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HISTORY |
Flower Guild Fees The suggested minimum cost for flowers provided by the guild is as follows: Weddings: Baptisms:
Funerals:
Flower
Gifts:
The people of the Chapel of the Cross Episcopal Church take great pleasure in participating in the creation of new Christian families through the celebration and blessing of marriages. When a man and woman present themselves to be united in Holy Matrimony, it is an occasion of great joy and thanksgiving for the entire Christian community; we, therefore, strive to do everything possible to facilitate the wedding ceremony, to augment the celebration of the marriage and to ensure that the new marriage relationship is begun on a firm foundation. These goals require careful attention and hard work on the part of the church, the prospective bride and groom and their families and friends. Whereas the customs and traditions of the church surrounding Holy Matrimony are derived from our sacramental and liturgical theology, we must recognize that the expectations of society at large no longer reflect a Christian theological foundation. Therefore, we offer this guide as an explanation of Anglican theology and customs concerning marriage in the hope that it will provide not only information about planning a wedding at the Chapel but also a sound and positive theological perspective as well. To begin with, Christian marriage is defined in The Book of Common Prayer (BCP) (page 422) as "a solemn and public covenant between a man and a woman in the presence of God." This emphasis upon covenant relationship as opposed to legal contract underscores the high seriousness with which the Church addresses marriage. It calls for the same kind of "mystical union" enjoyed by God and His people Israel and by Christ and His Church. It is "not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, deliberately, and in accordance with the purposes for which it was instituted by God." (BCP, page 423) Once the religious seriousness with which the Episcopal Church takes the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony is fully comprehended, all of the Church's expectations and traditions concerning the actual wedding ceremony are perfectly consistent. In fact, almost every potential conflict regarding a wedding can be avoided if all parties constantly hold before them one abiding principle: the liturgy of Celebration and Blessing of a Marriage is a service of worship for the Church, just as Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Communion are. Therefore, marriage in the church is neither private nor personalized; it does not celebrate the idea of romantic love between man and woman but rather the real bond of love between Christ and the Church which marriage signifies. Marriage is not required of any Christian, but it is a sacramental relationship nevertheless. The celebration of Eucharist is always appropriate at an Episcopal wedding, and your clergy urges you to consider it. As at all of our Eucharists, the Lord's Table is open to all baptized Christians, regardless of denomination; therefore, we invite all Christians present to participate. Some couples, particularly if they expect a large number of guests who would not receive communion, prefer to have a private celebration of Eucharist for the wedding party after the wedding rehearsal. This can also be arranged with prior notice. The parish will arrange for acolytes or Lay Eucharistic Ministers as needed. Marriage in the Episcopal Church Canonical requirements leave a great deal of leeway, but there are some restrictions that must be taken into account.
If either party to the proposed marriage has ever been married, the priest may not proceed with a wedding without the Bishop's written consent. This process takes up to 60 days, and as the Bishop's consent is not to be taken for granted, no date may be set nor banns published until such authorization has been received. If one partner has been the husband or wife of any other living person, a certified copy of the divorce decree must be provided to the priest conducting the counseling. Any member of the Chapel or immediate family of a member may be married at the Chapel of the Cross according to the Episcopal Church's Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. The priest recognizes the need and uses his/her discretion to fulfill that need as it is set forth and authorized by the Church. Outside the membership of the Chapel of the Cross Episcopal Church, applications for the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony will not be considered unless the Rector executes his/her right to waive the said "member only" policy. Article
II The first step is to contact the parish secretary to make an appointment with the priest to discuss the wedding and to plan for counseling. Both partners need to attend this initial meeting. If a particular date and/or priest are to be requested, the parish secretary can confirm their availability. To avoid confusion, do not announce a date until the priest has confirmed it. If a reception at the church is desired, the parish secretary must also be consulted concerning availability of facilities. Once it has been ascertained that plans can proceed, it is time for the bride to contact the Parish Wedding Guild Chair and the Choirmaster/Organist. Both will want to make appointments to discuss the needs and preferences of the bride and groom for this particular wedding. The Wedding Guild Chair is a very valuable resource person who will guide and support the couple and their families until the ceremony is completed. All questions about the actual wedding should be addressed to the Wedding Guild Chair who is authorized by the Rector to act in his behalf in this regard. At the Chapel, we do not permit an outside wedding consultant to direct a wedding. Article
III Premarital counseling may vary somewhat according to the needs of the couple and the methods of the priest. Normally, the first counseling sessions should be arranged at least two months prior to the wedding. At this session, a plan for counseling will be worked out. Normally, about four 60 to 90 minute sessions are required. If the bride or groom lives some distance from Madison, it may be advisable to do all the counseling during one visit in order to eliminate unnecessary travel. This is done only at the discretion of the priest. On occasion, the priest may arrange for someone else he trusts to conduct the counseling where the bride and groom are living. Suitable counseling prior to the wedding is not optional; therefore, the wedding may not take place without it. While bearing in mind that a wedding is a service of worship and that music must be appropriate to the occasion, we try to accommodate the tastes and preferences of our brides and grooms. The Choirmaster/Organist normally plays for all weddings and must be consulted at least 30 days prior to the event. At this meeting, the bride and groom will be given a copy of the Wedding Music Policy. If the couple wishes to engage a particular soloist and/or additional musicians, they must consult with the Choirmaster/Organist before issuing an invitation. Remember - the final test of the suitability of a piece of music is not its beauty, popularity or sentimental meaning, but its appropriateness to worship in the church, and the Choirmaster/Organist is charged by the Rector with responsibility for making this decision. Article
V Flowers for a wedding are similar to those used for other worship occasions during the season in which the wedding takes place. Certainly, though a wedding is cause for celebration, it does not overshadow the Church's celebration of Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost seasons. Again, the primary consideration is the appropriateness of decorations as they contribute to and do not detract from the worship of the Church. General guidelines: flowers behind the altar rest upon the retable and may be arranged in one, two or three containers so long as the arrangements do not obscure the cross and are less wide than the length of the altar. Flowers must be arranged in any of several attractive containers which the parish owns (but which may not be removed from the church). Wedding flowers are a contribution to the worship of the church and remain in place for the next services following the wedding; we can arrange for the Sunday bulletin to announce an appropriate memorial or thanksgiving. No artificial flowers may be used. No single pots of plants or flowers may be used. Flowers used at the altar and in the church will be arranged by members of the Flower Guild. To avoid confusion, do not engage a florist to assist with the decoration of the Chapel. At the Chapel, we do not permit the use, without specific authorization of the Wedding Guild Chair, of additional candle stands, flower stands, kneeling benches, aisle runner, pots or urns from an outside supplier. We request that no rice, seeds, confetti, flowers or other objects be thrown on the church premises because of safety hazards and clean-up problems they pose. During Christmas and Easter and on Pentecost, the Church is decorated more elaborately than usual with numerous arrangements. The Wedding Guild Chair can provide information about these decorations and the effect that they would have on wedding arrangements at those times. Since the focus of the church during Lent is on spiritual growth and penitence, weddings in the church are not customary between Ash Wednesday and Easter Day. However, with the permission of the Rector, a wedding may be performed during Lent, provided that it must be a Lenten wedding. The purple or Lenten hangings will remain in place and only greenery - no flowers - may be used. Because of the considerable preparation involved for the principal feasts and fasts of the liturgical year, the Chapel is not available for weddings on:
The Flower Guild Chair should be contacted by the couple after meeting with the Wedding Guild Chair. Fees for flowers during January and February may be higher due to the season and the availability of the flowers or special requests. The flower fee includes arrangements on the altar, the narthex and two pew markers. The nine windows in the Chapel may be decorated only for evening weddings at an additional fee. The flower fee must be paid at least two weeks prior to the ceremony or flowers cannot be ordered. Photographers customarily make pictures of the wedding party either before the ceremony or afterward. If pictures are taken after the ceremony the photographer will have 30 minutes. It is suggested that all photographs be taken before the ceremony; the wedding party must be out of the church 45 minutes prior to the ceremony. No photographs may be taken by anyone from the nave of the church during the wedding ceremony. As the bride and groom exit down the aisle, the photographer may shoot without flash from the Narthex (main) door. Only professional photographers engaged by the bride and groom may take photographs. If you wish to have a photograph with the officiating priest, be sure to ask him to remain after the service. Photographers should be given a copy of the Chapel's guidelines regarding wedding photography. This will be provided by the Wedding Guild Chair on a separate sheet for your convenience. Please understand that due to the size and configuration of the Chapel a photographer during the service would be a distraction for all concerned; therefore, please do not place your photographer in an untenable position by asking him or her to do something that has not been approved by the Wedding Guild Chair. The Chapel will provide the acolytes for the wedding. Only those who are trained and serve as acolytes at the Chapel of the Cross may be used for the wedding. Article
VIII Normally the wedding rehearsal takes place on the evening prior to the wedding. Everyone who is to have a role in the ceremony must attend. Please impress upon all participants the need for promptness, as the rehearsal cannot begin until all are present. Everyone will practice the role he or she will have in the wedding, including the bride. The priest, with the assistance of the Wedding Guild Chair, will conduct the rehearsal. There is no role for an outside bridal consultant. The marriage license and the accompanying statistical form must be presented to the priest at this time for safekeeping, since no wedding ceremony can take place without a valid license. A reception after the ceremony may be held in the Parish Hall. The comfortable capacity of the Parish Hall is approximately 250. Any reception with a larger number of guests should perhaps consider an alternative location. The reception fee includes the use of the Parish Hall, kitchen and the grassy area in front of the Parish Hall. No other areas of the Chapel grounds may be used. The parish secretary will record necessary reservations, but the Wedding Guild Chair will meet with the bride and her caterer and coordinate setup with the Sexton. A private caterer must be engaged. The caterer will be responsible for providing all china, silverware, glassware, linens, and paper or plastic products for use at receptions. The kitchen is available only for serving pre-prepared foods. The caterer must leave the kitchen and parish hall as they were found, and all trash must be bagged and ready for disposal by the Sexton. The Chapel is not responsible for items left by the caterer, florist, band or rental company. Tables and chairs in the Parish Hall may be used. The portable altar in the Parish Hall may not be moved or used for serving food, displaying floral arrangements, gifts or guest registers. All amplified bands perform indoors with the doors to the Parish Hall remaining closed. The premises must be vacated - guests, wedding party, band and caterer - no later than 10:00 p.m. An additional fee of $150.00 per hour will be charged if anyone other than chapel personnel remains after 10:00 p.m. The Sexton will attend to floors before and after the event. However, the Sexton is not in the employ of the caterer for service duties; serving personnel must be provided as needed. Hard liquor is the only alcoholic beverage that may not be served. Wine and champagne are acceptable alcoholic beverages. Beer may be served if offered in an appropriate container (i.e., glassware or plastic cup appropriate to the occasion). All beverages must adhere to The Diocesan Guidelines as adopted by the Executive Committee February 26, 1981.
There will be only six pews reserved for the bride's and groom's immediate family during the ceremony - three pews or less on the bride's side and three pews or less on the groom's side. Bridesmaids will be limited to a maximum of five individuals, and the groomsmen will also be limited to a maximum of five individuals, plus the Maid of Honor and Best Man at the sanctuary rail. Additionally, at least two ushers, who are separate from the groomsmen, will be needed. Refundable
Security Deposit Chapel Parish
Hall Choirmaster/Organist Sexton Flowers Altar
and Narthex (three arrangements and two pew markers): $500.00 Flower fees may be higher for special requests. For weddings taking place between January 20 and March 15, the actual fee may be up to twice the quoted amount due to increased wholesale costs. The Parish House and Choirmaster/Organist (except Flowers) must be paid in full 14 days prior to the day of the rehearsal. If fees are not paid accordingly, it may result in the forfeit of your reservation and security deposit. No reminders or invoices will be sent. Wedding Photography Guidelines Photographers should take as many photographs as possible prior to the ceremony. However, please select these before the day of the wedding and allow ample time to be completely finished no less than 45 minutes before the time of the wedding. All members of the wedding party, immediate family, photographer and photographic equipment need to be out of the Chapel prior to the arrival of any guests. We have no place for guests to wait while you finish photographs! Those photographs which are taken after the ceremony must be finished in 30 minutes. No photographs may be taken by anyone from the nave of the church during the wedding ceremony. As the bride and groom exit down the aisle, the photographer may shoot without flash from the narthex. If you wish to have a photograph with the officiating priest, please ask him to remain after the service. No videographer will be allowed in the Chapel during the ceremony. Only professional photographers engaged by the bride and groom may take photographs. These guidelines have been carefully assembled through years of experience and are offered to help make this a joyous celebration of Holy Matrimony while maintaining the dignity and respect of the Sacrament. Due to the size and configuration of the chapel, any photographing other than that which is listed above is a distraction for all concerned. We ask you complete cooperation in our efforts to make this a wonderful day! After meeting with the rector and setting a wedding date, the couple should schedule a wedding music consultation with the Assistant Organist/Choirmaster. This consultation should occur before making any specific plans for music, additional musicians or soloists. The Assistant Organist/Choirmaster will assist the couple with planning all music for the wedding. Once the music is planned, the Assistant Organist/Choirmaster will be responsible for the music and securing any guest musicians needed. With this responsibility comes the duty of expressing the policies of the Chapel of the Cross in regard to the use of music in worship services. These policies were designed not to limit, but rather to insure the quality and integrity of musical selections, aspiring to music of the highest caliber and insuring the competency of all involved. The theological and musical substance of any work of music must therefore meet certain criteria. This is one of the most significant and joyous events of one's life. It is therefore fitting that it should be celebrated with appropriately joyful music. In general, the music should be consistent with the accepted standards of the Episcopal Church. The Book of Common Prayer states that hymns referred to in the rubrics of this Book are to be understood as those authorized by this Church. The words of anthems or solos are to be from Holy Scripture or from this Book or from texts congruent with them. On occasion, and as appropriate, instrumental music may be substituted for a hymn or anthem. Weddings at the Chapel of the Cross are liturgical ceremonies generally held within the context of the Eucharist. A rich variety of music, therefore, is used, including organ music, congregational hymns, a psalm and the service music sung by the congregation. Choral anthems and vocal or instrumental solos may also be used. The organist will select the music from the standard repertory before the ceremony. If there is a request, the organist will try to honor it, if possible and appropriate. The choice of the wedding marches for the processional and recessional will be made in consultation with the organist. The Assistant Organist/Choirmaster of the Chapel will always play for weddings held in the church. In the event the incumbent organist is unable to play for the wedding due to unavailability or schedule conflicts, he will still handle the planning of music and the preparation of materials for the service leaflet. He will book an organist to play for the wedding service in his absence. In this case, the fee will be divided between the Organist/Choirmaster and the substitute organist in an equitable manner. It has become increasingly popular to include an instrumentalist(s) such as a trumpet, violin, string quartet, etc., in the wedding ceremony. This adds a certain luster, especially to the processional and recessional and prelude music. If this is desired, it can be arranged by the organist. These professional musicians are of the highest caliber and book engagements several months in advance. Therefore, it is usually necessary to confirm the wedding date with them as soon as possible. In the event of cancellation, their fees must still be paid, as they have very likely refused other engagements for the same day/time. A vocal soloist may also be used as part of the wedding music. In this event, care must be taken to avoid the secular, sentimental and inappropriate songs that are sometimes performed at weddings in other places and denominations. "The Lord's Prayer" is not used as a solo because it is a corporate prayer, and therefore, unsuitable to be sung by a single person. If desired, a vocal soloist can be arranged for by the organist. The Chapel Choir may be used for weddings. Using the choir supports the congregation in singing hymns, psalms and service music for the wedding. This is very helpful for most weddings, especially when many wedding guests are not Episcopalians. The choir can also present anthems appropriate for the celebration and blessing of a marriage. If the couple wishes to use the Chapel Choir for their wedding, the Organist/Choirmaster will make the necessary arrangements. If there are not enough volunteer singers available on the date of the wedding, the Organist/Choirmaster will notify the couple and discuss the possibility of using additional, professional singers. If the couple wishes to use professional singers for the wedding, the Organist/Choirmaster will hire the singers. The couple will be responsible for the payment of these singers. A couple who desires a choir for their wedding should be aware that it is often difficult to arrange for enough singers (volunteer or professional) on holiday weekends; this should be taken into account in selecting the wedding date. In addition, couples with specific requests for choral music may need to consider utilizing professional signers, depending on the level of difficulty of the music selected. The Organist/Choirmaster will advise the couple in this case. The purpose of the music is to beautify and adorn your wedding. It is the aim of the Chapel of the Cross to make your wedding memorable and unique. Music Fees Fees: Fees are charged because of the great amount of time and effort required to provide professional-level music for a wedding. All fees should be paid no later than a week before the wedding. Basic
Wedding..........$200.00 Wedding
with one or two additional soloists and/or Chapel Choir............$250.00 Wedding
with three or four additional soloists and Chapel Choir............$300.00 Fees and details for wedding involving five or more soloists and/or guest musical ensembles will be negotiated with the Organist/Choirmaster.
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Wedding
Guild PolicyChapel
of the Cross · 674 Mannsdale Road · Madison, Mississippi
39110 · (601) 856-2593
Copyright © 2001, Chapel of the Cross