The Plantsville Congregational Church is delighted to be part of your wedding plans.
It is one of the most significant events in your life, and all care and thoughtfulness should be taken to make it special and unique. The ceremony should authentically reflect your uniqueness as a couple and new family as well as affirm the covenant that partners make in the presence of God. While our minister will assist you in creating this special day, it is up to you as a couple to make it a celebration and not merely a formality.
Your initial contact should be with the pastor to clear dates and to arrange for your premarital counseling. This should be done at least four to six months in advance of your desired wedding date. Our Pastor, Minister of Music, and Deaconate have final authority over the use of the sanctuary and order of the service.
Pre-Marital Counseling
In preparation for your wedding, you are expected to meet with our pastor for a minimum of three premarital counseling sessions. Some couples may be asked to meet more than that. These sessions usually begin three to four months prior to your wedding date. It is your responsibility to call the minister to arrange for these sessions.
The Marriage License
Your marriage license must be obtained from the Town of Southington. Click here for more information on applying for a marriage license.
Since your minister cannot legally perform your wedding ceremony without the license in hand, you should give the wedding license to the minister on or before your wedding rehearsal date.
Wedding Coordinator
The church has a preexisting relationship with a wedding coordinator who understands the logistics of the church. The coordinator will handle the details of the wedding as decided by the pastor and couple and will guide people to ensure that the ceremony goes as planned. Outside coordinators are not permitted.
Guest Ministers and Readers
Any services held in the PCUCC facilities shall use the regular staff of the church. We do, however, welcome guest participants. If you desire to have another minister or priest participate in your ceremony, please discuss this with our pastor as early in the process as possible.
Music
Our Minister of Music would be happy to meet with you to explore the various possibilities that sacred music offers to enhance your wedding ceremony as well as other options. This should be done early in your planning, especially if soloist or special music is being considered. If other commitments preclude our Minister of Music from playing at your ceremony, we will make arrangements to have another qualified musician on hand.
While we welcome guest musicians, approval must be obtained from our Minister of Music. This policy is established in order to protect the church’s investment in its instruments. As such, the use of soloists/instrumentalists may require additional fees.
Photographs
Your photographer and guests may take photographs before the service and during the processional and recessional. Additionally, an opportunity will be provided to pose for whatever pictures your photographer may desire following the service.
No flash pictures may be taken during the body of the ceremony or in the center aisle. If there is not adherence to this rule, the minister reserves the right to interrupt your ceremony to speak with your photographer and/or your guests.
Similarly, video recording of your ceremony must not detract from the ceremony. Arrangements must be made with the wedding coordinator to set up the camera at least thirty minutes before the service. The camera must remain out of the front area of the church throughout the service, and no special lighting is permitted.
Flowers
Chancel flowers help make a wedding more beautiful, symbolizing the newness of life that the ceremony offers. You may order flowers through the florist of your choice. Any decoration, floral or otherwise, to be used at the ends of pews must be tied on with string or ribbon. Tacks, staples, tape or other materials are strictly prohibited, as they damage the finish on the wood. For safety reasons, the use of an aisle runner is prohibited.
The flowers you provide for your service are yours. Please plan to take them with you when you leave. (You may even wish to use them for your reception!)
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
No rice, confetti, or birdseed may be used in the church building or on church grounds. Bubbles can be a nice alternative.
Your receiving line may be held at the back or outside the church following the service (weather permitting) or at the site of your reception.
The question often arises: "What do we do with the minister?" The following are suggestions:
A. It is not necessary to invite the minister with or without spouse to your reception. In fact, sometimes
schedule demands preclude their attendance. If you wish to have the minister attend, with or without spouse, please be sure to send an invitation as you would with any guest. If possible, they will attend your reception, and if desired, provide a blessing for the meal.
B. At the reception, it is not appropriate to introduce the minister with the wedding party, include them in your receiving line, or seat them at your head table. It is appropriate to call upon them for a blessing following the toast that is normally given by the best man.
Please contact the office for fees or additional information.
Contact Information
Church Office
(860) 628-5595
churchoffice@plantsvilleucc.org
Marilyn Cannata, Director of Music and Organist
(860) 877-7881
Finally…
We are honored to be part of this new relationship. Please feel free to contact our church minister regarding any questions or concerns. And if you are not already, we extend an invitation for you to become part of our church family. We also encourage you to talk with our minister should problems or concerns arise at any time in your marriage.
