FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF ORLANDO WEDDING POLICIES FOR BRIDES AND GROOMS

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1 FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF ORLANDO WEDDING POLICIES FOR BRIDES AND GROOMS We are happy to hear that you are taking such an important step in your life. Your wedding is a sacred occasion. We believe marriage is instituted of God, regulated by His commandments, blessed by our Lord Jesus Christ, and to be held in honor among men. It will be most meaningful to you and your family and friends when there is careful concern for the sanctity of the church and its services, as well as the dignity and beauty of a Christian marriage. We at First Orlando are pleased and honored that you have chosen us to be a participant in your wedding. Our desire is to partner with you to make your day as beautiful as you have envisioned and aid you in building a strong marriage. Scheduling Your Wedding Contact the Wedding Director at to make an appointment to see Henry Chapel and Marie Williams Chapel. Seating in Henry Chapel is limited to a maximum of 375 and seating in Marie Williams Chapel is limited to a maximum of 110. She will be happy to answer any questions regarding your wedding. We suggest you plan your wedding at least six (6) months in advance to make sure the church space can be arranged without conflict. Once you have completed the wedding application and turned in a $250 deposit to the Wedding Director, she will reserve your wedding date and time and your rehearsal date and time on the church s master calendar. The balance of the fees quoted will be due one (1) month prior to the wedding date. If the balance of your wedding fees is not paid within one (1) month of the wedding, the wedding date will be removed from the church calendar. First Baptist Church of Orlando maintains active ministries at all times. There may be other ministries and events taking place in various FBO locations before, during and after weddings and receptions. FBO strives to honor each event and will be sensitive to provide each one with excellence and honor each with as much privacy as possible. Pre-Marital Counseling Completing marriage preparation classes is mandatory to be married at First Orlando. We hold nine-week classes each fall and spring. They are held on Wednesdays from 6:00 8:00 pm and on Sunday mornings from 9:00-10:30 am. Arrangements for these classes may be made by registering online at: If a couple is not able to attend, contact the Wedding Director at for possible alternatives.

2 A certificate of completion will be given upon completion of the course. This certificate qualifies the couple for a $32.50 reduction from the $93.50 Florida marriage license fee. Marriage License Be sure to apply for your marriage license in plenty of time. 1) License must be applied for a the Marriage License Office at the Court House, 425 N. Orange Avenue, Room 355, Orlando, FL between the hours of 8:00 am - 4:30pm, Monday-Friday (except holidays). 2) You must apply together with a driver s license or certified copy of birth certificate. You will also need your social security number. 3) Florida blood test is no longer required. 4) Application fee is $93.50 (cash, money order, Master Card or Visa). 5) The application fee is $61 if you present a valid certificate of completion of a premarital course from a qualified course provider. 6) The license is good for 60 days after being issued. 7) If possible, have date last marriage ended (if applicable). 8) For your convenience, there are also offices in Winter Park, Apopka and Ocoee. Facility Guidelines No weddings are scheduled on the following holiday weekends: Easter, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving or Christmas. At the end of 2013, weddings on Sundays will no longer be scheduled. Weddings held the same day at the same location will be scheduled a minimum of four (4) hours apart. It is expected that members of the wedding party will recognize the fact that the church is the house of God and will conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the atmosphere of a place of worship. No alcoholic beverages are allowed on the church property. Any member of the wedding party found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be removed from the church property. No smoking is allowed in the buildings or within fifty (50) feet of the chapels. The purpose of Wedding Rehearsals is for everyone to learn where to stand and how to move during the wedding. The allotted time for wedding rehearsals is 1-1/2 hours. If your rehearsal doesn t start on time, you will lose the necessary learning time needed for your wedding the next day. The Wedding Coordinator will arrive two (2) hours before the wedding is scheduled to begin. The chapels, bride s room, and groom s room will be made available to the wedding party, florist, and photographer three (3) hours before the wedding is scheduled to begin. All personal belongings brought to the church are the responsibility of the wedding party. Make sure that someone is assigned to gather clothing, property, etc. after the wedding. The wedding will start on schedule regardless of any guests that may not have arrived. 2.

3 Only silk flower petals can be used inside the chapels, as real flower petals tend to stain the carpeting. Throwing of rice or real flower petals is permitted only outside the buildings. Birdseed and confetti are not permitted. Slides or videos cannot be shown during wedding ceremonies. This is more appropriate for the rehearsal dinner or reception. If the wedding you desire is during one of our church seasonal celebrations (Easter, Christmas, Missions), such things as banners and staging must remain in place and will not be removed. Therefore, please plan very carefully the dates for your wedding with this in mind. The organ and piano may not be removed from the chapels for wedding ceremonies. It is the obligation of the bride and groom to make certain that these rules are made known to the members of the wedding party. There are limitations as to how much of the greenery that can be removed from the platform areas of both chapels. Your Wedding Coordinator will let you know what can and cannot be moved. Your Minister The first meeting with your minister is important and this conference should be held soon after booking your wedding. The Wedding Director can help you select a First Orlando Pastor if you do not already have one in mind. After the Pastor agrees to perform the wedding, he will discuss such matters as the Christian meaning of marriage and any other matters that may be brought to light during the discussion. Details of the service will be discussed at this time or at a later conference. Guest Pastors We welcome pastors other than those at First Baptist Orlando; however, they must be approved in advance. Only ordained ministers of like faith and practice will be permitted to perform wedding ceremonies at Orlando First Baptist. To request a non-fbo pastor, please complete the Guest Pastor Request form and give it to your Wedding Coordinator. Pastor s Honorarium It is customary to give an honorarium to the officiating minister. By tradition, the pastor s honorarium is the responsibility of the groom. The suggested fee is $200 to $250. The check should be made out to the pastor performing the ceremony. It is the request of the Ministerial Staff of First Orlando that the minister s honorarium be handled through the Wedding Coordinator. The check should be placed in an envelope with the minister s name on the outside. The envelope should be given to the Wedding Coordinator at the rehearsal or the day of the wedding. Wedding Coordinator Each wedding performed at First Orlando will be assigned a Wedding Coordinator. It is the Wedding Coordinator s responsibility to make sure the dignity and sanctity of First Orlando and your wedding are preserved. If you have an outside Wedding Planner, the Wedding 3.

4 Coordinator at First Orlando will be completely in charge of directing the rehearsal as well as the wedding. The Wedding Director will be available for consultations and questions until a Wedding Coordinator is assigned approximately three (3) months before the wedding. Once a Wedding Coordinator is assigned to your wedding, she will be responsible for questions and the details regarding your wedding and rehearsal. The assigned Wedding Coordinator will meet with you when you have completed the Information for the Wedding Coordinator form. This form should be completed as soon as possible. She will go over all details regarding the rehearsal and ceremony. She will be available for face-to-face meetings as well as communication by phone and . The Wedding Coordinator will prepare an Order of Service and Chapel Sketch for your wedding. She will meet with you after getting these two documents prepared to discuss both of them with you. These documents are for the use of the Wedding Coordinator, musicians, and the sound technician (in Henry Chapel). Music A church wedding is a religious service and your music should be in keeping with the reverence that is observed upon entering the house of the Lord. Because music is a vital part of this sacred service, we stand ready to be of any assistance regarding music selections and musicians. Your Wedding Coordinator will be able to guide you in selecting musicians and soloists. The organist/pianist is included as a part of the wedding fees. Your Wedding Coordinator will help you set up an appointment with the organist/pianist. We ask that no drums be used for wedding music. Please check with your Wedding Coordinator to get a list of accepted instruments to be played in addition to the piano and organ. Your Wedding Coordinator can help you choose a soloist from First Orlando if you so desire. You are free to bring in outside soloists and musicians as you wish. If you choose a soloist from First Orlando, the fee will be negotiated by you and the soloist. For your convenience, an envelope with a check inside made out to the soloist and their name on the outside can be given to the Wedding Coordinator the night of the rehearsal or the day of the wedding. She will make sure the soloist receives the envelope. Your Wedding Coordinator and the Music Department have a list of acceptable music selections. Should you desire a selection outside of the list, it will need to be approved by either the Wedding Director or the Music Department. Photographers and Videographers Due to the sacred nature of the ceremony, First Orlando asks that all photographers and videographers respect the reverence of the ceremony and be as unobtrusive as possible. He or she should also be dressed appropriately for a wedding. They are to abide by church policies in taking photos and setups for the videographer. No flash photography is permissible after the bride gets to the altar. Photographers and Videographers cannot be on the platform or roaming around down front once the bride reaches the altar. 4.

5 Photos may be taken from the back of the chapel or behind the last row of guests during the actual ceremony. Reenactment may be done following the ceremony. Videographers can set up a stationery tripod on the platform area, however. Photographers are welcome to take pre-wedding pictures in and around the chapel for two (2) hours before the wedding is scheduled to begin. The photographer should be finished with the pre-wedding photography thirty (30) minutes before the wedding. The photographer is asked to limit post-wedding photography to thirty (30) minutes after the wedding. Photographers should complete the attached policy agreement form and return it to your Wedding Coordinator. Photographers and Videographers who do not abide by church wedding policies are not allowed to work future weddings. Media Support Technical assistance is required for sound for weddings in Henry Chapel. A First Orlando sound technician will be at your wedding to insure sound and lighting quality. The sound technician is included as a part of the chapel fees for Henry Chapel. At the present time, there is no sound equipment available in the Marie Williams Chapel. Both an organ and a piano are available in the Marie Williams Chapel. Media Support is available for receptions in Faith Hall. These include various music options as well as equipment for slide shows. These charges are separate from the technical support charges for weddings in Henry Chapel. The Wedding Rehearsal The wedding rehearsal is designed to facilitate the wedding. Ideally, the wedding rehearsal will be the day before the wedding. The Wedding Coordinator will walk the wedding party through the process from the processional, placement of the wedding party for the ceremony, walking through the order of service, and finally the recessional. The Wedding Coordinator will make sure everyone is comfortable with the ceremony details. It is important that everyone connected with the wedding party be at the rehearsal, including the parents of the bride and groom. If grandparents are to be escorted to their seats, it is very helpful for them to attend the rehearsal. We request the wedding party arrive fifteen (15) minutes before the beginning of the rehearsal. The chapels are reserved for 1½ hours for the rehearsal. Rehearsals will begin on time as much as possible. When they are late getting started, that takes away from the rehearsal time reserved for the chapel. It is the responsibility of the bride and groom to inform the wedding party that no alcohol is permitted on the premises. If any individual comes to the rehearsal under the influence, they will be escorted off the premises. No smoking is allowed within fifty (50) feet of the chapels. The bride and groom should ask the wedding party to respect the sanctity of the setting and dress appropriately. 5.

6 THE DAY OF THE WEDDING Gown Styles for the bride and her attendants When selecting your wedding gown and attendant(s) dresses, please remember to maintain dignity along with grace and style. Excessively low-cut or cleavage-exposing style dresses are not allowed. If you have a question about a particular style, please call the Wedding Ministry office at Wedding Decorations Settings exist in both the Marie Williams Chapel and Henry Chapel for a sacred service which is dignified and beautiful. A minimum of decorations is required and these should be carefully planned. It is not the responsibility of the First Orlando Wedding Coordinator to help decorate the chapels. First Orlando has brass altar and aisle candelabras and a double kneeling bench available for your use. We also have a three-tiered unity candle stand. These items (including candles for the candelabras) are included in the chapel fees. We have the below candelabras available in each chapel: HENRY CHAPEL 2 15 light fan candelabras 2 14 light spiral candelabras 2 28 light side candelabras 2 9 light side candelabras 2 7 light side candelabras 1 three-tiered unity candle stand 12 Single light aisle candelabras MARIE WILLIAMS CHAPEL 1 15 light fan candelabra 2 7 light side candelabras 1 three-tiered unity candle stand 10 Single light aisle candelabras Weddings are not scheduled on any seasonal or church holidays or Sundays. 6.

7 We furnish mechanical Chase candles for each candelabrum. The Chase candles will stay at the same height throughout the ceremony, providing beauty and consistency throughout the ceremony and the pictures the photographer will be taking. The only candle not provided by First Orlando is the center unity candle. You can purchase one that suits your taste. It is the responsibility of the bride s family to arrange with a florist for decorations other than the candelabras. The florist should check with the Wedding Coordinator regarding the decorations. Ribbon or a simple arrangement of flowers may mark reserved pews. The use of nails, screws, wires or scotch tape on furnishings or the building proper cannot be used. No decorations are to be hung or suspended from the lighting fixtures or ventilators. The florist, family or whoever decorates shall remove all decorations from the buildings immediately following the wedding ceremony. The family is responsible for any damage due to the decorations used. The church is not obligated to make available or to furnish equipment not owned by the church at the time of the wedding. First Orlando is also not obligated to furnish outside sources with equipment (i.e., ladders) to enable them to complete their job. All items supplied by sources outside the church must be approved by the Wedding Director. Church furnishings (Bibles, candelabras, chairs, tables, etc.) should not be removed from the chapels for the wedding ceremony. If the bride s family does not wish to make use of the flowers after the wedding, inform the Wedding Coordinator at the time of the rehearsal so they may be used in some way. The Wedding Party It is expected that members of the wedding party will recognize the fact that the church is the house of God and will conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the atmosphere of a place of worship. As stated earlier, no alcoholic beverages are allowed on the premises for either the rehearsal or the wedding. Any member of the wedding party found to be under the influence will be removed from the premises. Smoking is not permitted in any of the buildings at any time. Glitter is not allowed in the chapels. It is the obligation of the bride and groom to make certain that these rules are made known to members of the wedding party. Children are welcome to be a part of the wedding party but we strongly encourage them to be at least five (5) years of age. Borrowed or Rented Articles Arrangements must be made for the prompt return of borrowed or rented articles after the wedding and reception. While every effort is made to ensure their safety, the church cannot be held responsible. 7.

8 Dressing Rooms Facilities are available for brides and grooms, as well as their attendants to dress in their wedding attire at the church. It is the responsibility of the bride and groom, or whoever you designate, to arrange for the care of the property of the wedding party before, during, and after the wedding, and for the transportation of such items. The church is not prepared to provide items of furnishings for this use other than those already a part of the church. Child Care The church is not responsible for providing childcare for the children of the bridal party or the wedding guests. Fees Wedding fees are based on the various services required for your wedding ceremony. The costs simply reflect a service to you to provide for a beautiful wedding, whether large or small. Wedding fees are divided into two categories depending upon whether or not the bride, groom or their parents are members of First Orlando. Unless otherwise specified, the fees are the responsibility of the bride. They are listed below: MEMBERS NON-MEMBERS Marie Williams Chapel $1,025 $1,250 Henry Chapel $1,125 $1,450 These fees include: Wedding Coordinator Chapel Set-up Organist/Pianist Sound Tech (Henry Chapel) CD of ceremony (Henry Chapel) Candelabras Unity Candle Stand Replacement Candles Kneeling benches Chapel greenery Custodial Services 8.

9 Checks for the church wedding fees should be made payable to First Baptist Orlando. Credit Cards are accepted. Final payment is due one month before the wedding. The Pastor s honorarium and any soloist or other musician s fees are not included. No other tips or gratuities should be made to the church personnel. Wedding Receptions Couples may hold their reception in our beautiful dining facility, Faith Hall. Please contact Food Services at or the Wedding Director at , to find out about scheduling receptions at Faith Hall. At no time is alcohol allowed. The three traditional dances, bride / groom, father / daughter, and mother / son may take place at the reception. Miscellaneous Information Invitations may read: First Baptist Church of Orlando at Henry Chapel 3000 South John Young Parkway Orlando, FL or First Baptist Church of Orlando at Marie Williams Memorial Chapel 3000 South John Young Parkway Orlando, FL Directional signs to the chapels can be placed alongside the outside perimeter road of the church. The church does not provide these signs. Please ask someone to be responsible for removing them after the wedding. The main telephone number of the church is Church office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Wedding Ministry office can be contacted Monday through Friday by calling or Appointments can be made with the Wedding Director during that time or on weekends if necessary. 9.

10 First Baptist Orlando Wedding Application Bride [full name] Address: City: State: Zip: Cell Phone: { } Home: { } Member of First Baptist Orlando since: Not a Member: Bride s Parents: Member of First Baptist Orlando since: Not a Member: Cell Phone: { } Home: { } Groom [full name]: Address: City: State: Zip: Cell Phone: { } Home: { } Member of First Baptist Orlando since: Not a Member: Member of First Baptist Orlando since: Not a Member: Groom s Parents: Member of First Baptist Orlando since: Not a Member: Cell Phone: { } Home: { } Chapel Facilities: Henry Chapel Marie Williams Chapel Wedding Date: Time: Rehearsal Date: Time:

11 Date Enrolled in Prep for Marriage Class or D.A.R.E. Program: Do you have an outside Wedding Planner? Yes No Wedding Planner Contact Information: Note: If yes, please make sure she is aware that First Baptist Orlando Wedding Coordinators conduct the rehearsal and wedding Pastor: I would like the following First Baptist Orlando Church Pastor to perform our ceremony. First Choice: Second Choice: Guest Pastor: Must be an ordained Minister of the Gospel to perform your ceremony at First Baptist Orlando and be approved by FBO ministries. Please complete the Guest Pastor Request form and submit to the Wedding Director. Pastor Name and Church: / Music: Organist/Pianist: Florist: Photographer: Photographer must read the agreement and sign. Return form to Wedding Coordinator. We have read and understand First Baptist Orlando church policies for weddings. We agree to follow these policies as stated herein. We will do our best to see that members of our wedding party understand and follow these policies. With this application, we are enclosing the reservation fee/security deposit of $ We understand that nothing is officially on the church calendar until this form and deposit are returned to the Wedding Director and the dates and location have been confirmed with the bride. We understand that it is our responsibility to contact the Young Adult Pastor s office at First Baptist Orlando to enroll in the Prep for Marriage Course. We understand that we must complete the Prep for Marriage at least 30 days prior to the Wedding date. Bride; Groom: Date: Date: After your wedding: Home Address City, State, Zip Phone: Please return this completed form and the $250 security/damage deposit to Barbara Hammonds, Wedding Director, First Baptist Orlando, 3000 S. John Young Parkway Orlando, FL This will secure your reservation on the church calendar. The security/damage deposit can be in the form of a credit card or check and will be credited to your fees if no damages are incurred. If you would like to use a credit card, please call the Wedding Director with your credit card number. Wedding office / Cell / Updated: September

12 First Baptist Orlando Guest Pastor Request Submit this completed form to the Wedding Coordinator. Please Print Name: Title: Church: City: State: Zip: Phone: (Church) (H) (C) and (Bride) (Groom) have requested that you be allowed to officiate their wedding at First Baptist Orlando on at (Wedding Date) (Time) To help us respond to this request, please complete the following information. Indicate your beliefs on the items listed below by checking on: Yes No I believe in the deity of Jesus Christ. I believe eternal salvation is available only through Jesus Christ. I accept the Bible as the authoritative Word of God. To the best of my knowledge, the bride is a believer in Jesus Christ. To the best of my knowledge, the groom is a believer in Jesus Christ. I am providing premarital counseling for this couple. I am (licensed/ordained) to the ministry under the authority of: Signature:

13 Wedding Guidelines for Photographers Copy for Photographers Preserving the memory of a wedding ceremony is important and First Baptist Orlando is grateful for the cooperation of photographers and videographers. We welcome them to our church and wish to cooperate with them in every way to make their task easier and to please the families involved in the wedding ceremony and reception. Cooperation of photographers and videographers in the following requirements is expected: Photographer 1. Photographers and videographers will not move furniture or use furniture as ladders. 2. They will observe the "no smoking" policy. 3. The photographer may take as many pictures BEFORE the ceremony as desired. Please begin with the groom, groomsmen, and their families. Pre-service pictures taken in the Worship Center must be completed no later than 30 minutes prior to the start of the wedding. This allows the ushers to begin seating guests on time. 4. The photographer may take flash pictures of the parents being seated, entrance of the bridal party, entrance of the bride and escort, the kiss, and the couple during the recessional. *It is suggested that photographers not step in front of the bride and her escort as they make their way down the aisle. There will be plenty of time to take pictures of the bride on her escort's arm before the doors are opened for her entrance into the Worship Center. 5. After the presentation, the photographer may take pictures of the wedding party as they make their way out. Flashes may be used. Please do not stand in front of the wedding attendants to take their photo during the Recessional. Photographers should be as unobtrusive as possible. 6. The bride must coordinate wedding pictures and their timing in the wedding day schedule with the photographer in advance. 7. On the day of the wedding (or at the rehearsal if the photographer is present), the Wedding Coordinator will review these policies. 8. All policies and restrictions that apply to the photographer also apply to any friends or members of the family who use their personal cameras for pictures of the wedding.

14 Signed Policy Agreement for Photographer Please Print: Name: Company Name: Contact Number: Cell: Other: Address: City: Signature: Date: I have read the church guidelines for First Baptist Orlando and understand how the policies apply to my assignment at FBCO. Bride: Groom: Date of Wedding: Time: Location: Henry Chapel Marie Williams Chapel Photographer s Signature Please return this signed agreement to the Wedding Coordinator at least two weeks before the wedding.