Things to ask the Vicar?!

Wet weather fallback.......Can you use the inside of the church after the ceremony if its raining outside? Usually not a problem if its in their mindset in advance. You may have a reception venue where this could be done, although the church is a good option.

Peter

Also, photographer "rules". What can he/she do and not do.

Similarly, vog rules, if you are having one.

Also, are you allowed confetti, is there a certain order the bridal party must enter in (some will insist on the bride first). Can you remove the floral displays you put in the Church and take them to your reception venue (should you wish to - some people will leave them as a gift, but those on a budget may not choose to do this). Can you have bell ringers, a choir, an organist arranged through the Church.

Of course, none of these things are deal breakers when you've obviously chosen a venue for its religious significance, but it's worth getting all of the information now so you know what you've got to work with.

Yes - people know not to be late to a wedding. If you are really worried, add a line saying "please be seated by 10.30am" (if you wish everyone to be there by then, that is), but don't put 10.30am on the invitation, as some poor sods will turn up at 10am!

CONFETTI! Yes, thank you, I keep on forgetting that one!!

We are only having simple shots taken at the church so shouldn't think there'll be any restrictions on the photographer, but will definitely be asking! xx

If you are having a videographer, do check licence issues. The Music Union can stipulate extra charges for the organist if their work is recorded...

Thank you!! I assume our Usher will have to be there from the time the church opens.... Want to know what time Vicar will be there from too, actually. My Nanna may need some looking after and as a small Italian lady she does love a Vicar! xx

I'm not getting married in a church, and the thought of meeting the vicar would scare the life out of me, I've always seem that a bit like head teachers (no offence any headteachers! or vicar come to think of it).

I would ack about timmings, what time does OH have to be there, what time does he call moderatly late if you want to be, conffetti is it allowed, what flowers do you get if any, and then how much for bells, organist, chouir if you want them, sorry just trying to remember my brother wedding! Oh and when will rehursal/banns be done.

Invites we put the time of the ceremony on ours as I would always take that as the time we would have to be there latest, but this is just my view.

Hope this helps!

Thank you, that's a massive help - I shall definitely be noting all of these things down!

Our church doesn't have bells, and it's not C of E so no banns (we had to have the scary interview at the register office for the necessary paperwork instead!).

I get very tongue-tied talking to Vicars, although ours is actually a real sweetheart and really knows how to put us both at ease. He'll probably tell us things we haven't even thought about! xx

Along with the practicalities, you also have to discuss the service itself. Which version of vows do you want to make, which version of the marriage service (sometimes there are options e.g. whether you want a Nuptial Mass in a Catholic church), do they have any views on readings esp non-religious ones, and who do you need to discuss entrance/exit music with. Most organists should have a fairly wide repertoire, but if you want something unusual you may need to provide them with sheet music, or pay for them to buy it.

I had a c of e church wedding last year. They might give you a booklet with everything you need to know but if not I'd ask about the flowers, photography, music, reading and confetti. I also asked about parking as I didn't someone parking in front of the church and the wedding car having to drop me off up the road but my church marked that area off. I'm not sure how different a catholic church is to a c of e but in our marriage preparation evening, we discussed the service from start to finish, talking about the meaning of the words. My vicor was lovely but it helped that I have known him since I was little. Just relax and remember that they have done lots of wedding ceremonies so they'll know what to tell you.

Good luck