Philadelphia Baptist Church
Tuesday, February 07, 2012
Living by Faith

Wedding Policy


Wedding Policy of Philadelphia Baptist Church
 
The members of Philadelphia Baptist Church want to help you in making your wedding one of the happiest and most sacred memories of your life. It is our desire to extend you every courtesy that is practical and in accord with our total church program. We believe that the following step-by-step procedures will be helpful as you make your wedding plans.
 
The Date
 
Careful planning is necessary for all weddings. You will want to plan as early in advance as possible so that the use of the building space can be arranged without conflict.  The date for the wedding is established in consultation with the church to clear the date on the church calendar.  At this time, you will be asked for information that appears on the application form. (Click here for the form. You will need the free Adobe Reader software to open and view this form. If you don't have it, download it by clicking on the icon in the left column of this web page.)  You will also be advised of the charges involved.
 
After you have read this policy and an agreeable date has been established, please sign the statement at the end of the form and return it to the church.  You can then consider the arrangement definite.  The arrangements need to be finalized before your invitations are printed.
 
The Reception
 
Receptions held in the church building may only be held in the fellowship hall. The following rules govern the use of the fellowship hall for wedding receptions:
  1. No beverage containing any degree of content of alcohol whatsoever may be served.
  2. Smoking in the church building is strictly forbidden.
  3. If anything is to be brought to the kitchen or fellowship hall before the day of your wedding rehearsal, please check with the church to make sure this area is not in use.
  4. Please be advised that the church does not currently have a freezer nor a vast amount of refrigerated storage space. You may need to plan to keep items in coolers to adequately keep them cold.
  5. Please see that food items are not carried into other parts of the church, i.e., sanctuary, classrooms, etc.
Expenses
 
If the bride or groom is a member of Philadelphia Baptist Church or if he/she is the child or grandchild of a member of the church, there will be no charge for the use of the church building.  Otherwise, there is a fee of $150 for the use of the sanctuary and the fellowship hall.  A fee of $100 will be charged for the use of the sanctuary only.  An additional $50 security deposit will be required and will be returned upon the church and the fellowship hall being left in acceptable condition, i.e., no damages, etc.
 
In addition, there is a fee payable directly to the church custodian for his/her services, commensurate with the responsibilities involved.  This fee is waived, of course, if the family of the wedding couple assumes responsibility for church clean-up after the wedding.  The clean-up should include vacuuming and mopping, as well as the cleaning of the kitchen and restrooms used. Should the grounds of the church be littered, they should also be appropriately cleaned.
 
Honorariums for the musicians will be commensurate with their responsibilities. It is the responsibility of the bride to consult with church musicians regarding their availability and fees.
 
The minister's honorarium is the responsibility of the groom. He will be happy to discuss this matter with you.
 
Decorations
 
The bride should advise the florist concerning the following church regulations:
 
  1. No pins or tacks may be used to secure decorations to pews, furniture, walls, or any woodwork in the sanctuary, fellowship hall, or any part of the church building.
  2. Flowers must be placed in containers so that no water damage results.
  3. Flowers may not be placed on top of musical instruments (piano, organ, keyboard, etc.).
  4. All floral decorations must be removed immediately after the wedding by the bride's family or florist.  If you would like to leave any of the floral arrangements for the worship service, contact the church well in advance about your intentions.
  5. Only dripless candles should be used. All carpeting and woodwork must be protected by placing wax paper or another protective covering underneath candelabra.  In the event of drippings, the bride's family will be responsible for cleaning the carpet.
  6. No furniture may be rearranged or moved without specific permission from the custodian.
  7. The florist responsible for decorating the church should schedule a convenient time when decorations shall be brought into the sanctuary or other parts of the building.  This action will prevent conflicts with a meeting already scheduled or with the cleaning service.
  8. The florist should be expected to leave the church building in the same order in which it was found when decorating was begun.  The church should be placed back in order immediately after the wedding.  The church custodian will clean up the sanctuary and any delay on your part in removing decorations will hamper his/her work.
The Music
 
Your wedding will be a sacred service that will have significant meaning, not only to you, but to all those who attend.  Therefore, all vocal music should be sacred in nature. No instrumental music should be used that has secular associations. If in doubt, please check with the Pastor.  You are free to use any musicians of your choice for wedding services.
 
The Custodian
 
The custodian must be used to insure adequate lighting, heating, or cooling are provided. The custodian will also check to make sure kitchen appliances are in working order. He/she must also lock the building after all wedding personnel have left.  If the custodian is needed for any other clean up after the wedding, this can be arranged with the fee being commensurate with the responsibilities delegated.
 
The Photographer
 
Due to the solemnity of the occasion, no pictures of any sort may be taken during the ceremony.  Pictures may be made at the rear of the sanctuary as the bride comes down the aisle and exits.  A protective cloth or pad should be used to stand on pews to take pictures.
 
The Wedding Party
 
The members of the wedding party should recognize the fact that the church is the house of God and must conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the atmosphere of the place of worship.  There are appropriate restrooms and dressing areas in the church building for the wedding party.
 
Rice in the Building
 
No rice, confetti, or other such material may be thrown inside the church building.
 
An Invitation
 
If you do not have a church home, we extend to you and your family a warm welcome to join us at Philadelphia Baptist Church. If you love the Lord and are striving to serve Him, this church may be a good place for you!
 
If you do not yet know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, we pray that you will seek Him.  Through Jesus Christ, we have life everlasting and promises of an abundant and joyful life on earth if we walk by His Word.  Please feel free to visit during one of our services or events.
 
If you have questions about our church, please do not hesitate to call on one of our church members.  If you do not personally know a church member and prefer to speak with our pastor, you may reach Rev. Bobby McCullough, Associate Pastor, at 205-274-7934.