Know Your Wedding Site Rules

Before signing on the dotted line for your ceremony or reception site, be sure that you receive a copy of their rules and that you have reviewed them carefully. More than once I have had a DOC bride disappointed when she found out the beautiful candelabras with taper candles she dreamed of using were not allowed at her reception site. Most sites do not allow open flames. Others require all candles to be floating in water. If you have a particular vision in mind, be sure it will be allowed by the site. If the site agrees to change their rules for your event, get it in writing and signed by the person that agrees. You will chose your sites probably a year before the events. A lot can change in a year, people forget what they agreed to, or the people that did the agreeing may no longer be there.

Churches have a lot of rules, but getting these in writing can sometimes be tough. Ask a lot of questions, can furniture be moved, what are the rules for candles, what are the rules for flowers, what are the rules for photography. If things can be moved, who does the moving and who puts everything back. Again, get it in writing and get it signed. Remember to bring this with you to the rehearsal and wedding day. Communication between ministers, wedding committees and janitorial staff is not a strong point at a lot of churches. Remember to ask will anything be set up at the church that is not set up the day you tour the site. When you pick a site in June for a winter wedding you won’t see the Christmas flowers, nativity scene, etc., that the church may not allow to be removed for your wedding. I have seen it happen. Again, ask a lot of questions and get the answers in writing.