A Checklist of Things To Do Before
Your
Trinity Wedding
Get Done As Early As Possible
With the Church
q Reserve your preferred wedding date with the church office. The date will be held for up to a month before your first meeting with the Pastor.
q ½ of Fees are due to church after the first meeting with the Pastor
q Return wedding information form to the church office.
Outside the Church
q Get a book to record payments made, dates reserved and to hold receipts.
q Determine a budget and how expenses will be shared.
q Pray with and for each other
Nine to Twelve Months Before Wedding
With the Church
q Begin premarital counseling course with Pastor.
q Meet with Trinity’s Music Director.
Outside of the Church
q Make and Organize guest list as follows: (1) Must invite (2) Should Invite (3) Would be nice to invite.
q Select Bridal Gown in keeping with the dignity of a Christian Wedding.
q Select and book a florist, photographer and other professionals (give them a copy of the church’s handout).
q Send engagement notice and photos to newspapers.
q Select Bridesmaids, Groomsmen and Ushers (one usher for every 50 guests is normal). Communicate appropriate sections of the church’s wedding policy.
q Look for and select appropriate bridal party attire.
q Pray with and for each other and that your wedding party may be blessed.
Six to Nine Months Before Wedding
With the Church
q Continue Premarital counseling course.
q If applicable, begin Church’s new members’ (Inquirers’) class.
q Finalize plans for wedding music.
q Select Scripture passages for wedding service.
Outside the Church
q Pray for your wedding guests and anybody who seems to be “stressed” about the ceremony.
Three to Six Months Before Wedding
q Continue premarital counseling.
q Contact Trinity’s Wedding Coordinator about decorations, candles, etc.
q Finalize guest list. Let Wedding Coordinator know approximate number of guests.
One to Three Months Before Wedding
q Finish Premarital Counseling.
Two to Three Weeks Before the Wedding
q Apply for Wedding License at County Clerk’s Office [if you live in Grand Traverse County go to the Grand Traverse County Clerk’s office, 400 Boardman Ave., Traverse City, MI 49684, (231) 922-4760]
o It takes three days to get a license
o The license is good for 30 days
o Only one of you needs to go to the Clerk’s office, but you need to have all the required ID’s including a photocopy (front and back) of your intended’s Driver’s License.
q If you are having bulletins printed, get a proof to the church, before the final printing. Please have the final bulletin (or bulletin information) to the church two weeks before the service.
q If the church is making your bulletins, please check the proof of the bulletin to insure all information is correct.
q Check to make sure all fees and payments have been made and properly credited by the church, reception hall, caterers, etc.
q Check with all participants, including wedding party, musicians, photographers, etc. to insure that they are prepared and have the time and place correct.
q Call the church office and request that your wedding and marriage be included in the prayers of the church the Sunday before your wedding.
q Make sure the Service Options have been decided upon and your preference is made known to the presiding Pastor.
The Week of the Wedding
q Bring the Wedding License to the church office.
Inform every member of the wedding party to be at the rehearsal –ON TIME. 