SOUTHWEST CHINESE BAPTIST CHURCH

STAFFORD, TEXAS

WEDDING POLICY

I.    General Requirements

1)      Both bride and groom must be a Christian.

2)      The wedding application must be submitted no later than 6 months in advance of the desired wedding date (this allows sufficient time for counseling, etc.), unless special approval by the wedding coordinator.

3)      A deposit is required along with the application in order to enter the date on the church  calendar.

4)      Members of SWCBC will have first choice of wedding dates.  Only children of members are considered members for the purpose of determining wedding costs.

5)      The couple is recommended to go through premarital counseling with the officiating minister.  The officiating minister will determine the details concerning this counseling.

6)      All members of the immediate wedding party (honor attendants, bridesmaids, groomsmen) should attend the rehearsal.  All ushers should attend, as they will receive special instructions at that time.

7)      The SWCBC minister in charge will have complete authority over the wedding    ceremony.  A guest minister may be used upon approval by SWCBC pastor.  (The minister must be an ordained minister.)  Please indicate his name and phone number on the application.

1)      Serves as the liaison between the church and the wedding. 

2)      Processes the application, and discuss the detail of this Wedding Policy in advance of the wedding.

3)      Conducts the rehearsal.  On the day of the wedding, the church wedding coordinator will arrive approximately one and half hour prior to the beginning of the wedding.

4)      Supervises all pre-service arrangements and direct the entrance of the bride, wedding party, and seating of the families. 

5)      Responsibilities are complete after the ceremony is concluded and the wedding party is dismissed to the reception.

III. Rules and Restrictions for the Use of the Building (For Wedding)

1)      No weddings on Easter Good Friday are permitted.

2)      No wedding and wedding rehearsal will be scheduled that would conflict with the activities of the church.

3)      The church is not responsible for lost or stolen property.

4)      NO SMOKING will be allowed within the church building or on the church property at the rehearsal, wedding, or reception.

5)      NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES will be permitted on the church property.  Any wedding participants appearing to be under the influence of alcohol will be asked to leave.

6)      No dancing reception is allowed in the church.

7)      The sanctuary maximum seat capacity is 350.

8)      NO FOOD and DRINKS in sanctuary.

9)      THE THROWING OF RICE, CONFETTI AND FRESH FLOWER PETALS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED.  It endangers the safety of those who are using the halls and sidewalks, and it adds to the work of the custodian.  Plans for throwing any other items must be approved by the wedding coordinator.

10)  Only tables, chairs, garbage receptacles and bags will be furnished for the reception at church.

11)  Wedding party attire must be in keeping with the spirit of the Church.

12)  Excluding the time for wedding reception, the maximum usage of the church facilities on the wedding day is four hour.  A total of six hour with reception is the maximum usage on the wedding day.  Please be punctual, a $100.00 per hour late fee will be charged to the wedding party.

13)  Any damage to the building will be at the expense of the wedding party.  An additional fee will be charged if the wedding party fails to comply with the above rules.

1)    Florists and decorators must contact the wedding coordinator to schedule the time for setting up and preparing for the wedding.

2)    All candles used in candelabras must be SPRING-LOAD. Candles may not be surrounded by any flammable materials.

3)    Do not place flower containers on the organ or piano.

4)    No nails, tacks, staples, pins, adhesives, or anything that will mark woodwork or furniture may be used.

5)      Plants and furnishings may not be moved unless by the approval of the church Wedding Coordinator.  Seasonal decorations already set up shall remain in place.  (Removal of church Christmas decorations for weddings causes deterioration of the decorations.)

6)      The individual or wedding party will be held liable for any damage to the carpets, furniture, or buildings.  The church reserves the right to restrict the privileges of any florist who violates these regulations.

7)      All decorations must be removed immediately after the ceremony. Overnight storage is not permitted.

1)      No photographer/video operator is permitted on altar.  Equipment must remain stationary at one of the side of the altar or at the back of sanctuary.

2)      No photograph will be taken in the center aisle during the procession of the wedding party.

3)      There will be an assigned audio person for the wedding ceremony.  He will be present at rehearsal.

4)      Photographers and video personnel are to be properly attired for a wedding (coat and tie for men and dresses for ladies).

5)      The wedding coordinator will have complete authority over improper placement of cameras/personnel and will be the final word on all requests from the wedding party, photographers, or video personnel.

1)      Marriage is an ordinance of God.  A church wedding should be a worship service, and only sacred music should be used in the wedding ceremony.

2)      Since the traditional and familiar wedding marches are secular, the traditional “Bridal Chorus” may be used as the processional, and the traditional “Wedding March” may be used as the recessional.

3)      All music and lyrics to be used at the ceremony and reception must be approved by the wedding coordinator at least 30 days prior to the wedding.

4)      A suggested list of appropriate wedding music is included in this policy.

VII. Wedding Fees