In San Antonio, there are beautiful churches, cathedrals and missions plus beautiful outdoor locations at venues, the Riverwalk and even hotels and resorts. So many options! With that comes rules and guidelines, classes, and fees that you have to consider when choosing your location. As a coordinator, I want to be there to help with the ceremony set up, pinning of boutonnieres, passing out flowers, helping the bridal party and family, lining up and queuing. However, some churches are more strict than others and do not allow coordinators there. San Fernando Cathedral is one of those locations. It was founded in 1731 and is the oldest, continuously functioning religious community in the State of Texas. They have a lot of guidelines to follow in order to be married there. This is something you need to consider when choosing your ceremony location.
Lets talk about having an indoor vs outdoor wedding ceremony. The two can be very different so you need to consider each differently. Here are some questions to ask the venue or the church event coordinator before booking.
Inside Ceremonies
- What time is the wedding party allowed to enter the church/venue prior to the ceremony?
- Is there a bridal room for the bride and bridal party to get ready in?
- Is there a room for the men to go to?
- Does the bridal room have a mirror and access to a bathroom?
- What are the policies for floral décor?
- For churches, do we have to leave the altar flowers or can we take them after the ceremony?
- What are the rules for hanging pew markers?
- Are we allowed to use an aisle runner and if so, how can we tack it down?
- Where will the musicians be located and will they be able to see the aisle well?
- For churches, do we have to use your musicians or can we bring in our own? What kind of music do you allow and not? Is there an additional fee for your musicians?
- Does the venue/church allow for photography and videography? What are the rules they must follow (flash, standing, etc.)?
- Are guests permitted to take pictures?
- In the church, are there places that the ushers should not sit anyone?
- Where will the wedding party line up and enter from?
- Are there policies that need to be listed in the program for guests to be aware of (e.g. no photography, dress attire, etc.)?
- Is a rehearsal included? Will the pastor be there for it or the event coordinator?
- For churches, what paperwork is required? Any classes?
- Are flower petals allowed? What can be thrown afterwards outside?
- What is the fees and deposit amounts?
- Are outside wedding coordinators allowed?
Outdoor Ceremonies
(Lets assume that all outdoor ceremonies will be at a venue/hotel/resort)
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What time will the venue be available prior to the ceremony?
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Is there a separate holding area for both the bride and groom and the wedding party?
- Does the bridal room have a mirror and access to a bathroom?
- What are your rules for decorating the aisle and ceremony location? Petals allowed?
- How is the seating normally arranged?
- Do you provide chairs? Arch? Anything else?
- Think about your guest’s and which direction the sun will be facing at that time of day. Is there shade? Water station allowed? Will it be hot or cold?
- Do we need a microphone and speakers to project the officiant, bride and groom and readers? Is there power nearby for this?
- Do you need a podium for readers or officiant?
- Do you need a table for the unity candle or other items?
- Where will the musicians be located at and will they be able to see the aisle?
- Where will the wedding party line up and enter from?
- What is the Plan B for rain?
- Is a rehearsal included or extra fee or can’t do at all?
- What are the fees?
- Can we bring in our own wedding coordinator?
On the day of the wedding, if you haven’t hired a wedding coordinator (which is what I recommend), put a special friend or family member in charge of making sure the programs, reserved signs and accessories such as the unity candle make it to the church or venue on time. Be sure the readers have copies of their readings with them and that a copy of the readings is also given to the officiant. You’ll need to instruct the ushers what their duties are, pin on boutonnieres and pass out corsages and bouquets, and check on the bride to make sure she doesn’t need anything. As a San Antonio coordinator, I bring a wedding day emergency kit that has a little bit of everything for needs that might come up.
If I can assist with your ceremony or if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I am a professional wedding consultant in San Antonio, Texas. 210-595-9263, Trudy@RoyaltyEventsPlanning.com. Please go to my website to learn more about my services. I not only have coordination services but invitation and honeymoon as well.
