators, and our contracted DJ’s will facilitate, ceremony and reception music, announcement of reception activities and set the party and dance atmosphere all included in your exclusive wedding package. Coordinator: EBC’s special event services division contracts professional event planners who serve as coordinators on behalf of EBC. It is the goal of EBC’s Wedding Coordinating team to provide our brides with the best possible wedding experience imagined. Pre Marital Counseling: Your all inclusive package includes a mandatory pre-marital counseling sessions with an assigned minister who will also serve as the Officiate of your wedding. Accessories: Cake Topper, toasting glasses, wedding guest book and thank you cards (150) are also included in the all inclusive wedding/reception package. Exclusion: ** Please note: Your inclusive wedding Package does NOT cover the cost of the following: Dance floor Colored Linens- chair-napkins Wedding cake Wedding Reception Photos- available at additional charge Vidoegrapher- Available at additional charge Invitations Prices: Basic Wedding (church, minister, 3 premarital counseling, onsite wedding coordinator, organist): $2,500 Basic Wedding inclusive package (same as above, plus: decorations, soloist, floral designs, unity candle, communion rail, and guest book - excluding reception) $3,500 Reception and Catering Service Inclusive packages: (includes all of the above and: Basic Standing Reception for 125 guest (see insert) Total Costs: $ 7,500 Premium Standing Reception 125 guests (see insert) $ 9,000 Premium Action Reception for 125 guests $10,250 Premium Seat and Serve for 125 guests $13,000
PLEASE RESPECT AND ADHERE TO THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES: It is important to advise family members and the bridal party of our church’s guidelines. Thank you for your cooperation.
Please refrain from parking in reserved identified spaces on the church’s campus.
No food or drink is allowed in the sanctuary.
Removal or re-arrangement of pulpit furniture is prohibited.
You may not remove any part of the Church AV Equipment.
All decorations must fit within the seasonal decorations already in place in the church. You may contact the Wedding Coordinator to find out what decorations will be in the church during the season of your wedding.
All candles must be dripless.
Flowers may not be placed directly on the altar but rather on stands beside the altar. They may be placed on the floor in front of the altar and or on the pews or lampposts.
Tape is not permitted on the pews to secure bows or other decorations. (Ribbon, a plastic holder, a pipe cleaner, or rubber bands are appropriate).
You may add flowers, candles (including a Unity Candle if desired), pew bows, or other decorations to the environments if you so choose. (Tape is not permitted on the pews to secure bows or other decorations. Ribbon, a plastic holder, a pipe cleaner, or rubber bands are appropriate).
No aisle runners are permitted.
At the conclusion of the wedding rehearsal, the sanctuary will be closed.
All bridal party participants should arrive at the church dressed in wedding attire prepared for the service.
Wedding participants are strongly encouraged to remain in designated areas assigned by the Wedding Coordinator to facilitate the wedding service beginning on time.
Any decorations you add must be removed immediately after the wedding. (Please remember to assign this task to someone ahead of time).
Getting Started 1.
Please contact the church office to request the date for your ceremony.
2.
Three (3) pre-marital counseling sessions with the Officiating Pastor are mandatory for member. Please contact Pastor Warnock’s administrative assistant for more details.
3. Non-members who are going thru counseling at their own church will need a letter indicating completion of counseling and recommendation of marriage.
Guidelines Planning the Date and Time of the Service 1.
Weddings are celebrated on weekdays, (though there is a very limited time window) and on Saturdays, weddings are usually not performed on Sunday.
2.
The Special Events Coordinator, will determine the availability of Pastor Warnock and tentatively reserve the Horizon Sanctuary. Weddings performed at the Ebenezer Baptist Church must be officiated by an ordained minister of Ebenezer.
3.
Rehearsals usually take place the day before your wedding. Rehearsals may begin no later than 6 pm.
Planning the Service 1.
The Wedding Coordinator looks forward to working with you to shape your service.
2.
Although the service will follow a traditional format, there is room to put a personal touch on the wedding. We will work with you to strike a balance that reflects both your relationship and our tradition.
3.
Planning together is a wonderful way to start your life together and to celebrate the blessing of a marriage.
Music 1.
Your assigned Wedding Coordinator will assist you with selecting the appropriate music and musicians to ensure that your choices will reflect this joyous yet sacred occasion.
Photography and Video 1.
We work to maintain a joyful and worshipful atmosphere in the wedding service. Good professional photographers understand this, and they will agree to minimize distractions and respect the sacred nature of the building and the liturgy.
2.
When pictures are taken prior to the service, all shooting must be completed at least 30 minutes before the service.
3.
Flash may be used for the procession.
4.
NO FLASH photographs may be taken once the service begins.
5.
Photography, with quiet shutter, is permitted during the service.
6.
Videotaping is permitted during the service.
Church Environment 1.
The Church will accommodate a maximum of 1,800 guests, including attendants and those seated in the balcony.
2.
You may use the church parking lot, including staff spaces; there are 350 parking spots
3.
The church has a total of 5 aisles. The center aisle consists of 19 rows of pews on each side.
available.
Please call Ms. Andrea Darden at (404) 688-7300 or email, andread@ebenezerchurch.us, for more information. Appointments are scheduled Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 12:30pm - 7:00pm.
In most circumstances you may apply for a marriage license at any GA county clerk office where you plan to be married. These offices are usually located in the county probate court or circuit court. This document outlines the procedures you must follow to obtain your license. Cost of License: What is the cost of a marriage license? The marriage license fee is $26.00 to $30.00 dollars. Marriage license fees may vary from county to county. Residency Requirements: What are the residency requirements for Georgia? If both partners are residents you may obtain your license from a Town Clerk of your residence. If only one of you is a resident go to the Town Clerk of that resident. In either circumstance, your license will be valid statewide. If neither partner is residents you must apply for your license in the county where the marriage will take place. Waiting Period: Is there a waiting period from the application date to the date the license is issued? No, you will receive your license immediately. Is there a waiting period from the date the license is issued to the date I am allowed to marry? No, you can marry immediately after receiving your license. Age Requirement: What is the minimum age a man or woman may marry? You must be 18 years old or older to marry without parental consent. A birth certificate may be necessary to show proof of age. What if one or both of us is younger than 18? If either partner is under 18, parental consent forms must be signed. You will need a certified copy of your birth certificate. If you are under 16 you can not marry without a court order. A minor who is pregnant does not need parental consent as long as the pregnancy is verified in a written statement by a licensed physician. Blood Tests and Physical Exams: Are blood tests and physical exams required? As of July 1, 2003, blood tests are no longer required. License Expiration: How long does a marriage license remain valid once it's been issued? Your marriage license will never expire once it's been issued. Divorced and Widowed Applicants: What if one or both partners have been divorced or have had a spouse die? If previously married, the date of divorce or date of spouse's death must be provided. If the divorce or spouse's death had taken place within the last 6 months, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree or death certificate. A copy of your divorce records or spouse's death certificate can be ordered online. Obtain Vital Records: Where can I obtain a certified copy of a marriage, divorce, or death certificate? Certified copies of marriage, divorce, or death records can be ordered online.
Organ Prelude Lighting of Candles (if applicable) Seating of Special Guests (i.e. Grandparents, Godparents, Aunts, Uncles, etc.). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Music Seating of the Groom’s Parents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Music Seating of the Bride’s Parents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Music Solo (if applicable) Entrance of Pastor, Groom & Best Man Processional of Bridal Party. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Music Bridal Introit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Music Invocation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Officiating Pastor Scripture Reading Charge to the Couple Sharing of Vows Exchange of Rings Communion (if applicable) Lighting of Unity Candle / Sand Ceremony (if applicable). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Music (play softly) Prayer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “ The Lord’s Prayer” Expression of Love Pronouncement Jumping the Broom (if applicable) Recessional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Music Some popular readings are:
Beatitudes Ephesians 3:14-19; 5:1-2 Hosea 2:19-21 John 15:9-12, 17:22-24 Romans 12:1-2, 9-1
Corinthians 13:1-13 Genesis 1:26-28 Isaiah 61:10I Mark 10:6-9 Ruth 1:16-17
Ecclesiastes 3:1-9 Genesis 2:4-9, 15-24 John 4:7-16 Proverbs 31:10-31
Your wedding music should be selected with great care as it represents an important part of the service. We have provided a list of music that is appropriate for a Christian wedding service. Ebenezer’s Wedding Coordinator should be consulted before final selections are made for your service.
Preludes Air in D Be Thou with Them Canabile Come, Holy Spirit Humble Us by thy Goodness Jesus, Joy of Man’s Desire O Father, Son and Holy Ghost O Perfect Love Wedding Prayer
Bach Bach Franck Brahms Bach Bach Kittel Clokey Dunlap
Processionals Abide, O Dearest Jesus Adagio Aria in F Major O Holy Spirit, Enter Prelude in D Major Processional Processional March Ribbon in the Sky The Prayer Wedding Suite
Karg-Elert Handel Handel Karg-Elert Fischer Handel Guilmant Stevie Wonder Donnie McClurkin/Yolanda Adams Nieland
Hymns
Solos continued
Great is Thy Faithfulness O Perfect Love To God Be the Glory
My Song in the Night One Always Only God Could Love You More Ordinary People The Lord’s Prayer The Name of Jesus The Wedding Song - There is What Can Separate You With All My Heart You Are My Life
Solos Alabaster Box All Embracing Love Always At Last Ava Maria Flesh of My Flesh For Always God’s Woman He’s Been Faithful Here and Now I Will Always Love You In the Name of the Lord Love Love is the More Excellent Way Love Will Be Our Home
Duets He Loved Me with a Cross He Watches Over You Household of Faith More Than Wonderful Right Now (We Need Each Other) Ten Thousand Joys The Closer I Get to You The Prayer
Please present this plan to the Wedding Coordinator at least three (3) weeks prior to the ceremony. Additionally, please have copy of the plan for the wedding coordinator for the rehearsal. Date of Consultation ______________________________________________________________________ Organist Telephone
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
Schedule of the Service Time of wedding _____________________ 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Prenuptial music begins Groom’s parents’ seated Bride’s mother seated Soloist Entrance of Pastor, Groom & Best Man Processional of Bridal Party Announcement of Bride (Bell Ringer if applicable) Wedding March (Bride Enters) Wedding Recessional
Order of music to be played preceding the ceremony 1. 2. 3. 4.
_______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________
Name of Soloist (s) ________________________________________ Telephone ____________________ ________________________________________ ____________________ Bridal Entrance Selection ________________________________________________________________
Music played during the ceremony __________________________________________
_____________________________________
__________________________________________
_____________________________________
Recessional Selection ___________________________________________________________________
Ensure that the initial consultation is convened with the couple and the Pastor.
Contact the couple’s assigned EBC Wedding Coordinator after their initial consultation to schedule a meeting and site visit of the facility.
Contact the church’s Wedding Coordinator to discuss music for the wedding. (If applicable)
Arrive on time for the rehearsal and wedding service. As the wedding Planner, you may be expected to give instructions to the bridal party and review their plans with regard to the processional, receiving line, etc.
Submit a draft of the couples wedding program to the assigned EBC Wedding Coordinator at least three (3) weeks prior to their wedding.
Ensure that the couple purchases their marriage license 60 days in advance and on the day of the wedding, ensure that the marriage license is placed in the Pastor’s Study or give it to the Wedding Coordinator to do so.
Facilitate the Wedding Rehearsal
Host/Hostess
Greet guests, direct guests to sign the guest book, accept gifts brought to the church and assist in other areas as requested
Maid of Honor
(unmarried woman) Assist the bride with planning, organizing, assist with the bride’s veil, Honor flowers, and keep the groom’s ring
Matron of Honor (married woman) Same responsibilities as the Maid of Honor if one is not present. Stands next the Maid of Honor. Flower Girl
Toss flowers in the aisle just prior to entrance of bride.
Ring bearer
Carries the symbols of the ring on the pillow for the bride and groom.
Bell Ringer
Announces the Bride’s arrival with the ringing of a bell and saying: “The Bride is coming.” (Repeatedly)
Ushers
Escorts guests to their seats, can also serve as groomsmen and escorts bridesmaids
Schedule your wedding rehearsal by contacting: Your EBC Wedding Coordinator: _______________________________________________ Organist: (If other than EBC) ___________________________________________________ Musician: (If other than EBC) __________________________________________________ Soloist: (If other than EBC) ____________________________________________________
This is your opportunity to practice for the “real day.” It is an opportunity for all members of the wedding party including the musician, bridesmaids, groomsmen, and ushers to smooth out all the details. The wedding rehearsal is handled in and effective and efficient manner with careful planning in advance. The EBC wedding coordinator is responsible for directing the wedding rehearsal in an attempt to accommodate you with plans you‘ve discussed prior to this day. Please be prompt for your wedding rehearsal and do adhere to the following guidelines.
Complete the music planning sheet for your music and forward to your assigned EBC Wedding Coordinator.
Instruct your Wedding Planner to call the church office to schedule an appointment to meet with your assigned Wedding Coordinator at least 10 weeks prior to the wedding.
Give instructions to those with special duties and share this information with the Wedding Coordinator: i.e. who will escort these special guests, who will seat parents, removing the decorations, etc.
It is your responsibility or that of your Wedding Planner to make certain the bridal party is aware of the exact time and place of the wedding ceremony.
Please designate ushers or hostess for the following duties: seating guests as quickly as possible, passing out programs, accepting gifts, and directing guests to the receiving line after the ceremony. Ushers must be stationed at the main entrance in the narthex. All guests should be greeted by a hostess and invited to sign your guest book. As each lady guest enter, the usher offer his arm inquires whether she is a friend of the bride or groom and seat her accordingly. If you are having nontraditional seating, guests are seated on both sides of the sanctuary or chapel.
Time: __________ 1. Arrive at the church. __________ 2. Preliminary duties: seat guests __________ 3. Music begins. __________ 4. Seat groom’s parents (______________) __________ 5. Seat bride’s mother (_______________)
No guests are seated after this time until after the bride enters and the Officiator gives the invocation. __________ 6. Bride enters
After the recessional __________ 1.Guests are ushered from the church one pew at a time, beginning from the front if you are not having the receiving line at the church. __________ 2. If assigned - begin to remove decorations and take gifts to assigned areas. __________ 3. Escorts Mother(s) if assigned responsibility.
Formal Bride:
Semi-Formal
Before 6:00 p.m. Wedding gown, long train Long gown; long dress long or medium length veil some prefer a hat, flowers or ribbons in place of a veil.
Before 6:00 p.m. or shorter dress. Hat, small bridal headpiece or flowers in the hair, or short veil.
After 6:00 p.m. Same as daytime
After 6:00 p.m. Same as daytime
Attendants:
Long dress and short veils attire should be in accordance with bridal clothing. Maid of honor and attendants wear dresses of same length but color may vary. Low heeled shoes are recommended for the bride and attendants.
Attire should be similar in style and length as worn by
Groom:
Before 6:00 p.m. Tuxedo; black, gray dinner jacket with matching trousers or white jacket in complimentary colors; in summer.
Before 6:00 p.m. Black tuxedo or white dinner jacket, or tuxedo bow tie, vest, or cummerbund.
After 6:00 p.m. White tie and tails; black same as for daytime. Tailcoat.
After 6:00 p.m.
Except: Ties of the groom and best man should be identical. Ties of the ushers should be identical, but vary slightly from those of the groom and best man. Boutonnières may differ and the groom sometimes has a flower from the bouquet.
Mothers: Floor length dresses; or dinner dress, hat, veil, or conservative long dress. hair ornament, gloves.
Rule One of all weddings:
street or tea length dress, hat gloves optional.
The style of the bride’s dress, not the hour of the day, determine the amount of formality, and all attendants and others should dress accordingly. Regardless of the type of wedding, the men should dress as much alike as possible.
A formal wedding takes months to plan. The following reminder list is based on a six month schedule. Please adjust according to your needs. Six Months before your wedding: Buy a planning book (helps with organization) Discuss wedding budget with your parents; if you will share
expenses include your fiancé— talk about flowers, food, beverages, etc. Determine where reception will be held Determine number of guest and create a list. Plan color scheme for ceremony and reception Contact the church office to set the date and time of ceremony Contact Music Staff, to schedule rehearsal. Plan reception and make reservation with caterer, musician. Choose wedding dress, veil, and accessories. Arrange delivery date (about one month before the wedding) Select/order attire for bridal party. Shop with finance’ for ring (his too) Select dinnerware, etc. at Bridal registry Order invitations once the date is cleared, confirmed with the church office. Allow four weeks for printing and proof read when received. Determine then number of attendants Discuss honeymoon plans Three Months before:
Complete guest list and check with fiancé. Pick-up invitation envelopes in advance and begin addressing so they will be ready for mailing as soon as invitations arrive. Arrange for transportation for bridal party; private cars may be used. Discuss color with mothers so dresses can be selected Confirm delivery date of bridal gown and that of bridal party Make appointment for fittings. Hire your photographer and/or videographer for weddings. Contact – Video ministry Discuss ceremony details with organist and sexton. Visit baker for wedding cake Consult florist and order suitable flowers. Advise of wedding time.
Meet with all wedding participants to inform them of guidelines and expectations. Provide list of seating arrangement to the head usher and give specific directions to hostess in-charge (i.e. location of guest book, gift table, decorations, etc.) One Month before: Mail invitations (include directions to reception and map for out of town guests). Schedule final fitting Take bridal portrait Select gifts for your attendants Select groom’s gift Arrange accommodations for out-of-town guests and relatives Discuss details of wedding and reception with candid photographer. Fill out a list of “can’t miss” shots. Two Weeks before: Make an appointment with hairstylist. Be sure you consider the time of your ceremony and schedule appointment giving you ample time. Pick up marriage license Confirm honeymoon reservations. Prepare the fee to be paid to our pastor, musician, consultant, and soloist. One Week before: Remind bridal party, ushers, host, and hostess of the rehearsal time, place, and date. Be prompt for the rehearsal as our musician’s time is very valuable.
Six Months or more Before the Wedding Decide on type of wedding with the bride, number of guests Discuss budget/estimate costs Shop for engagement and wedding rings Select a date and time/confirm with church Decide who your groomsmen and ushers will be Compare prices of caterers, bakers, florist, etc. Engage services of these professionals as soon as possible Discuss color scheme with bride for wedding party and shop for attire for groomsmen, best man etc. Shop with bride for invitations, announcements and “Thank You” stationery. Make honeymoon plans, hotel reservations, and travel arrangements Provide bride with guest list with addresses Two-Three Months before
Apply together for marriage license Meet with New Psalmist coordinator and musician to review guidelines. Meet with photographer to review plans for ceremony and reception. Check with bride regarding final arrangements rehearsal and reception. Select gifts for bride and groomsmen. Check on attire for groomsmen (tuxedos, shoes)
One Month before Assist bride with mailing invitations Arrange transportation for wedding party (verify with bride) Bride and groom sit for formal portrait Check on honeymoon tickets and hotel accommodations Make appointment for haircut (groomsmen should too) Decide and inform groomsmen where they should dress for the wedding Get marriage license Spend quiet time with your bride-to-be Move belongings to your new home if applicable, arrange utilities, and telephone and mail One Week Before Attend rehearsal (inform wedding participants to assemble on time) Confirm number of wedding guest to caterer Day Before Pack toiletries. Take out wedding attire Attend rehearsal, dinner, go home early.
Date called Ebenezer to get Wedding Information: __________________________________________ Date called to schedule Pre-Marital counseling:
__________________________________________
Person you spoke with:
__________________________________________
Wedding Date/Time:
________________________
Counseling Minister’s Name:
____________
__________________________________________
Phone Number:
__________________________________________
Email Address:
__________________________________________
Pre-Marital Counseling Sessions (3) Dates/Times:
Payments: (Check Number & Amount)
_________________________
____________
_________________________
____________
_________________________
____________
_________________________
____________
_________________________
____________
_________________________
____________
_________________________
____________
What Wedding Package did you choose?
__________________________________________
What does your Wedding Package include?
__________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________
Wedding Rehearsal (Date & Time):
________________________
Wedding Coordinator’s Name:
___________________________________________
Contact Numbers:
________________________ ________________________
____________
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