Wedding Handbook - Tyler

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH SOUTH CAMPUS
Wedding Handbook
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!
This is a sacred occasion, and the First Baptist family is very
happy for you. Our prayer is that your wedding is a meaningful
time of celebration and worship to the very God who designed
marriage. Marriage is a living parable of God’s love for His
people. The Church is also meant to be a living parable of how
much God loves and welcomes His people. We hope that you
have been drawn to this church by tradition, heart-ties, or
maybe the natural beauty, but it is our blessing to you that your
marriage shines out like a light in a very dark world. In Genesis
2, God instituted marriage. What God has joined together, let
no one set apart! All weddings performed at First Baptist
Church South Campus adhere to the Biblical definition of
marriage between one (adult) man and one (adult) woman. We
are eager to insure that all aspects of your wedding worship
God and embrace His blessings on your marriage. In that
light, we ask you to carefully note and adapt to the procedures
contained in this book. Please carefully read the wedding book
and sign and return the Facilities Reservation Form.
Reserving the Church/Chapel
Call the church office 903-595-4770 to set up a tour of the facilities.
Complete a Facilities Reservation Form six months prior to the
requested date. Weddings are not scheduled during Church events.
Upon approval of your Facilities Reservation Form, you will be
contacte by the Wedding Hostess to set up an appointment to complete the
Wedding Application and discuss the details of your event.
A $500.00 deposit must be received at time of hostess appointment.
We do not host Receptions in the Great Room.
Due to necessary clean up and to reset the rooms for Sunday, the wedding and/or reception areas will need to be cleared no later than
7:00 p.m. on Saturdays.
Please submit for approval name and denomination of your requested
officiating minister if you are not using staff from First Baptist Church
of Tyler. If you have not selected a minister, one of our staff members
may be available to help. A meeting with an FBC minister must be
arranged in advance of the ceremony by the bride and groom.
Scheduling Pike Wisner is through Joyce Milburn
[email protected] or 903-595-1021. Scheduling Chris Legg is
through Elizabeth Smith [email protected] or 903-595-4770.
To be married at First Baptist Church South Campus, the couple must
complete approved Biblically based premarital counseling.
Bridal Portraits may be taken on campus and appointment times can
be scheduled through the church office.
Facilities
All facilities are scheduled on a first come, first serve basis,
except that priority is given to church programs and events.
Contact the Church Secretary 903-595-4770 for a Facilities
Reservation Form. Upon completion and return, the Wedding
Hostess will contact you once your wedding and date are
approved. When your date is scheduled on the Church calendar, a $500.00 deposit is due to confirm your reservation.
Wedding Hostess
At this time you will have an appointment with the wedding
hostesses to discuss your wedding and reception plans. All
arrangements and questions regarding policies and facility
should be coordinated through the Wedding Hostess. The
hostess will be at the Church for both the rehearsal and the
wedding. Please note that the hostess is not a replacement for
a wedding coordinator. The hostess’ role is limited to helping
from the church perspective and to represent the church for
you; again, not the same as a wedding coordinator.
Weddings
Great Room: $1600
Great Room stage conversion: $100
Garden Chapel or other outdoor setting: $1000
Receptions
Reception in foyer or outdoors: $500
Reception in the Student Ministry/Multipurpose building: $700
Note: The Bride and Grooms party will each be provided a room to
prepare for the wedding. Bathrooms will be accessible to both
parties. The Bridal party will also be provided mirrors and a table.
Fees
All wedding prices include building costs as well as services
provided by the Wedding Hostess and the Maintenance Staff.
Deposit
Upon approval of the Facilities Reservation Form, a $500.00
deposit is required to reserve the church. The deposit is
refundable up to 60 days prior to the wedding. The remaining
payment for fees and services is due one month prior to the
wedding. Checks should be made payable to First Baptist
Church.
Damages
First Baptist Church reserves the right to use the deposit to
cover any damages to the church after the event has occurred.
If a wedding must be moved indoors to the Great Room due to
inclement weather, the regular fee will be increased to meet
the $1600 as required to cover set up costs.
Great Room
The Great Room will hold a maximum of 550 people, and the
black chairs are available for use during the wedding ceremony. The shades may be raised or lowered to achieve the desired
lighting for the ceremony. Please have any changes to the
Great Room approved in advance. You will have access to the
Great Room three hours prior to the ceremony on the day of
the wedding. First Baptist Church South Campus asks that you
do NOT move the instruments on stage or operate the sound
equipment yourself. Also, please remember collect all belongings.
Stage
The stage is arranged for Sunday morning praise and worship.
Here are the three options for the platforms at the front of the
stage for an additional fee of $100. The instruments on stage
can be moved back and a partition added to block them from
view. The platforms can be partially removed for a double
front section to remain with wide steps on each side. The platforms can be completely removed for steps across the entire
stage.
Garden Chapel
The Chapel will accommodate a maximum of 125 chairs, and
all chairs must be rented. Any rentals may be delivered after
9:00 am on the Friday before the wedding. Rentals left on the
property may be stored on the back patio under cover for pick
up. First Baptist Church Tyler will not be liable for any property on the premises before, during or after the wedding or its
related function. Parking is available on the grass area across
from the Chapel. The House may be used upon request. First
Baptist Church South Campus asks that you do NOT leave the
house in disarray, and please collect all belongings.
Reception
If
you wish to have a reception at First Baptist Church
South Campus, the foyer, the youth/multipurpose building or
outdoors are available to you. Saturday receptions must be
over no later than 7:00 pm due to necessary clean up and set
up for Sunday morning. No receptions are permitted in the
Great Room. All linens must be rented.
Indoors
Specifically, the foyer. As for tables, there are 22 60” rounds, 24
eight foot rectangular, 6 six foot rectangular. There are 200
white folding chairs and 50 red folding chairs that are available
for use.
Outdoors
Includes the patio, playground area, fields, fire pit, and dock
and amphitheater area. Tents are permitted on the outside
grounds. Tents should be secured by the wedding party from
a rental company. Only tents supported by barrel systems are
allowed. No stakes can be driven in the ground or parking lot.
A diagram of tent locations must be submitted to the Wedding
Hostess for approval. All tables and chairs must be rented. No
First Baptist Church tables or chairs may be used on grass or
dirt. You will not be able to make use of any outdoor venue
other than the Garden Chapel before 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays.
Any
rentals may be delivered after 9:00 am on the
Friday before the wedding. Rentals left on the property may
be stored on the back patio under cover for pick up. First Baptist Church Tyler will not be liable for any property on the
premises before, during or after the wedding or its related
function. First Baptist Church South Campus asks that you do
NOT leave the kitchen dirty. Coffee and tea are permitted but
no colored punch in any church buildings. Please dispose of
the trash and collect all belongings.
NOTE: As our Great Room must be ready at 7:00 am on
Sunday mornings for worship, customizing the Great Room
from a wedding to a reception due to inclement weather presents challenges. Work with the Wedding Hostess to ensure
your expectations can be met and arrangements can be made
for additional outside resources.
Sound & Lighting
If you desire to utilize the sound system in the Great Room,
you will have to hire one of our approved A/V team operators,
or wedding parties can rent sound equipment and secure a
friend, family member or professional to run it. The operator
will assist with the sound equipment, wireless microphones,
standing microphones, lighting and use of screens in the Great
Room. A fee is agreed upon between the operator and bride
and groom.
This team is:
David Self: 903 530 4133
John Redfearn: 903 210 0850
Chip Peacock: 903 262 8500
Patrick Lissner: 903 253 6636
Music
All music selections should be of an appropriate nature.
Please call the wedding hostess if you have questions about
whether a song is appropriate.
Decorating Guidelines
Please share the following policies with your florist and have
them sign and return the attached permit. First Baptist Church
maintenance staff is responsible for moving all church property. Furniture may be not removed from the Great Room.
Great Room
You may decorate the Great Room from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
on the day of the rehearsal. You may access the church 3
hours prior to the ceremony, and the florist may also begin
decorating at that time. Bows may be secured to the chairs with
plastic clips, felt-lined clips or rubber coated clips, or 3M adhesive hook mounts. All candles must be mechanical with dripless refills, and all woodwork and carpeted areas must be
protected from damage. Any attachment such as clamps used
for candles or floral holders should be wrapped or taped to
prevent scratching or defacing of church furniture. No nails,
tacks, pins wire or adhesives can be used to secure decorations.
Garden Chapel
All decorations for the Chapel must be approved. You may
decorate the Chapel one day prior to the ceremony.
Departure
No birdseed, rice, confetti, potpourri, flower petals, paper
petals or silly string. Bubbles, balloons, and sparklers are
permitted and may be distributed when guests are outside the
church building.
Kitchen Policies & Procedures
All caterers must be Health Department approved or certified.
Our kitchen facilities are available for light prep but we are not
equipped to handle catering an event. Please share the following policies with your caterer and have them sign and return
the attached permit. The Wedding Hostess will open and close
the kitchen. The hostess is there to supervise the event and is
not responsible for cleaning up after the event. The caterers
are responsible for providing everything for the event. All
Glassware, silverware, plates, paper goods, salt and pepper
shakers, place mats, tablecloths, tea, coffee, etc. First Baptist
Church South Campus allows the use of kitchen appliances,
some cooking/serving utensils, knives, and pitchers for serving
drinks. Coffee and tea are permitted but no colored punch in
any church buildings. Anything used must be washed and put
away. Due to health department guidelines, we ask that you
keep all hot dishes hot and all cold dishes refrigerated. Bring
no dishes earlier than 1 hour prior to the event.
Reminders
Members and guests of the wedding party should remember
that throughout the rehearsal, wedding and reception, they are
in a place set aside for the fellowship of believers and the worship of God. The use of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, drugs,
profanity in the buildings or on the grounds is prohibited.
At the discretion of the Minister and/or Wedding Hostess, a
rehearsal or wedding ceremony may not proceed if any
member of the wedding party shows signs of intoxication, or
that member may be required to leave.
It is also extremely important that the exact time indicated for
the rehearsal and wedding be observed. Care should be taken
to have all members of the wedding party in their places at the
time indicated. First Baptist Church South Campus cannot be
held responsible in any way for personal injury or for personal
items that are lost, stolen, or damaged. It is advised that no
valuables be left unattended and that all cars are locked.
Premarital Counseling
To be married at First Baptist Church South Campus, the
couple must meet with a pastor on staff and complete
approved Biblically based premarital counseling. Please
obtain a marriage license prior to the wedding which can be
obtained through the Smith County Clerk’s office. Please
provide the marriage license to the officiating minister by the
rehearsal date. No wedding will be performed without the
license.
We
hope in the midst of the guidelines that our blessings are on you. We pray that God will bless your marriage and
continue what He has started in you!
The First Baptist Family
I have read, understand and accept the First Baptist Church
South Campus Wedding Handbook. I also assume responsibility for the condition of the church facilities and equipment
and will fully compensate the church for any damages to the
facilities or equipment used during all phases of the wedding
event.
Please sign, date and return this form to the Wedding Hostess
at First Baptist Church South Campus.
First Baptist Church South Campus
1700 Highway 69 South, Tyler, TX 75703
903-595-4770
Sign
date
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a member at First Baptist Church?
How far in advance can I request a date for my wedding?
How much is the deposit and is it refundable?
Are we required to do premarital counseling?
Do we pay the minister performing the ceremony?
Can we have a wedding and reception at First Baptist Church
South Campus?
What are the choices for wedding locations?
What are the choices for reception location?
Do we have to rent tables, chairs, and linens?
Can we have music?
Can we dance?
When can I decorate?
What is time and length of the rehearsal?
What time do we have to leave the church after our event?
Where do the bride and grooms party get ready before the wedding?
Do we clean up after the event?
Are there any times we cannot schedule for our wedding?
Questions Answered
No, we welcome non-members as well as members, but members
and their children get a half-price discount on the wedding venue.
You may complete a Facilities Reservation form 6 months prior to your wedding
date for the Great Room and 12 months prior to your wedding date for the Garden Chapel.
A $500 deposit is required once your wedding and date have been approved.
The deposit is refundable 60 days prior to the wedding date.
Yes and premarital plans must be approved by one of the ministers at First Baptist Church
It is customary to pay the minister for their time.
First Baptist Church South Campus is available for both weddings and receptions.
The Great Room and Garden Chapel are available for weddings
The Foyer and Outdoors are available for receptions
You must rent all linens. You are permitted to use First Baptist Church South Campus
chairs
and tables indoors but all outdoor events must rent tables and chairs.
Yes music is permitted and should be of an appropriate nature
Yes, dancing is allowed.
You may decorate the Great Room from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on the day of the rehearsal.
You may access the church 4 hours prior to the ceremony, and the florist may also begin
decorating at that time.
Rehearsal times are scheduled for one hour and are held the night before the ceremony.
Due to necessary clean up and to reset the rooms for Sunday, the wedding
and/or reception areas will need to be cleared no later than 7:00 p.m.
The Bridal party and the Groom’s party will each be provided a room.
Both will have access to bathrooms.
You are responsible for collecting all belongings and leaving the facilities
the way they were before the event.
Typically, holidays are not going to work because of church activities.
Due to the sports event hosted here, it is very unlikely that a Saturday morning will work.
Otherwise, the only other limiter is that you cannot schedule during a church event.
Caterer Permit
Name of Bride/Groom:
Date of Wedding:
Name of Business:
Phone Number:
Owner of Business:
Address of Caterer:
All caterers must be Health Department approved or certified. Due to health
department guidelines, we ask that you keep all hot dishes hot and all cold
dishes refrigerated. Bring no dishes earlier than 1 hour prior to the event. The
caterers are responsible for providing everything for the event. All Glassware,
silverware, plates, paper goods, salt and pepper shakers, place mats, tablecloths, tea, coffee, etc. First Baptist Church allows the use of kitchen appliances, some cooking/serving utensils, knives, and pitchers for serving drinks.
Coffee and tea are permitted but no colored punch in any church buildings.
The use of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, drugs, profanity in the buildings or
on the grounds is prohibited. The caterer must leave the kitchen areas clean.
The undersigned caterer agrees to accept responsibility for any and all damages to the church property incurred by the food service and refreshments
used with this event for which this permit is issued. The use of alcoholic
beverages, tobacco, drugs, profanity in the buildings or on the grounds is
prohibited.
I, the undersigned, have read the above and will comply with the rules of this
permit.
Signature of Caterer
Date
This permit must be signed and returned to the Wedding Hostess one month
prior to the wedding.
Caterer: Please keep copy for your records.
Florist Permit
Name of Bride/Groom:
Date of Wedding:
Name of Business:
Phone Number:
Owner of Business:
Address of Florist:
The florist may begin decorating 4 hours prior to the ceremony. First Baptist
Church maintenance staff is responsible for moving all church property. Furniture may be not removed from the Great Room. Bows may be secured to the
chairs with plastic clips, felt-lined clips or rubber coated clips, or 3M adhesive
hook mounts. All candles must be mechanical with dripless refills, and all
woodwork and carpeted areas must be protected from damage. Any attachment such as clamps used for candles or floral holders should be wrapped or
taped to prevent scratching or defacing of church furniture. No nails, tacks,
pins wire or adhesives can be used to secure decorations. The use of alcoholic
beverages, tobacco, drugs, profanity in the buildings or on the grounds is
prohibited. Florists or family is responsible for removing all materials immediately following the wedding ceremony. If you wish to leave flowers in the
Great Room for Sunday services, please pick them up Monday if approved by
Wedding hostess. The use of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, drugs, profanity in
the buildings or on the grounds is prohibited.
I, the undersigned, have read the above and will comply with the rules of this
permit.
Signature of Florist
Date
This permit must be signed and returned to the Wedding Hostess one month
prior to the wedding.
Florist: Please keep copy for your records.
Photographers Permit
Name of Bride/Groom:
Date of Wedding:
Name of Business:
Phone Number:
Owner of Business:
Address of Photographer:
The use of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, drugs, profanity in the buildings or
on the grounds is prohibited.
I, the undersigned, have read the above and will comply with the rules of this
permit.
Signature of Photographer
Date
This permit must be signed and returned to the Wedding Hostess one month
prior to the wedding.
Photographer: Please keep copy for your records.
Videographers Permit
Name of Bride/Groom:
Date of Wedding:
Name of Business:
Phone Number:
Owner of Business:
Address of Videographer:
The use of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, drugs, profanity in the buildings or
on the grounds is prohibited.
I, the undersigned, have read the above and will comply with the rules of this
permit.
Signature of Videographer
Date
This permit must be signed and returned to the Wedding Hostess one month
prior to the wedding.
Videographer: Please keep copy for your records.