Wedding Policies

Wedding Policies & Procedures

First Baptist Church

209 North Walnut Street

Florence, Alabama

www.fbcflorence.com

Wedding Policies for The Use of Facilities

First Baptist Church

Florence, Alabama

The facilities of First Baptist Church have been dedicated to the glory of Almighty God and exist to assist a local congregation of people achieve the following purposes:

Text Box: 1 Maintain the worship of God;
2. Study and practice the Christian life as found in the Scriptures;
3. Seek to bring to bear upon the life of our society the teachings of Jesus;
4. Promote and advance the Kingdom of God throughout the Earth.

Since we believe that a Christian wedding is a sacred occasion and is a service of worship before God, any and all parties who use the facilities of First Baptist Church must conduct themselves and their wedding accordingly.

Persons who desire to use the facilities of First Baptist Church must begin the process by contacting the office and receiving a Wedding Reservation Form. During this visit they may also receive a copy of the booklet containing the Wedding Policies of First Baptist Church. In addition, non-members may have an initial “walk-through” of the facilities providing the appropriate staff is present and available.

At this point in the process all dates discussed shall be considered tentative.

The next steps in the process are as follows:

1. Once the Wedding Reservation Form is completed, including dates, facilities requested and signatures, it is to be returned to the church office of First Baptist Church. This reservation form constitutes a request for specific facilities and date. The prospective user is required to sign a statement declaring that they have received a copy of church policies and they intend to obey these policies. This statement will be used to seek reimbursement for any damages that might occur during the use of the facilities.

2. The request will be processed making sure that there is no conflict with church programs, worship experiences, special events, etc.

3. Once the request has been approved (or denied), the party involved will be contacted and informed of their approval (or disapproval).

4. When the deposit of $150 has been received, the approved date is moved from the category of being considered “tentative” to being “permanent”.

General Information

Using of the facilities of

First Baptist Church

Weddings may take place in the sanctuary (seating capacity 1,200) or the chapel (seating capacity 150) of First Baptist Church. The facilities of First Baptist Church are equipped to accommodate those individuals who are handicapped.

Only members may hold after rehearsal dinners and wedding receptions in the Fellowship Hall. Upon approval, members may also use the Atrium for a small reception.

Members of First Baptist Church, or any part of the regular organizations, and children of members of First Baptist Church may use the facilities for a wedding at no rental cost for the facilities. However, it is required that members pay for additional janitorial and personnel expenses that are incurred as a result of a wedding. FBC members may get a list of those fees from the church office.

Persons who are not members of First Baptist Church may make a request to use the facilities. Preference will be given to members in the case of conflicting requests. The fees for the use of First Baptist Church are itemized on the page entitled “Wedding Fees for Non-Members”.

For church members and non-church members who are approved to use the facilities, First Baptist Church provides the use of the facilities including the appropriate heat or air-conditioned stipulated by the season.

First Baptist Church has ample parking to support a large wedding, however, since the church is located in the historic district of downtown Florence, it is the responsibility of the planning party to be informed about other city events that might take place in the adjoining park or in the downtown area and therefore create a conflict.

In addition, other extra items that may be included are auxiliary steps to access the chapel platform. All other items must be rented.

Any member who desires to prepare food in the kitchen of the Fellowship Hall of First Baptist for a reception or rehearsal meal must have prior approval to use the commercial equipment.

No Sunday weddings will be scheduled except through very special arrangements in corroboration with the entire staff and pastor.

No rehearsals, receptions, or preparations for weddings shall be in process during worship services.

Weddings, rehearsals and receptions may not be scheduled on designated holidays. Exceptions may be made by special permission and at additional expense.

Weddings during holy days such as Easter and Christmas (Advent) are discouraged. However, if a wedding is approved to occur during the season of Advent the seasonal decoration must remain as they are. Decorations may be added, but those in place must not be removed or altered in any way.

Specific Policies

For the use of First Baptist Church

1. First Baptist Church is a smoke-free facility therefore NO SMOKING is allowed within the facilities.

2. There is to be no use of alcoholic beverages in the facilities and on the premises of First Baptist Church.

Wedding Coordinator

1. All weddings and rehearsals will be directed by one of the trained Wedding Coordinators of First Baptist Church.

The Wedding Coordinator will meet with the bride and discuss the wedding plans including size and style of the wedding and the expectations from the facilities of the church.

2. The role of the Wedding Coordinator is “required” and plays a vital role as liaison between the wedding party and First Baptist Church.

3. The Wedding Coordinator will be paid a fee that is part of the charges listed on the fee page.

4. The Wedding Coordinator will see that copies of the First Baptist Church policies are mailed to the photographer, florist or decorator and caterer prior to the wedding.

5. The Wedding Coordinator will assist the bride in planning and executing the wedding.

6. If the bride chooses to secure the services of another wedding director, which is highly encouraged, then the Wedding Coordinator of First Baptist Church shall work in cooperation with that person. It is to be understood that the Wedding Coordinator of First Baptist Church has the final authority with regard to the use of the facilities and property of First Baptist Church.

Decorations & Flowers

1. The florist and decorators must schedule their work through the office of First Baptist Church (764.4921) for both the construction and the dismantling of the decorations.

2. No work shall interfere with the services or programs of First Baptist Church.

3. Flower Urns in either the Sanctuary or the Chapel that belong to First Baptist Church may be used but may NOT be removed from the church property at any time.

4. No tacks, staples, nails, pins, or anything that will mar woodwork or walls may be used. Use ribbon or pew clips to secure bows to pews. Do not use any adhesives on any painted or varnished woodwork or walls.

5. Whenever candles are used, they must be of the drip-less variety in order to protect the carpet, woodwork and furnishings within the facilities.

6. All candles and candelabras must have protection beneath them.

7. If any dripping occurs that results in a stain on the carpet, the florist shall be held responsibility for the cleaning of wax from the carpet, floor or furniture.

8. All vessels and containers containing water must be protected to prevent any possible leakage from damaging the carpet or furniture.

9. The pulpit, communion table and platform furniture may not be removed from the sanctuary.

10. When the church facilities are used on Saturday, all decorations, flowers and other items must be removed from the church immediately following the ceremony.

11. The church is not responsible for rented items left after the ceremony.

12. Any awning or structure that is used must be erected in such a way that it is separate from and not attached to any church structure.

13. For the purpose of safety (both human and wildlife), it is suggested that no rice or confetti be used inside or outside the buildings. Birdseed is considered to be a better option for outside use.

14. A computer program activates the air-conditioning or heating. Normally, this time frame will be set according to the season. The florist should note this so that flowers will not be placed in the church too early or for an extended period of time. Special requests for additional air conditioning and heating will be taken under consideration but there are no guarantees.

Photography

1. During the ceremony, pictures requiring a flash will NOT be allowed.

2. The photographer may take pictures before or after the ceremony in approved parts of the building. The Wedding Coordinator must approve the time of and place of these sessions

3. Pictures taken after the ceremony must be taken promptly, so as not to delay the beginning of the reception or the restoration of the facilities for regular worship services.

4. During the ceremony the photographer may photograph the wedding party as each one begins the processional and also as the recessional is in progress.

5. All pictures taken during the ceremony must be taken unobtrusively.

6. A stationary video camera may be used in the balcony of the Sanctuary or in one of the side aisles of the Chapel. A stationary video camera may also be placed in the choir loft of the Sanctuary.

Music

As previously stated, a wedding is a sacred occasion and is a service of worship before God; therefore, the selection of music is very important.

Since we believe that a Christian wedding is a sacred occasion and is a service of worship before God, the selection of all music, instrumental and vocal, must be done carefully, in good taste and in keeping with a reverent atmosphere. All music must be in keeping with the dignity and nature of the Christian wedding ceremony and reflect a sacred nature. It is not our intentions to enter into a battle over the definition of “secular” and “sacred” music, however; only music that is appropriate in a setting of worship will be allowed. Popular music, love songs, taped accompaniment tracks, and tunes that express sentimentality rather than religious faith are to be avoided in the wedding service.

The Minister of Music, in consultation with the Pastor, will have the final say in the selection of music at a wedding at First Baptist Church.

The musical instruments of First Baptist Church, including the Sanctuary and Chapel pipe organs and pianos, are available to be used by qualified personnel only. The Minister of Music of First Baptist must approve any individual other than the regular musicians of First Baptist Church who plans to use these instruments. Private times of practice may be scheduled through the office of First Baptist during regular office hours: 8:00 AM ~ 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

Organ or piano music is recommended for the wedding ceremony although instruments such as the trumpet, violin, flute and the harp are acceptable. The Minister of Music of First Baptist Church must approve the use of other instruments.

The musicians of First Baptist Church, including the Minister of Music, soloists, any organist or pianist, are free agents and it is not to be assumed that they are a part of any arrangement that a bridal party shall enter into with First Baptist Church. Therefore, the party concerned must arrange for their participation in any wedding plans. Since they are professionals, it is highly recommended that they be compensated for their services with an appropriate fee.

A trained technician of First Baptist Church is the only person who may operate the sound system and equipment. Recorded music to be played at the wedding must be on a CD, and this CD must be available at the rehearsal.

For events in the sanctuary, a lapel wireless microphone is available for the officiating minister. Hand-held wireless microphones are available for soloists.

An audiotape of the ceremony in the sanctuary can be provided upon request. First Baptist Church does not have the equipment or capability to produce a videotape of the wedding.

Regarding events in the chapel, a wireless lapel microphone will be provided for the minister. A regular microphone can be provided for any soloist. An audiotape of the ceremony can be produced. Only personnel of First Baptist have permission to operate the Chapel sound system.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO THE FLORIST

1. The florist and decorators must schedule their work through the office of First Baptist Church (764.4921) for both the construction and the dismantling of the decorations.

2. No work shall interfere with the services or programs of First Baptist Church.

3. Flower urns in either the Sanctuary or the Chapel that belong to First Baptist Church may be used but may NOT be removed from the church property at any time.