Preparing for the Service
Meeting with Officiating Clergy to Prepare the Service: One to six months before the service. After the pre-marital counseling is complete, the couple must meet with the clergy person officiating at the service three to four times to plan the wedding service. This includes a careful reading and discussion of the service in the Book of Common Prayer, selection of readings and review of details needed for the bulletin and the rehearsal.
Meeting with the Altar Guild Director: One to six months before the service.
Flowers: The Altar Guild of St. Luke’s Church is responsible or preparing all flowers within the church. Natural cut flowers are always used. An arrangement of flowers is prepared for the center of the re-table (behind the altar), and additional arrangements may be placed on the two credence shelves. An arrangement of flowers may also be placed in the narthex.
Aisle Runners, Unity Candles and Special Furniture: We do not allow the use of aisle runners because they can poise a slipping hazard. We also do not permit special furniture, candelabra, “unity candles”, etc. to be moved into the church for a wedding.
Meeting with the Organist: One to six months before the service.
While planning the music for your wedding, it is best to start early. Consult with St. Luke’s Organist-Choirmaster, who normally plays for weddings, as soon as you have determined the date. Please note that playing for weddings is a professional service like those provided by your florist, photographer and caterer; the organist’s fee is $200, due in advance of the wedding. See Music for your Wedding.
The Rehearsal
Time and date: The Rehearsal will normally be scheduled for the evening before the Marriage service. Rehearsals take one hour after all participants have arrived. As a courtesy to the clergy and altar guild participants are asked to arrive on time.
Marriage License Required: The Marriage License must be given to the officiating clergy before the rehearsal can proceed.
Communion beforehand: If communion is desired at the rehearsal arrive ½ hour earlier.
