PURPOSE:
To make every marriage ceremony at Trinity Tower United Methodist Church
as meaningful and lovely as possible.
The following information has been provided to assist you in your
marriage planning. All aspects of your wedding should meet with the
highest standards of the Christian Faith and the United Methodist
Church.
The wedding ceremony is designed as a worship service. It therefore
invokes the presence of Almighty God through music, liturgy and
congregational participation.
Distinct from a secular civil service, the church wedding ceremony
emphasizes the relationship between God and the bridal couple, as well
as between God and those attending.
INTERVIEW & COUNSELING:
The pastor assumes responsibility for all church weddings and requires
pre-marital counseling and an initial interview with each couple as far
in advance of the tentative wedding date as possible.
Should the couple desire to have a guest clergyperson assist in the
service, this should be cleared with the host pastor before any
arrangements are confirmed with the guest cleric.
SCHEDULING THE DATE AND TIME:
After conferring with the pastor, the wedding date must then be cleared
through the church secretary to avoid conflicts with previously
scheduled events.
All Saturday weddings followed by a reception in Fellowship Hall should
be scheduled to permit adequate time for the hall to be prepared for
Church School the following morning.
USE OF FACILITIES:
Non-members wishing to be
married at Trinity Tower Church will be given every
consideration and will be subject to the same rules as members.
CHURCH ORGANIST:
The church organist is the official accompanist for all church
functions. Should another organist be desired, this must be arranged
through consultation with the pastor and organist.
Musical selections should be tastefully chosen with the solemnity and
sacredness of the service in mind.
WEDDING COORDINATOR:
A Wedding Coordinator is provided to assist the pastor and bridal party
in their preparations.
DECORATIONS:
Floral arrangements for the decoration of the church should be made by
the bride in consultation with the Wedding Coordinator.
The crash for the center aisle (100 ft.), used for the bridal
processional, may be obtained from most florists. A church-owned handle
for the crash will be provided, at no charge, upon request. All property
belonging to the florist must be removed from the church immediately
following the wedding.
The church will, upon request, also provide two 7-branched candelabra
and/or a kneeling bench, and/or a unity candle ensemble. The required
candles remain the couple's responsibility.
The altar is 6' x 2.5' and the two altar candle holders are 22" tall
with candles. This information may be helpful to your florist.
PHOTOGRAPHY:
The contracted photographer may take flash pictures in the sanctuary
prior to and after the service.
Flash photography during the service is strictly prohibited.
Videos may be taken only after consultation with the pastor.
REHEARSAL:
The pastor will conduct the rehearsal. Please allow a minimum of one
hour practice time. All members of the bridal party as well as the
parents of the bride and groom are expected to be present. The Wedding
Coordinator will be available to answer questions.
PLEASE BRING TO REHEARSAL:
1. The Marriage License
2. Church fees --- bring in separate marked envelopes.
THE WEDDING DAY:
When planning to dress at the church, the bride and her attendant(s)
should arrive at the church not less than one hour prior to the
ceremony. A room (with a full-length mirror) is provided for your
convenience. The Wedding Coordinator can aid in dressing and/or
distributing the flowers. The groom, best man and ushers should arrive
at the church not later than 30 minutes prior to the service. The groom
and best man should report to the pastor's study.
THE WEDDING CEREMONY:
The pastor will consult with the couple in customizing their wedding
ceremony, including:
1. The style and order of the ceremony
2. Placement and participation of the bridal party
3. Additional Options:
a. The Unity Candle
b. Selected Readings (Scripture, poetry)
c. Holy Communion
d. Flowers to relatives
e. Additional Musicians/fees
MISCELLANEOUS:
1. Coat racks are provided in the Narthex. The church, however, cannot
assume responsibility for loss of personal possessions.
2. The use of rice, confetti, bird seed and/or balloons is strictly
prohibited. Guests should be informed
3. The use of alcoholic beverages, tobacco and other drugs on church
property is strictly prohibited.
INVITATION:
You are cordially invited to attend our 10:10 AM worship service and
10:10 AM Church School each Sunday.
You may reach the pastor by phoning the church office at (412) 793-9000.
