Weddings at College Mound

Wedding Planner

Planning Your Wedding At College Mound

One of the fondest memories in the lives of married couples is their “Wedding Day”. The joy of a happy engagement and the beginning of a new home together is truly one of the great events in life. In order that this day may be one of joy, College Mound United Methodist Church has prepared these notes and guidelines to aid the bride and groom and their families in the preparation of their church wedding.

A church wedding is an acknowledgement to all that the bride and groom seek God’s blessing upon their marriage. It is an expression that God is the center of their hopes, dreams, and strength and devotion, as they come to dedicate themselves to each other before God at His altar and seek God’s blessing for their married life.

A wedding in this spirit is not a show or a pageant, but a simple and beautiful declaration to family and friends of their intention to join hand and heart in the union of marriage. While the wedding service is a civil act authorized by the state, it is a religious service when conducted in the church. All plans must be made with this thought in mind, that a church wedding is a religious service.

The First Step

Before any announcements are made, the couple should first reserve the church by speaking with the pastor. It is well to reserve the date for the wedding as early as possible. In the first contact with the pastor, arrange for a meeting with him to begin the planning.

Choosing the Type of Wedding

A church wedding may be very small and simple or it may be large and elaborate. College Mound United Methodist Church seeks to render service to all people and to provide a religious service in the church to fit the needs and desires of the couples and their families. It is not the policy of the church to suggest the kind of wedding you should have. Our concern is to assist you in making your wedding as meaningful and beautiful as possible.

An informal wedding may be held in the church sanctuary before the altar with the couple and their witnesses as the only guests. No decorations or music are necessary for such an informal wedding.

A formal wedding will necessitate a rehearsal. These plans are to be made in consultation with the pastor.

Policies and Costs

It is the policy of College Mound United Methodist Church to serve not only our members, but also others in our community as well where a spiritual service can be rendered.

It is the policy of College Mound United Methodist Church that:

- There be no smoking in the buildings

- There be no alcoholic beverages on the premises

- The pastor is responsible for policy concerning conduct at the wedding

The Church Has Established the Following Costs:

Building: Members: Non-members:

Sanctuary donation $200.00

Education Building donation $100.00

Fellowship Hall donation $200.00

Pastoral (Counseling & Services) (Suggested Amount) $200.00

Organist-Pianist (Contract with them)

Deposit on Buildings donation $125.00

The deposit of $125.00 for non-members is required when reservations are made and is non-refundable. The remainders of costs incurred, together with the marriage license, are to be given to the pastor at the time of rehearsal, plus pastoral fees.

It is the responsibility of the bride to make arrangements for the music. All music in the wedding service should give glory to God and enhance the worship of God’s people. Wedding music should help us all focus on God’s presence and blessings, God’s grace and peace.

We have a baby grand piano, organ, and sound system for playing CD’s and/or tapes. If the organ is used, please DO NOT change the “stops”. If you are using the sound system, a training session will need to be scheduled for the persons that you will supply to operate it.

All floral and candelabra arrangements are the responsibility of the bride. Please do not move the altar furniture or equipment.

The Bride’s Room

Rooms are available for the bride and attendants to dress.

Taking Pictures

In order to preserve the reverence of the church wedding, no flash pictures or pictures from the chancel are permitted during the wedding service. This applies to all photographers or friends and family. Pictures may be taken as the bridal party comes down the aisle and as they return from the altar. During the ceremony, we request that pictures be limited to those taken from the back of the church by time exposure. Pictures may be taken after the service at the altar.

Flower Petals & Bird Seed and/or Bubbles

Because of carpet staining from fresh flowers, the flower girl should use only silk petals. Also please use only birdseed (or bird friendly rice) and/or bubbles outside when sending the couple off.

The Rehearsal

The entire wedding party and the ushers should be present at the rehearsal. It is helpful if the parents are also able to be present. The pastor will conduct the rehearsal providing detail instructions for all participants.

A Closing Note

Please leave all buildings clean and all trash carried out and placed in the dumpster. Replace items that you used from the church kitchen. You are responsible for the setting up of the buildings for use of your wedding, as well as returning it to the condition it was before use. If you would like, we can arrange for a cleaning service to take care of the buildings for you after the wedding for a nominal fee.

Please notify the pastor if anything is accidentally broken. The buildings will be inspected before and after your event and if something is broken or missing, you will be expected to make arrangements to repair or replace it.

Please feel free to discuss with the pastor anything that may not be clear to you or not mentioned here. The pastor wants to help you make your wedding day a most happy and joyous one.

Visiting Pastors

We do welcome visiting pastors. They should, however, coordinate your wedding plans with the church’s pastor. The pastor of College Mound United Methodist Church has the final say and approval for all arrangements.