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If you have arrived at
this page because you have decided to become husband and wife, may
we offer our heartiest congratulations! We wish you a joyous and
memorable Wedding Day, and a long, happy and fulfilled marriage.
We believe
that a decision to hold the service in Church, seeking God’s
blessing, is the best start your marriage can have. Indeed,
marriage is a gift from God, and we at St. Michael’s are
committed to supporting you as you prepare for your wedding and
as you set out on the adventure of your future life together.
You have lots
to do, and it’s so difficult to know where to start! But once
you’ve told family and friends your wonderful news, and
they’ve all asked to see the engagement ring, their next
question will be: “When are you getting married?”! Even that
decision will often depend on where the wedding will take place
– you’ll want to speak to the people at the Church, and also
to the venue for your Reception, without delay!
So please do
contact us, by telephoning the Church Office on (01206) 228124
or e-mailing
us.
When you
first contact us
No doubt
you’ll tell us your preferred date for the wedding, and
we’ll confirm whether the date is free in the Church diary.
We’ll then send you a Banns Application Form to complete and
return with the deposit payable. You will be told what the
current fees are. We will then arrange for the priest who will
be marrying you to meet you both, probably at his home. He’ll
take you through everything you need to know, and help you make
all the decisions about the service. There’ll be lots to talk
about, but we’ve jotted down a few things to help you prepare.
But don’t think you have to make decisions before you meet us
– we’ll help you to decide.
The Service
The Service
is in modern language, but you could elect to have a service
with traditional words, dating back to 1662. You could see the
text of the modern service on the Church of England’s Website,
by clicking here.
Designing the
service
The Priest
will explain the decisions you can make – for instance, if you
are communicant members of the Church of England, you could
include Holy Communion. You may also wish to involve family and
friends in the service, singing, reading a poem or a reading
from the Bible. You can choose Bible readings, and may also
write your own prayers to include in the service.
The Priest
will also discuss and explain the vows you are to take, who will
be the official witnesses to the ceremony, and many other
matters, including:
Music
You will need
to decide what music you would like played as the bride enters
and you both leave. A good way to do that is to chat to our
organist after service on a Sunday Morning, and also to talk about your choice of hymns. There are lots to choose
from – why not surf the web, starting here with Cyber
hymnal or Oremus?
Other things
to think about
We will also
ask you:
§
Are you going to
have an Order of Service printed? We’ll advise you on the best
way to approach that.
§
Would you like a
Choir for the service?
§
Do you require us to
ring the Church bells?
§
Have you booked a
photographer?
§
Will you be having
the service videoed? There are copyright matters to consider.
§
Will you be
providing flowers to decorate the Church? We can advise you on
this.
§
How many
Bridesmaids, Ushers & Pages will you have?
§
Who’s your “Best
Man”?
§
How many people are
likely to attend (useful for reserving seats etc)
We will also
talk through the cost of the service and any “optional
extras”.
As the day
approaches
At your
meeting with the priest, you will receive a leaflet with a
checklist of important tasks, and a booklet with lots of
guidance and advice. And of course we’ll be here to answer
your questions, and to share your excitement! In the days before
the wedding, there’ll be a rehearsal, and we expect all the
important people to attend so that we can all be sure the
service will go well.
From this day
forward….
When your
Wedding Day is a blissful memory and you are now husband and
wife, remember that the Church is still here for you! It will be
a pleasure to support you as members of the Church family, and
to share with you in your joys and challenges.
Now – why
not make that call. 01206 228124….
We look forward to seeing you. God bless!
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