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Arrangements on the day

We ask you to be prompt for your wedding. Many of those involved from the church may have other weddings to go to. Experience also tells us that family and friends find weddings where they are kept waiting (particularly when elderly relatives or young children are involved) to be much less enjoyable.

Timing

The following timings are based on the most traditional type of bridal party. There are other possibilities which you may wish to discuss with the priest taking the service.

30 minutes before the wedding is due to begin

The groom, best man, and ushers arrive at the church. The photographer will have ten minutes to take photographs of this group.

20 minutes before the wedding is due to begin

The bridesmaids and the bride’s mother arrive at the church. The photographer will have ten minutes to take photographs of this group.

15 minutes before the wedding is due to begin

The groom, accompanied by the best man, will be asked to check the wedding registers, and make sure all details are correct. The groom and best man then take their seats inside the church.

10 minutes before the wedding is due to begin

The bride arrives, with the person who is to accompany her into the church. The ushers ask the guests, if they have not already done so, to enter the church and take their seats. The photographer will have ten minutes to take photographs of the bride, her companion, and the bridesmaids.

The wedding service normally lasts around 35-40 minutes.

Information for your guests

What to tell your guests in advance (and what we shall remind them of)

• There are toilets in all our churches, which may be especially important to those with young children.
• There is disabled access to all our churches, and we can make space for wheelchairs.
• There is a hearing loop system in all our churches, and those with hearing aids should turn them to the T position
• No photography is allowed in the church, except for the arrangements made with the official photographer
• Guests should turn their mobile phones off before entering the church
• No smoking is permitted in church
• Confetti should be thrown well away from the church buildings or paths (and biodegradable confetti is preferred)
• There is a collection plate on exit owing to the high costs of keeping our churches open. Keeping all four of our churches open for you to use costs us around £2,000 a week.