Every couple is unique and so is every wedding. We aim to help you shape your wedding day and to support you as your plans come together.
In the initial phase of your planning, Claire and Wendy in the Parish Office will try to help you when you need them. Both have loads of experience of planning weddings and so can often provide really helpful advice.
There are a number of clergy in the Parish of St James and Emmanuel and you will meet the minister who will be conducting your wedding at your Marriage Preparation. The minister can help you in lots of ways but there are three things he/she will definitely do.
Meet
He/she will spend some time with you at the Wedding Preparation Day and begin to help you prepare the Order of Service and other practical elements of the service.
Review
The minister will need to see a copy of your Order of Service before you print it. The simplest way to do this is to e-mail it to him/her directly or via the parish office. A simple template is available to download here but this is only a basic starting point to help you know what needs to be included. The minister can help fill any gaps you may have and can confirm the specific order of things prior to printing.
If you wish to have additional readings from something other than the Bible the minister will also need to confirm that they are appropriate for use in a church wedding.
Rehearse
The minister will also arrange for a wedding service rehearsal in the church at which both Bride and Groom need to be present. It is helpful if the Father of the Bride (or whoever will be giving the Bride away) and the Best Man are also present but not essential. Anyone else is welcome!
The rehearsal will usually be during the week preceding your wedding day at a time mutually convenient to yourselves and the minister.
Next: Order of service