Moscow First United Methodist Church
Worshiping, Supporting, Renewing

Wedding Book Information

The information provided below is from our Wedding Book.

 You may obtain a copy of this from our Pastor or our Church Administrative Assistant.

The basic information is shown here for quick  reference.

 

THE FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
 Moscow, Idaho

Dear friends:

We are delighted that you are considering our church for your wedding.  In the church, the wedding is a service of Christian worship.  By it the man and woman declare before God their commitment of marriage to one another.  Invited to be witnesses, but also an extended and supportive community for the couple, are the guests, wedding party members, musicians, wedding reception chairperson, wedding hostess, and pastor.

It is our desire that your wedding day be memorable, and a truly joyful launching of your journey in marriage to each other.  To that end, we offer you this booklet that states this congregation’s policies, fees and other suggestions for your wedding.

Please read through this booklet, carefully.  If, after you have become familiar with its contents, you would like to use this church for your wedding, please call me to schedule an introductory interview.  You will also need to establish dates and interviews with the church organist and wedding hostess.

If you have further questions, or if there is anything I may do to be of help in preparing for your wedding, please feel free to call on me.

Blessings on you!

Susan E. Ostrom, Pastor

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Contact Information

To contact Pastor Susan E. Ostrom, or to get information to contact the Organist, the Wedding Hostesses, and the Custodian to make detailed arrangements for your Wedding, please contact or phone the Church Office:

 

Moscow First United Methodist Church

322 E. 3rd St.

PO Box 9774

Moscow, Idaho 83843

208-882-3715

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WEDDING FEES

                                                       CONTRIBUTING     NON
BUILDING                                      MEMBERS              MEMBERS

Sanctuary                                                                        $300.00

Use of the Social Hall                                                   $100.00

ORGANIST                                            $75.00                $75.00

WEDDING HOSTESS                         $100.00             $100.00

CUSTODIAN                                           $45.00              $45.00

Additional fees when
choir risers must
be taken down
                                       $20.00              $20.00

Social Hall cleaning                              $20.00              $20.00

Sound Technician                          $50.00              $50.00

PASTOR’S
HONORARIUM
        Optional    $125.00

NURSERY                                              $10.00                $10.00

Wedding party must supply their own babysitters

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POLICIES

1. GETTING STARTED

It takes time to plan for a wedding so you should contact the pastor as early as possible.  The first meeting will be a get acquainted time, and a chance to discuss the wedding service. In addition, Pastor Sue requires at least one additional session to help you assess how your relationship with each other can be strengthened. Both sessions will be scheduled at the mutual convenience of all, but are best done several months prior to the wedding. It is the responsibility of the bride and groom to set up appointments. Finally, the bride and any other people who are appropriate (sometimes the bride’s mother and the groom) need to set up a meeting with the wedding hostess.

 

2.  OFFICIATING CLERGY

The pastor will ordinarily officiate at all weddings conducted in the church building.

Weddings must be scheduled a minimum of six weeks in advance, usually several months. 

 

3.  WEDDING HOSTESS:

The services of the wedding hostess and the custodian are required--with the rare exception of extremely small weddings.

The wedding hostess is an experienced advisor who assists the pastor in coordinating all aspects of the wedding.  She is available to advise and assist in any  way to make the wedding a beautiful and satisfying experience for you.  She will assist the pastor during the rehearsal and on the day of the wedding.  She will distribute flowers to the wedding party, pin on boutonnieres and answer all questions concerning wedding etiquette.  All wedding fees (pastor, organist, custodian, church and hostess) shall be given to her in separate envelopes at the rehearsal for her to distribute.

You need to make an appointment to discuss wedding plans with the wedding hostess at least one month before the date.

 

4.  DECORATIONS:

The church has two black wrought iron standing candelabra (seven candles each) and a kneeling bench which you are welcome to use at no additional charge.  The two altar candles will also be provided.  An aisle cloth can be supplied by your florist.  Candles must be dripless and are provided by the bride.  Thumbtacks, nails, screws, rough clamps or tape are not to be used on the furniture, walls or floors.

All decorations must be removed by those who provide them following the ceremony.  Flowers may be left for the Sunday church service and picked up later.

 

5.  MUSIC:

The church wedding is a service of Christian worship so the music should be appropriate to this type of setting.  The pastor and church organist can help you in making your music selections.  The pastor has the final say on all music.

In most weddings, the church organist will be used, and is to be consulted for all weddings regardless of the musician(s) preferred.  If you request another organist, he or she must be able to play a pipe organ.  We also have a grand piano available. Be sure to arrange all music and soloist rehearsals with the organist or pianist.

 

6.  CONDUCT:

No intoxicants are allowed on the church premises.  Smoking is not permitted in the building.  Throwing  rice, confetti or birdseed inside or outside the building is not permitted. Blowing bubbles is an acceptable alternative. 

 

7.  PICTURES:

No flash photos are permitted during the wedding ceremony, and the ushers should so notify any guests having cameras.

Video taping the service is an excellent idea.  Consult with the pastor or wedding hostess as to the best way to do this.

 

8.  GIFTS:

We suggest that gifts not be opened at the reception.

 

9.  QUESTIONS:

The pastor or wedding hostess will be most happy to clarify any questions you may have regarding your wedding and the above conditions.

 

10. FEES:

All fees and honoraria shall be paid at the rehearsal, or before.  For your convenience, these are given to the wedding hostess to pass on to the appropriate persons.  You will note that members are not asked to pay certain fees.  This recognizes that members are contributing regularly to the maintenance of the church.

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CHECKLIST

____  consult with the pastor on wedding plans

____ set a date for the wedding, and clear it with church office

____ schedule conference with wedding hostess

____ choose music

____ choose wedding party members

____ outline your reception plans

____ printed program (check with wedding hostess)

____ contact reception committee chairperson, if reception is to be at the church

____ contact wedding party members

____ contact organist

____ contact vocalist

____ contact florist

____ contact photographer

____ contact bakery

____ contact instrumentalists

____ order food for reception

____ order invitations, announcements, thank you cards, napkins, dripless candles, etc.

____ get the marriage license

____  give marriage license to pastor

____ arrange for payment of fees

____ purchase gifts for those who have participated in the service or helped with wedding planning.

____ arrange for payment of fees

____ arrange a checklist of photos you want the photographer to take.

____ _        _____ reserve lodging for out-of-town guests.

BEFORE THE REHEARSAL:

____ alert party members, organist, soloist, etc. to starting time; ask them to be prompt.

____ arrange for a rehearsal lunch or dinner, if wanted.

AT THE REHEARSAL:

____ be sure the pastor has marriage license

____ remind the wedding party members of the time you want them at the church on wedding day; ask them to be prompt.

____ give fees in envelopes to wedding hostess to distribute.