How to Choose a Church for Your Wedding

You have the dress. You have a minister. You know who you want to be there. Now the only question is where do you want to get married? If you choose a church for your wedding, there are a few things to consider before making a solid decision. By using these steps, you will be able to choose the church that's right for you.

Things You'll Need

• Camera for church comparisons
• Notebook for any questions
• Contract

Instructions

1. Decide how many people you are going to invite. The standard rule of thumb is that a little more than half of those you invite to your wedding will actually show.

2. Consider what style of ceremony you are going to have and whether or not the church will be able to accommodate it. This is your special day, if you have always wanted to walk down the aisle, make sure there is an aisle to walk down.

3. Check on prices. Some churches will offer better prices than others depending on what you want. If you consider having your reception at the church as well, there may be a better deal available.

4. Ask the church if you are allowed to bring in your own minister if you have one in mind. Some churches will only allow their faculty to perform ceremonies.

5. Make sure to get everything in a written contract, just so there is no misunderstanding between either party.

6. Check to see if you need to provide your own insurance. Some churches will have clauses for accidental injury included in their contracts, others will not always be specific.

7. Do a walk through with the staff coordinator and find out what things you are allowed to use and what you are allowed to bring in, such as decorations and if there are certain adhesives you are allowed to use or not allowed to use in your decorating.

Tips & Warnings

• It is better to investigate ten churches and be happy than to settle on the first one and not get what you want. Shop around.

• Always be clear on the contract, just because you're dealing with a church, doesn't mean they will be forgiving if you use the wrong kind of tape on the floor. Get everything in writing and have a copy of your check made.

• Make sure you can either get into the church early that day or the day before in order to decorate for your ceremony. A rush job is stressful and never looks as good.

• Additional things to check are wheelchair access and parking availability. If your guests can't get in, they can't come to share your special day.