Policies & Procedures For Wedding Florists

The ceremony of Christian marriage is a sacred occasion in which two persons enter into a solemn covenant before God. Their declaration is witnessed and supported by families, friends, and members of the community of faith. As with any religious service, nothing must detract from the central purpose of worship, which is to offer praise and prayer to God.

Royal Lane Baptist Church has been the site of weddings for more than 50 years. Based on that experience, we have established the following policies. They are intended to help each Royal Lane (RLBC) wedding be safe, joyous, and God centered, in keeping with the spirit of Christian marriage and Christian worship.

DECOR AND DECORUM

The sanctuary of Royal Lane is itself an offering of praise to God. Many members have sacrificed physically and monetarily for the benefit of those of us using these beautiful facilities. It is expected that no decoration will do physical harm to the building or any of the fixtures located therein.

SEASONAL DECORATIONS

Seasonal banners and/or decorations will NOT be removed for a wedding.

CANDLES

Florists may supply free-standing candelabra (dripless candles only – florist responsible for any damage). ALL candelabras must have sheets of clear plastic placed under the candles and candelabra, as damage to carpeting, flooring and wood from hot wax cannot be repaired without extensive cost.

WINDOWS and SHUTTERS

The window sills of the Sanctuary may be decorated with the understanding that any use of candles or flames must be totally enclosed in either glass or metal.

Shutters: Only the bottom section of shutters may be opened. Upper levels will never be opened for a wedding.

CHOIR AND BAPTISTRY AREAS

The chairs in the choir loft area will not be removed for a wedding. Only the baptistry railing may be enhanced with votive candles.  All candles must be enclosed in glass or metal.

PEWS AND AISLES

Small arrangements of flowers and/or greenery may be attached at the ends of the pews using ribbon or non-damaging plastic clips. Arrangements should not be placed so they are in anyway obstructing to the “traffic flow” of the aisles.

OTHER MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

• No tape, pins, nails, tacks, or glue may be used to fasten decorations to any part of the church building or furnishings.
• Church furniture, paraments (cloths) and other furnishings may not be removed or altered. The pulpit, platform benches, and communion table will be removed prior to the wedding. Choir chairs in the choir loft will not be removed.
• The wood bookcase/stand beside the organ may not be moved or used as a table for the unity candle.
• Nothing may be placed on the musical instruments.
• No rice, birdseed or anything of this nature may be thrown anywhere on church property, including the parking lot.
• Flower bearers may distribute silk petals ONLY. The use of real flower petals stains and/or discolors the carpeting.
• Furniture in the Narthex and the hallways behind the sanctuary as well as Family Hall should not be used for storing items. Food and drinks are not permitted in the Sanctuary, hallways or Narthex. Refreshments are permitted in the dressing areas only and must be removed following the ceremony.

SETUP AND REMOVAL TIMES

Decorating of the facilities may begin no more than two (2) hours before the time of the ceremony. RLBC is unable to make exceptions to this policy.

Arrangements must be made for the immediate removal of all decorations following the ceremony. Additionally, leaves, stems, and other pieces of floral decorations should be removed so that general cleaning may occur immediately following the ceremony. Items not removed by the florist or family may be discarded by church staff to allow preparations for other services.  There are NO storage areas available for gifts, clothing, decorations, candelabra, or floral arrangements. Royal Lane cannot be held responsible for any items left after the all members of the wedding have left.

TO THE WEDDING PARTY

The above policies apply whether the family chooses to use the services of a professional florist or those of a nonprofessional friend or relative. It is the responsibility of the family to see that anyone ordering or handling floral or other decorations is supplied with a copy of this information.

TO THE FLORIST

It is the responsibility of the florist to keep a current copy of this information on file and to comply with all policies in it – any florist failing to do so will not be permitted to return to work at Royal Lane Baptist Church. The florist will also be responsible for any damages incurred. Ignorance of these rules will not be considered a valid excuse for failing to abide by them.

We deeply appreciate your cooperation on this sacred occasion. If you have further questions, please contact the church Wedding Assistant: