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Planning the Wedding
Ceremony
WEDDING
COORDINATOR
You should contact our Wedding Coordinator, Carolyn McDonough,
immediately after securing your wedding date with your deposit. Carolyn
will assist you in the planning of the details of the ceremony; the
readings, the vows, the nuptial blessing, prayers (of the Faithful),
music, etc. You can personalize your wedding so that the whole ceremony
speaks of who you are and what your relationship means to each other.
There are many things that you may not have thought about, or want
advice on. Carolyn will ensure that you plan your wedding within the
guidelines established by the parish. She will be present at your
Wedding Rehearsal to answer any last minute questions and she will also
attend your wedding to ensure that no detail is overlooked.
MUSICIANS /
VOCALISTS
Since our Musicians / Vocalists are under contract, even if you decide
to hire your own musician and/or vocalist, our Musician’s fee must still
be paid. This is the case in most churches that have their own
Musicians. Our Musicians has experience with our church equipment, are
experienced with weddings, and are familiar with the protocol at St.
Francis de Sales and can assist and advise you with regards to the
approved Dioceses church wedding music.
THE WEDDING
REHEARSAL
The Wedding Rehearsal is usually held one or two evenings prior to the
wedding day, although it can be held on a different night if those
arrangements are needed. It is very important to start the rehearsal on
time as the church is usually reserved for other parish activities, or
simply out of courtesy to the Priest or Wedding Coordinator.
The Wedding Coordinator will be available during the Rehearsal. She
will go over any special plans you have for your ceremony and will help
organize the procession, make sure all readers are familiar with their
roles, as well as those who are part of special cultural customs. As
much as is possible, the ceremony and Bridal Party Lineup for the
procession down the aisle should be pre-planned so that the rehearsal
can go smoothly and be a joyful experience.
THE DAY OF THE WEDDING CEREMONY
ARRIVAL TIME
The groom and his attendants should be at the church 60 minutes before
the wedding in order to usher guests to their seats. Altar Servers
should be ready 30 minutes before the ceremony. The Bride and her
bridal party should make every effort to arrive on time. Many people
are anxiously awaiting her arrival! It is a wise idea to bring a cell
phone in the limousine incase anything happens on the way to the church.
FLOWERS AND
DECORATIONS
Flowers are a very important factor in planning a beautiful wedding
ceremony. They are also expensive. Therefore, in an effort to
economize without diminishing the beauty, be sure to discuss this with
the Wedding Coordinator.
Please note that there are no flowers allowed during Lent.
You may wish to take your flowers to your reception. If you choose to
leave the flowers at the church be sure to make arrangements to return
any flower baskets or pedestals provided by florists. This is not the
responsibility of the church or the Wedding Coordinator.
Courtesy demands that boxes, bows, ribbons, aisle runner and other items
be removed from the church before the wedding party leaves for the
reception. The church is thus clean and ready for the next event.
Nothing is to be taped to the pews. If pew bows or flowers are to be
attached to the pews, pipe cleaners or other soft attachments are to be
used. This will protect the pews from scratches. Rice, confetti,
birdseed, etc. are not to be thrown in front of the church or on the
premises.
UNITY
CANDLE?
A Unity Candle is actually not part of a Catholic
wedding ceremony, and thus, its use is discouraged. Please discuss
this with the Wedding Coordinator or priest if you would still like to
have the Unity Candle.
PHOTOGRAPHY
AND VIDEOGRAPHY
Photographers may take whatever pictures they wish as the wedding
procession is taking place, and as the bride and groom leave the
sanctuary after the ceremony. However, any pictures taken during the
ceremony are to be taken by the selected photographer only, and no flash
is allowed. Video cameras are to be placed in a stationary position in a
location, which will not be a distraction to the ceremony, and are not
to be moved during the ceremony. After the ceremony, posed pictures with
the wedding party and family are allowed, but consideration must be
given to other scheduled weddings and the Saturday evening Mass. Please
inform your photographers of these requirements.
FLOWER GIRL AND RING BEARER
If you wish to have young children participate in your wedding ceremony
as a flower girl or ring bearer, children should be at least four
years old and be well behaved. Young children can be a very
beautiful part of the ceremony, but can also be a distraction. Remember
that the focus should be on the bride and groom. This should be
discussed with the Wedding Coordinator.
RECEIVING
LINE
The receiving line may be held after the ceremony in the church foyer.
Traditionally, the brides Mother is the first to greet the guests
followed by the bride’s Father, followed by the bride and groom, then
the groom’s Mother/Father. The Maid of Honor, the Bride’s Maids, the
Best Man and the groomsmen may mingle with guests.
PHONE /
EMAIL DIRECTORY
Priest Fr.
Andrew (401) 884-2105 x15
parishoffice@saintfds.org
attn: Fr. Andrew
Wedding Coordinator:
Carolyn McDonough (401) 295-1974
cafm13@verizon.com
Parish Secretary:
Carole Brown (401)
884-2105 parishoffice@saintfds.org
FAX (401) 885-4315
Musician / Vocalist:
We will provide you with a list of approved musicians / vocalists.
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