Rehearsal and Ceremony
For the rehearsal we ask that you and your wedding party BE ON TIME. Don’t forget, there may be other rehearsals, so please be attentive to this detail, as each rehearsal is allotted 45 minutes. Rehearsals are conducted by one of our rehearsal coordinators. A coordinator is also present at the wedding to coordinate/facilitate the details of parents and wedding processional. Please bring your marriage license and all the stipends to the rehearsal.
Regarding the ceremony, again, please, BE ON TIME.
We have had some bad experiences in the past with weddings starting late due to the late arrival of the bride. You only have an hour and a half time slot, and it is not to your advantage to waste time on being late. Besides the fact that the back up after you could cause some serious difficulties!
Music
Our Director of Music is Dr. Erica Johnson. She is responsible for all music arrangements which will take place inside the church, regardless of musicians. This means that she will help you plan your music selections, your musicians and your cantor/soloist. If you choose to bring in a different organist, a bench fee of $350 to Erica Johnson still must be paid. Please contact the Music Director no later than three months in advance of your wedding. Email Erica or phone her at 508-668-4700 x22
Receiving Lines
You must inform the celebrant if you wish to have a receiving line at the church or to take photographs after the celebration. Keep in mind that you have an hour and a half time slot into which all activity at the church must fit.
Stipends and Fees
In a parish like ours, many couples present themselves for marriage. Some of you and your families have been involved in the life of the parish for years. Your gifts of time, talent and treasure and those of your family enable us to celebrate your wedding without charge.
Some of you are less familiar to us, perhaps new to the area or for one reason or another have not been active in our parish, though you or your parents live in the town. For you, the offering is $300.
And then there are couples who have no real connection to the parish, but have decided for one reason or another to be married here. The couple doesn’t live in the town, and the parents don’t, but for whatever reason, you have come to us. For these couples, the fee is $500.
Summary of Stipends
Church $0.00, $300, $500 (see above)
Priest Your discretion
Organist $350
Cantor $150
Wedding Coordinator $ 75
Altar Server $ 20
Other Details of the Day
1) You are responsible for contacting a florist who will provide floral arrangements for the church during your wedding. If there is more than one wedding on your date, you might want to share expenses with the other couple. It may also be helpful when selecting flowers to keep in mind the seasonal decorations in the sanctuary. You will be given a letter stating Blessed Sacrament’s policy regarding floral arrangements in the church.
2) If, after discussing with priest or deacon the option of using a Unity Candle, you decide to use one, it is your responsibility to purchase it.
3) Your photographer or videographer must abide by the rules established for the appropriate celebration of your wedding. Do not let them assume they know the ground rules. You will receive guidelines to pass on to your photographer and videographer. Please be sure they receive this letter.
4) Please do not throw confetti, rice, bird seed, Silly String or flower petals. Tell your guests if these are used outside the church the ushers will be asked to clean it up thoroughly.
5) Aisle runners are not permitted. They are a danger to your guests and to you.
6) If you want to invite the priest/deacon to your reception, please do so by sending an invitation to him.