Brides occasionally need lots of help

The following information will assist you as you plan your wedding to ensure that all details are accounted for and arrangements are made.

Rehearsals

Rehearsals are usually held the evening prior to the day of the wedding. The rehearsal normally takes between 30 and 45 minutes. All persons involved in the wedding should be present and on time. Ushers should be present to learn of their special responsibilities. Parents should also attend so they know escorting procedures and seating placement.

All arrangements for the wedding service must be made with the pastor and Wedding Coordinator prior to the rehearsal; rehearsals are not the time for last minute changes in the service. The Wedding Coordinator will guide participants through details, responsibilities, and movement in the wedding.

Receptions

You may choose to hold your reception in the church assembly or a small reception in the church lounge. Receptions are scheduled through the church office and are subject to space and time availability. A Kitchen Supervisor provided by the church is required for all receptions which utilize silver service, table cloths, or kitchen equipment or utensils; the Kitchen Supervisor assists in locating utensils and operating kitchen equipment, but does not make arrangements for the reception, the serving or the clean-up. When caterers are used, the caterer is subject to the oversight of the Kitchen Supervisor. The women of First Lutheran are not available to serve at wedding receptions.

Couples are responsible for providing all food and drink, coffee, paper products, decorations, servers, and clean-up.

Out of consideration to our custodial personnel, we ask that receptions at the church conclude at a reasonable hour. Remember, most weddings are on Saturdays and the custodian must prepare the church facilities for Sunday morning use. We do not wish to rush you, but ask only for sensitivity to the needs of the church and its custodial staff.

Marriage License

A valid marriage license must be obtained from the office of the Register of Deeds at the Eau Claire County Courthouse (721 Oxford Avenue). Call 839-4801 or check their website for current fees and specific requirements. The license must be received by the church office no later than one week prior to the date of the wedding. This is an important detail, so be sure to obtain the marriage license well in advance of your wedding date.

Photography

You are welcome to have the wedding photographed or videotaped within the "Standards for Photography and Video at Weddings." It is important not to mar the worship with distractions; therefore limits have been established to make sure nothing detracts from our worship. All photographers and videographers are required to closely follow the established guidelines.

• View standards for photography and video at weddings.

You are encouraged to have pictures taken prior to the wedding service if time permits in the sanctuary schedule. This avoids the rush of taking pictures after the service and can be a courtesy to the guests who might otherwise have an extended wait at the reception.

Bulletins

You are welcome to arrange for the printing of a wedding bulletin. Although the church does not provide this service, the pastor or Wedding Coordinator will be happy to provide you with an outline of the Order of Service and assist you with the content of the publication.

Throwing Rice or Bird Seed, Releasing Balloons

Throwing rice or birdseed at the church is strongly discouraged for janitorial reasons. Due to sensitivity to the environment and birds and animals, releasing balloons after the wedding is discouraged. Please inform guests of this request.

Alcoholic Beverages and Smoking

Mood-altering substances and smoking are not permitted at the church.

Food and Drink

Occasionally, couples have small lunches or snacks available for their family and/or wedding party prior to the start of the wedding. For custodial reasons, all food and drink are to be confined to the Assembly (the large room located directly beneath the Sanctuary).

Security

While theft is a very rare occurrence, you should not leave purses or other valuables unattended in the church during the wedding. Further, unless the wedding reception is held in the Assembly of the church, wedding gifts should not be brought to the church. If the reception is held at the church, gifts brought by guests should not be left unattended.