WEDDINGS
CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE
The marriage service is one of the most sacred and beautiful of all the services of the Church. It is always a Christian worship service in which a man and woman, in the company of their loved ones and friends, pledge themselves to each other under the blessings of God and are united by Him in Holy matrimony. Memorial Drive Baptist Church and its staff wish to extend every possible courtesy to those involved in this service with the hope that it will be a memorable occasion in the lives of all of those involved. The Church has established certain policies and procedures concerning the use of our facilities. Those policies, together with other information, are set forth in the paragraphs that follow with the hope that they will be of assistance to the wedding party.
MINISTER
The Pastor and other ordained ministers of Memorial Drive Baptist Church are available to perform wedding services. A minimum of three ministerial premarital counseling sessions is required of those uniting in marriage in our church. Arrangements for these sessions should be made at least six weeks before the wedding date. Ministerial services are not included in the prices listed for using the facility and should be contracted with the minister individually. We will provide a wedding co-coordinator for the wedding party. The wedding coordinator will assist the wedding party as a liaison between the wedding party and the church. The coordinator can direct the wedding but that is at the discretion of the coordinator. Compensation for the coordinator is included in the fee for the use of the sanctuary.
FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT
The sanctuary has a seating capacity of approximately 380 people. It has a center aisle and two auxiliary aisles on each side. There are 10 rows of pews to the front. There are four steps up to the Alter. The carpet and pew seat padding is red. An accompanist is available. The Choir Room can be used as a dressing/waiting room for the men. The Parlor is usually used as the dressing/waiting room for the bride and her attendants. There is also a small sitting room in the front of the ladies restroom. The Parlor can also be used for small weddings. It will accommodate about 20 people. A piano is available. The Fellowship Hall, Family Room, and Kitchen are available for receptions. We usually schedule two hours for rehearsals, two hours for weddings, four hours for the reception. We will open the church two hours before wedding for dressing and decorating. If more time is needed, please ask the Wedding Coordinator.
MUSIC
Since the marriage ceremony in the church is a Christian worship experience, we ask that the music be appropriate for a wedding. The bride is asked to consult the Music Director regarding music selections and musicians to be used in the wedding. We ask that this be done before commitments are made to soloists and instrumentalists. Audio is supplied and any recorded music must be rehearsed previous to the rehearsal. The church pianist and/or accompanist with keyboard is willing to participate in the wedding. The bride should make arrangements with them well in advance of the wedding date. If a guest pianist is used, the pianist is required to contact the Minister of Music prior to playing the instrument. The couple is responsible for the fees to be paid to the vocalists and to the instrumentalists. The level of fees for these services should be arranged directly with these individuals prior to the rehearsal date.
MARRIAGE LICENSE
A marriage license in the State of Texas is valid between 72 hours after time of issue, through 30 days, and is issued to the bride and groom through a County Clerk’s office. A fee is charged by the county for the license. Both bride and groom must appear in person to apply for the license. The license must be given to the minister during the week, at least 3 days prior, before the wedding date. After the ceremony, the pastor will sign the license and give it to a designated member of the wedding party to mail the license back to the County Clerk for recording, after which it is mailed to the bride and groom for safe keeping.
REHEARSAL
The wedding rehearsal is an integral part of the preparation for a wedding and should proceed in an appropriate manner. The purpose of the rehearsal is for the Coordinator to assist the wedding party in being as comfortable as possible with the arrangements and to enhance the beauty of the ceremony. It is imperative that the wedding rehearsal begin promptly at the scheduled time. It should be concluded within 2 hours. Please schedule the Rehearsal at a time all participants can arrive on time. All children must be supervised by their parents.
FLOWERS AND DECORATIONS
The Sanctuary may be decorated within four hours of the ceremony. In order to maintain the beauty of the Sanctuary, the following policies regarding decorations must be carefully followed: We ask that decorations not be attached to the pews, walls, carpeting or other furniture by pinning, gluing, nailing or tacking. Bows may be tied to the ends of the pews by ribbons or attached with covered fasteners. No hanging vines or other greenery may be hung from the walls or over the furniture. When candles are used, they must be of the dripless/smokeless variety and the floors underneath them need to be covered with a non-flammable, non-melting material and be fully protected from dampness as well as wax. We ask that candles not be put in the aisles or on the pews. For safety reasons, rice, birdseed, confetti, silly string, shaving cream or other materials are not permitted inside the buildings; only bubbles, flower petals, or butterflies are permitted outside the buildings. The bride should arrange to have someone remove all decorations and non-church equipment promptly following the ceremony. This includes items that need to be returned to the florist. The wedding party will be held responsible for any damage to the buildings and furniture, for the removal of any wax from the carpet or furniture that may have resulted from the wedding, and for the removal of all decorations and non-church equipment. Should any damage occur, the damage deposit will be forfeited. We request that the church properties be left in the condition in which they were found; no exceptions can be made to these policies.
PHOTOGRAPHS AND RECORDINGS
Because the wedding ceremony is a religious service, all photographers (amateur and professional) are asked to reverence the ceremony and the place. Arrangements for audio recordings through the Church's sound system must be made prior to the rehearsal. The service may be video recorded. Set-up or other arrangements are to be made with the presiding minister and the church liaison no later than the rehearsal. The photographer should be cautioned about marring furniture by standing on the pews or by placing camera equipment on the pews or furniture. The wedding party will be held responsible for any damage so caused. The photographer may take flash photos as the bridal party enters and leaves the ceremony. All other flash pictures should be taken at the conclusion of the ceremony. We would ask that the photographer refrain from taking photographs during the ceremony as this distracts from the nature of the ceremony. Non-flash pictures taken from the rear of the sanctuary are acceptable.
RECEPTION
The Fellowship Hall is available for wedding receptions. Arrangements for the use of Fellowship Hall must be made no later than 30 days prior to the wedding. For safety reasons, rice, birdseed, confetti, silly string, shaving cream or other materials are not permitted inside the buildings; only bubbles, flower petals, or butterflies are permitted outside the buildings. We request that decorations not be attached to the walls or chairs with glue, nails or tacking. Chair covers are allowed. Bows may be tied to the chairs. Tables and chairs are available. You will be responsible for setting them up and taking them down. A kitchen is located in the Fellowship Hall and is available for wedding reception use. The wedding party is responsible for cleaning the kitchen and all items used for the wedding reception immediately after the reception is over. If more than refrigeration and (sink) dish washing equipment will be needed, arrangements must be cleared through the Wedding Coordinator or the Church Office at least 30 days prior to the wedding date. (This includes stove, oven, coffee maker, refrigerator, freezer). If a caterer is used, the caterer must provide everything needed for a complete reception and the caterer must leave the facility clean. All church owned items must be returned to their original place, in their original condition. The caterer will need to leave a $150.00 deposit with the church no less than 30 days prior to the event date. This is refundable within 30 days after the wedding.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
The dress of the wedding party should be in good taste and conform to suitable clothing for a religious ceremony. Such considerations should be observed for both the rehearsal and the wedding. Smoking is not permitted in any of the buildings and no alcoholic beverages are permitted on the church property. No person under the influence of alcohol or drugs shall be allowed to participate in the rehearsal or the wedding. To avoid embarrassment, it is suggested that these matters be called to the attention of all members of the wedding party prior to the rehearsal. The church will not be responsible for personal items such as wedding dresses, wraps, purses, silver and glassware brought to the church for use in a wedding or a wedding reception. While every reasonable effort will be made to assist the wedding party in protecting such property, the church will not be liable in the event such items are lost, stolen or damaged.
GENERAL DEPOSIT
A $250.00 (wedding only) deposit is required before the wedding will be scheduled on the church calendar. An additional $100.00 deposit is required for the reception. The entire deposit will be refunded following the wedding if all facilities and equipment are left in good condition, the church policies as contained in this booklet are adhered to or, if the wedding is cancelled three weeks prior to the scheduled date.
WHEN FEES ARE DUE
All fees are due and payable no later than 30 days before the date of the wedding with the exception of the general deposit. This deposit must be received before the wedding can be formally scheduled on the church calendar. A complete fee schedule is attached. The fee for the sanctuary includes the use of the sanctuary, the cleaning of the sanctuary, the utilities, the fee to the sound/lights technician, and the fee to the wedding consultant.
WEDDING FEES
These are in addition to the deposit and are due 30 days prior to the wedding.
Sanctuary $1,200.00
Parlor (For a parlor wedding) $400.00
Fellowship Hall – Family Room $500.00
BEST WISHES
We hope that this material contained will be useful in planning for a beautiful and meaningful ceremony. Most of the policies set forth are necessary to maintain our buildings and facilities. Your cooperation is appreciated. The church staff is available for further information or to help with any arrangements. Please feel free to call on us.
MEMORIAL DRIVE BAPTIST CHURCH MEMBERS
It is the desire of the Memorial Baptist Church family to facilitate the joy that arrives with a wedding in the church family. We do not wish to encumber anyone with a burden that is too great to bear. There are several costs that are incurred with a wedding such as the sound/lights technician, custodial fees, and the coordinator. In order to meet those costs we would ask that the wedding party make a contribution of $400.00 to cover those expenses. If the requested amount proves to be a burden or a hindrance, please contact the pastor.
DIRECTIONS TO MEMORIAL BAPTIST CHURCH
From I-10 West (Katy/West Houston) · I-10 to Echo Lane Exit · Continue on frontage road to Piney Point Road (first street after Echo Lane) and turn right · Follow Piney Point Road to Memorial Drive Baptist Church (325 N. Piney Point Road)
From I-10 East (Downtown Houston) · I-10 to Blalock/Echo Lane Exit · Loop left under intersection · Continue on frontage road to Piney Point Road (first street after Echo Lane) and turn right · Follow Piney Point Road to Memorial Drive Baptist Church (325 N. Piney Point Road)
From Loop 610/US 59 (South/Central Houston) · Take Loop 610 (West Loop) North · At Exit 9, take ramp onto West Loop Freeway Feeder, towards San Felipe Road · Turn left (West) onto San Felipe Road · Continue West past where it merges with Memorial Drive · Turn right (North) onto North Piney Point Road · Follow Piney Point Road to Memorial Drive Baptist Church (325 N. Piney Point Road)
Wedding Site
Minister
Bride Groom
Maid of Honor Best Man
Bridesmaids Groomsmen
In what order does the wedding party enter the wedding site?
After the guests have all been seated, the wedding party comes down the center aisle in the following order:
1. The Grandmother (s) of the Groom is (are) ushered down the center aisle, and is (are) seated on the Second Row on the Right side, with the Grandfather (s) following behind.
2. The Grandmother (s) of the Bride is (are) ushered down the center aisle, and is (are) seated on the Second Row on the Left side, with the Grandfather (s) following behind.
3. The Mother of the Groom is ushered down the center aisle, and is seated on the Front Row on the Right side, with the Father following behind.
4. The Mother of the Bride is ushered down the center aisle, and is seated on the Front Row on the Left side, leaving room for the Father of the Bride to sit later.
5. The Minister enters from the front right side of the Sanctuary, and stands at the Front facing the guests.
6. The Groom enters from the front right side of the Sanctuary, following the Minister, and stands to the right facing the guests. When the Bride and her Escort arrive, he will face the Minister.
7. The Best Man enters from the front right side of the Sanctuary, following the Groom, and stands to the right, next to the Groom, facing the guests. When the Bride and her Escort arrive, he will face the Minister.
8. The Groomsmen enter from the front right side of the Sanctuary, following the Best Man, and stand to the right, next to the Best Man, facing the guests. When the Bride and her Escort arrive, they will face the Minister.
9. The Bridesmaids walk down the center aisle, one at a time, and stand to the left, facing the guests. When the Bride and her Escort arrive, they will face the Minister.
10. The Maid of Honor walks down the center aisle, and stands to the left, facing the guests. When the Bride and her Escort arrive, she will face the Minister.
11. The Ring Bearer walks down the center aisle, and stands to the Right, between the Best Man and the closest groomsman, facing the guests, until the Bride arrives, then he faces the Minister.
12. The Flower Girl walks down the center aisle, and stands to the Left, between the Maid of Honor and the closest Bridesmaid, facing the guests, until the Bride arrives, then she faces the Minister.
13. The Bride’s Escort is usually her Father, or a close family member. He walks her down the center aisle to the front, up to the Minister. After his part is done, he returns to the Front Row Left to sit.
14. The Bride enters last, and walks down the center aisle with her Escort, to the front, facing the Minister
In what order does the wedding party leave the wedding site?
1. The Bride and Groom turn and face the guests when the Minister is done. They walk back down the Center Aisle and out the door, to come in around back for photos after guests have left.
2. The Ring Bearer and Flower Girl walk together back down the Center Aisle.
3. The Maid of Honor and the Best Man walk together back down the Center Aisle.
4. Each Bridesmaid and Groomsman walk as a pair together back down the Center Aisle.
5. The Parents of the Bride walk together back down the Center Aisle.
6. The Parents of the Groom walk together back down the Center Aisle.
7. The Grandparents of the Bride walk together back down the Center Aisle.
8. The Grandparents of the Groom walk together back down the Center Aisle.
9. The guests walk out of the church to either wait until after pictures are taken to greet the Wedding Party, or go to the Reception.
The preceding is the traditional wedding style. There are always exceptions to the rule.
You can change them any way you want to.
Other Options for the Groom’s Entry:
1. After the guests are all seated, the Groom escorts his Mother, the Bride’s Mother, or both Mother’s to their seats, and then simply steps up to his pre-designated spot in front of guests.
2. The Groom is out mingling with guests and, at ceremony time, he simply stands at the pre- designated spot in front of guests.
3. The Groom accompanies the Minister down the center aisle.
4. The Bride and Groom enter together by walking down the Center Aisle.
Another Option for the Bridesmaids and Groomsmen: Each Bridesmaid and Groomsman are paired as the walk down the center aisle. The Bridesmaid goes to the left and the Groomsman goes to the right. The Maid of Honor and the Best Man are the last to walk down before the Bride.
Other Options For the Bride’s Entry:
1. The Bride walks down the center aisle by herself.
2. The Bride and Groom enter together, walking down the center aisle.
3. The Bride and Groom are mingling with guests and, at ceremony time, they simply stand at the pre-designated spot in front of the guests.
WEDDING SUGGESTIONS
MINISTER: Jim Doremus 713-781-3553
MINISTER: Larry Mayberry 713-781-3553
KEYBOARD ACCOMPANIST: Ryan Beasley 713-781-3553
VOCALIST’S: Ryan & Lea Beasley 713-781-3553
PIANIST: Jeremiah Joseph 713-392-7434
FLORIST: Tommy Cao w/Villa Florist 832-878-9924
BAKERY:Tommy Cao w/Wedding Cakes 832-878-9924
PHOTOGRAPHER: Jamie Glisson 281-701-5170 www.girlswpearls.com
MEMORIAL DRIVE BAPTIST CHURCH WEDDING DEPOSIT FORM
This form must be completed, signed and returned to the church with the deposit ($250. wedding, $100. reception) before the reservation for your wedding date will be confirmed on the church calendar. All other fees are due and payable 30 days before the wedding date.
Full Name of Bride ______________________________________________________________
Home Address _________________________________________________________________
Home Phone _________________________________ Cell Phone ________________________ Employment_____________________________________ Phone ________________________
Employment Address ____________________________________________________________
Where Church Member __________________________________________________________
Parent Names & Phones __________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________
Emergency Contact:_______________________________Phone_________________________
Relationship to Emergency Contact:_________________________________________________
Full Name of Groom _____________________________________________________________
Home Address _________________________________________________________________
Home Phone _________________________________ Cell Phone ________________________ Employment_____________________________________ Phone ________________________
Employment Address ___________________________________________________________
Where Church Member __________________________________________________________
Parent Names & Phones _________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________
Emergency Contact:_______________________________Phone________________________
Relationship to Emergency Contact:________________________________________________
Date and Time of Wedding _______________________________________________________
Date and Time of Rehearsal _______________________________________________________
Date and Time of Reception ______________________________________________________
Following Needs: Y/N
Fellowship Hall _______________ Family Room_________________ Kitchen_______________
Minister ____________________ Accompanist ________________ Vocalist _______________
After Wedding Information: (Where To Mail The Return Deposit).
Name of Couple ________________________________________________________________
Home Address _________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________