Why get married in church?

St Nicholas
As soon as I decided that I would like to get married I got in touch with the vicar - Rev John Hall at Tooting Parish Church. This is the church I was christened in and my brother was married here too He has arranged to meet us both and discuss the plans for our wedding. He also let us know that our planned date and time are available and we where able to make a definite booking.
We could like about getting married at Abington Pigotts, St Michael a very pretty little church which is near the reception.

Steve or me are entitled to be married in the church of the Church of England parish where live. Also, if we are an active, worshipping member of another church congregation, it is usually possible to be married there.
As neither of these applies St Michael we will have to apply common or special licence, which can be granted to allow the marriage in another church. To be married by common or special licence, at least one of us must have been baptized, which we both are.
At the moment we can only have a Church of England wedding in a parish church or some other place of worship - normally one licensed by the Bishop. It is not normally possible to have a church wedding in other venues, for instance in South Farm. This will mean more sorting out and planning, I best get my pen and paper out and contact the Bishop

A marriage service, wherever it is held, is a public declaration of love and commitment to my partner. I want to also have the assurance that God cares about my relationship and that his resources and strength are available to help me. I do realize that including God in my marriage doesn’t mean that we will avoid all the usual ups and downs, but I will know that we can look to God for help and guidance, and that his love will sustain us. We will also have the support and encouragement of the wider Christian Church family.
Marriage, the Bible tells us, is a gift of God in creation and a means of his grace, a holy mystery in which man and woman become one flesh. It is God's purpose that, as husband and wife we give each other in love throughout their lives, we are united in that love, just as Christ is united in love with his Church.

We will have to start thinking of the service

I like this reading from the bible

We read some verses together to see if what they say seems important to us.

* God creates women and men to look after the earth (Genesis, Chapter 1, verses 26-28)

1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

1:27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.

1:28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

* A love poem between two lovers (Song of Solomon, Chapter 2, verses 10-13; Chapter 8, verses 6&7)

2:10 My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away.

2:11 For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone;

2:12 The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land;

2:13 The fig tree putteth forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.

* Being a good lover! (1 John Chapter 4 verses 7 - 12)

4:7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

4:8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

4:9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

4:10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

4:11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

4:12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.

Other possible ones are

* Jesus teaches how to live life that brings true happiness (Matthew, Chapter 5, verses 1-10)
* Jesus teaches about marriage, and welcomes children (Mark, Chapter 10, verses 6-9 and 13-16
* What happens when Jesus attends a wedding reception (John, Chapter 2, verses 1 - 11)
* Love, actually! (1 Corinthians Chapter 13)
* Committing to each other (Ephesians Chapter 5, verses 21-33)
* Seeing the good side… (Philippians Chapter 4, verses 4 - 9)
* Getting the perfect relationship (Colossians Chapter 3, verses 12 - 17)

We may even have a poem. This one court our eye

I Will Be Here
Steven Curtis Chapman

If in the morning when you wake,
If the sun does not appear,
I will be here.
If in the dark we lose sight of love,
Hold my hand and have no fear,
I will be here.

I will be here,
When you feel like being quiet,
When you need to speak your mind I will listen.
Through the winning, losing, and trying we'll be together,
And I will be here.
If in the morning when you wake,
If the future is unclear,
I will be here.
As sure as seasons were made for change,
Our lifetimes were made for years,
I will be here.

I will be here,
And you can cry on my shoulder,
When the mirror tells us we're older.
I will hold you, to watch you grow in beauty,
And tell you all the things you are to me.
We'll be together and I will be here.
I will be true to the promises I've made,
To you and to the one who gave you to me.
I will be here.

We will have to find out how we will add these ideas for our service

The Venue

We have been think very hard about our wedding venue we are trying to select We must ask the write questions we don’t want to miss that key element. I have come up with some questions that I need to ask to help me select my venue. The place that I like is South Farm near Royston

http://www.south-farm.co.uk

Venue Questions
1. Is your venue available on the required date? Yes We checked with Mr Paxman and it is available
2. Is your venue easy to find? We hope to put on coaches from South London and we are looking at local accommodation
3. Is your venue licensed to carry out civil weddings? They are licensed for the conduct of Civil Marriage ceremonies and have rooms with capacities of up to 35, 90 and 180
4. If you do hold a license for civil ceremonies, what authority do you come under and can you supply names and contact details for the registrar? Cambridgeshire County Council has licensed four separate rooms at South Farm for the conduct of Civil Ceremonies. The ceremonies that may now take place here are
5. Will ours be the only wedding at your venue on our wedding day? Yes
6. How many people can you accommodate? The Tudor Barn (180 guests). For Meal 140 guests formal seating so we will have 140 guests
7. How many car parking spaces are available? 100 car in near by paddock and 5 on farm. Cars may be left overnight at owners' risk for removal by 11am day following Permission to camp or park caravans in paddock at £5 per person
8. Do you allow confetti to be thrown at the venue? Rice or edible confetti only
9. Do you allow candles to be lit in the reception room? Yes
10. Do you allow professional firework displays at your venue? Yes
11. Do you have landing permission should we want a helicopter to whisk us away after the evening reception? Yes

Room Questions
12. Do you offer the option of a marquee? Yes to be paid for separately
13. Are there separate rooms provided for the wedding, reception, meal, evening reception, etc? Yes adjoining the house is a complete courtyard of listed farm buildings. Several of the buildings have been converted to provide function rooms. The Tudor Barn can seat up to 150 people for a formal meal, whilst the Conservatory and the Conference Room provide a drinks reception area for a similar number.

14. Is there a room provided for the use of "bride and groom' for the day?
15. Is there a dressing room that the bride and bridesmaids can use prior to the ceremony?

The Bridal Suite

This attractive building is self-contained and extends to about 800 Square ff. On the ground floor is a large country kitchen/dining room, a bathroom and lavatory. A back door leads to the gardens and swimming pool. Upstairs there is a lovely large studio room with fine views to Therfield Heath and Tadlow hills. It has a double bed, which may be curtained off, comfortable cane furniture, and a futon sofa, which can provide extra sleeping capacity. There is a link door on the ground floor, which can provide access to the adjoining Stables Bedroom if wished. When ceremonies are to be held here at South Farm some brides choose to prepare beforehand in the bridal suite.

16. When can we have access to begin setting up the room in terms of decorating it with balloons, flowers, banners, etc? (Morning of wedding, day before, etc?) The team at South Farm will decorate for us and we have access from 10 am if we are lucky from the night before
17. If the evening reception is being held in a room that is being used for something else earlier in the day, do you require the DJ/Band to set-up their equipment beforehand? DJ equipment is all there
18. Is there an area that could be used as a crèche if needed? We will hire on of the other rooms The Stables Bedroom

This old beamed room adjoins the Coach House and may be used in conjunction with it, via an adjoining door, or as a self-contained unit with its own external door to the courtyard. It has a double bedroom, a gallery with a futon sofa which converts to a second bed, reached by a small stairway and a new en-suite shower bathroom.

19. Is there a quieter are for older guests to get away from the noise of a band/DJ? The Conservatory

The Conservatory is an exotic conversion of the original dairy, with murals in the style of Rousseau, which merge with tropical planting. Measuring 32 ft by 15 ft this delightful room is usually used en suite with the Conference Room.

20. If rooms are available for overnight accommodation, how many?

ACCOMMODATION

We have a variety of accommodation at South Farm, which is all reserved exclusively for wedding guests on wedding days. The Bridal Couple may choose whichever facility they like best on a complimentary basis, or they may pass it on if they do not stay here overnight. We ask the Bridal Couple to allocate rooms to their family and guests as they think most appropriate, and for guests to make payment to us on arrival. We do not require deposits. The Bridal Couple should enter guest accommodation details onto the Wedding Planner as they become available.

The Bridal Suite

This attractive building is self-contained and extends to about 800 Square ff. On the ground floor is a large country kitchen/dining room, a bathroom and lavatory. A back door leads to the gardens and swimming pool. Upstairs there is a lovely large studio room with fine views to Therfield Heath and Tadlow hills. It has a double bed, which may be curtained off, comfortable cane furniture, and a futon sofa, which can provide extra sleeping capacity. There is a link door on the ground floor, which can provide access to the adjoining Stables Bedroom if wished. When ceremonies are to be held here at South Farm some brides choose to prepare beforehand in the bridal suite.

The Courtyard Flat

The flat is self contained with its own entry door from the courtyard. It has been completely refurbished in contemporary style and comprises a double bedroom, a living room with a double fouton for extra sleeping capacity, a new fitted kitchen and a bathroom with a shower.

The Stables Bedroom

This old beamed room adjoins the Coach House and may be used in conjunction with it, via an adjoining door, or as a self-contained unit with its own external door to the courtyard. It has a double bedroom, a gallery with a futon sofa which converts to a second bed, reached by a small stairway and a new en-suite shower bathroom.

The Four-Poster Room

This delightful room has a four-poster bed and an ingenious bathroom. It looks out over the busy barnyard, home to our collection of free range rare breed birds, pigs and peacocks.

The Green Room

A pretty double room with original art nouveau furniture and a private adjoining bathroom.

Traditional Romany

Caravan and Showmans Waggon

We are collecting and restoring a group of authentique, traditional Romany Caravans and Showmans Waggons, which each provide romantic and charming double accommodation. Lavatories and shower rooms are available close by.

Camping

Guests may camp or park caravans in the paddock in front of the house. They should phone us not less than 24 hours before arrival.

21. What are the costs for overnight accommodation?

Prices and Terms

All prices are for double occupancy and breakfast:

Bridal Suite, if let	£100
Courtyard Suite	£100
Stable Bedroom	£80
Four Poster Room	£80
Green Room	£80
Romany Caravans	£60
Camper, per person	£5
- breakfast charge for campers	£10

The Bridal Suite, Courtyard Flat and Stables Bedroom all have capacity for two extra guests. The extra guest charge is £20 per person, including breakfast. There is a £10 discount for single occupancy (excluding camping). Guests are asked to vacate their rooms / strike camp by 11am.

Payment by cash or cheque is preferred, as we make a 5% charge to cover costs if payment is made by credit or debit card.

22. Is breakfast included? Yes
23. What is the checkout time the following day? Noon
24. Do you have a room where you are able to store wedding presents until you are able to collect them and are you insured for any loss or damage to these presents? Dinning room in side main house

Catering Questions
25. Do you insist on doing all the catering? Yes
26. Can you supply examples of suggested menus along with prices? yes
27. Do you include a cake stand and knife if required? Yes
28. Do you have a preferred order of service (when and where do we cut the cake)? No
29. What time do you offer an alcohol license until? Licensed bar: can operate on a paid basis or for the hosts' account (until 2am Thursday - Saturday)
30. What time do you insist the reception finishes by? 4am
31. Do you insist on supplying the wine and champagne? Corkage: hosts may supply their own wine, with corkage charged at an as-used basis
32. If we are able to supply the wine, what do you charge for corkage?
33. Can you recommend a company to supply our wedding cake? My Aunty will be making cakes but just in case

The Silver Slipper is a friendly family run business whose aim is to create a cake that tastes just as good as it looks. We specialise in sugar flowers to compliment the bridal bouquet with delicious homemade cakes.

Contact:	Lynne
Address:	7 Oak Drive Henlow Bedfordshire SG16 6BX
Phone:	01462 811013
Fax:	01462 811013
Email:	lynne@silverslipper.co.uk
Web site:	www.silverslipper.co.uk

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CAKES ON THE NET

Handmade wedding and celebration cakes. All made with fresh ingredients. Sugar flowers a specialty. Gold medalist. City and Guilds trained. Royal Icing skills.

Contact:	Carole Gascoine
Address:	73 Bedford Road Letchworth Garden City SG6 4DU
Phone:	01462 631767
Email:	info@cakesonthenet.com
Web site:	www.cakesonthenet.com

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Hilary Sharp – Homemade Cakes

Fantastic homemade cakes that look great and taste even better!

Contact: Hilary Sharp

Address: Bury Farm

Abbington Road

Littlington

Royston

Herts

SG8 0RT

Phone: 01763 852272

Extra Questions
34. Do you have a Public Address (PA) system that can be used for speeches? Yes
35. What facilities are available if the weather is poor?
36. What photographic locations are there?
37. Do you supply or can you recommend a DJ or Band?

Music

Steve Bean: Freelance Classical Guitarist

"Add the finishing touches to your occasion with the beauty and romance of the classical guitar."

Beautiful music as a background setting for Weddings, Anniversaries and other special occasions.

Please contact me for further information and a free sample CD

.

Contact:	Steve Bean
Address:	26 Aborfield Close Helpston Peterborough PE6 7DL
Phone:	01733 254116
Email:	info@stevebean.co.uk
Web site:	www.stevebean.co.uk ____________________________

The Lydian Palm Court Trio

Contact: Anna Dryer-Beers

Address: The Brew House

Radwell

Baldock

Herts, SG7 5ES

Phone: 01462 673531

Email: a.dryer-beers@virgin.net

__________________________________

Contact: Ben Pringle

Address: 10 Westfield Road

Great Shelford

Cambridge

CB2 5JW

Phone: 01223 327002

Email: info@jazzambience

Website: www.jazzambience.co.uk

___________________________________

A traditional Carrabean steel band that plays the Notting Hill Carnival every year, and posesses a wide repertoire to suit all occassions. The band can play during the service, the drinks reception, and can happily entertain your guests during the evening aswell.

Contact: Dr Lionel McCalman

Address: 7 Queens Gate Villas

Victoria Park Rd

London, E8 7BU

Phone: 0208 986 2441 or 07944 349253

Email: lionelmccalman@aol.com

Website www.nostalgia.pan-jumbie.com

38. Do you have special arrangements with, or details of local hotels for guests to stay at? Yes
39. Do you have any arrangements with local cab companies that offer a reasonably priced and reliable service? Yes
40. Is there any entertainment provided during the void between the afternoon and evening receptions (casino, magician, etc)?
41. What decoration do you supply for the reception?
42. If we begin to run late, how will your staff help us to ensure we are still able to make the most of our big day?
43. Can you recommend a videographer?
44. Can you recommend a photographer?
45. Is it OK for the photographer/videographer to visit the venue beforehand to get an idea of what they can expect on the day?
46. Can you recommend a company that can supply wedding cars?
47. What facilities do you provide for a videographer?
48. Can you recommend a good florist?
49. Can you recommend a company who are able to supply favours?
50. Can you recommend a company who supply decorative balloons?

Cost Questions
51. What are the various options and costs for the use of your venue?

Some of these question We will answer on separate blogs

Task Calendar

I know that Planning my wedding will be extremely time consuming and difficult. I don't want it to be a cheap wedding I think we have a good wedding budget, but I want to find wedding planning tips that will save us time and money.

The pot of cash is not limitless so we may not be able to stretch for the most expensive custom-made gown, elegant invitation cards, or the top photographer, it doesn’t mean that my wedding will be any less unique or special.

Plannig I think is the key so we are going to work on the plan below. I got the plan from

http://www.hitched.co.uk/plan/wizard/index.asp

I will also blog about how my self and Steve meet.

Wedding Diary Plan for
Erica and Steve
for their marriage on
Saturday, August 23, 2008

Date	Tasks
Friday, February 23, 2007 up to Saturday, February 23, 2008	Agree on a budget with your family and partner. Book the church or register office. If the location is a newly licensed venue you will need to provisionally book the registrar, but you must confirm with them 3 months before the wedding date. Book your wedding cars, photographer and video company Compile your wedding guest list, consulting both families. Choose the best man, ushers, bridesmaids and page boys. Book the reception venue and caterers. Book the honeymoon especially if you plan to travel during peak season. Consider taking out wedding insurance. Investigate and arrange the entertainment for the reception. Start looking for the wedding dress and bridesmaids dresses. If you plan to have them made book a designer at least four months ahead of the wedding.
Sunday, March 23, 2008	Arrange the hire of any formal wear for the groom, best man, ushers and the fathers.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008	Meet and confirm arrangements with the minister. Discuss the service, any readings and your choice of music Book registrar office now if appropriate Order your wedding stationary such as invitations (day and evening), orders of service, place cards, etc. Organise and book your wedding flowers. It may be worth contacting other couples who are getting married the same day to see if you can share the cost of the flowers for the church. Choose and order your wedding rings Order your wedding cake. Check with the reception venue if you will need to supply a cake stand and knife.
Friday, May 23, 2008	Confirm wedding music with minister Finalise your honeymoon plans and check for any visas or vaccinations that may be necessary. If the bride plans to change here name have the passport name changed now so they are the same as the travel documents, forms can be obtained from the Post Office Book you wedding night hotel Shop for your honeymoon and going away clothes Place your wedding list with stores of your choice
Monday, June 23, 2008	Send out your wedding invitations at least six weeks before the wedding. Have your wedding present list ready for people who ask for it. If presents are sent to you before the wedding send a thank you letter now. Ensure guests have details of local accommodation Choose your presents for the best man, ushers, bridesmaids and mothers.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008	Any late invitation replies should be chased up to enable you to finalise the guest list. Work out the seating plan and write out the place cards. Check that the wedding clothes will be ready on time (they need to be ready at least one week before). Bride to visit the hairdresser to discuss what style is required and to book final appointment. Don't forget to take the brides wedding head-dress if appropriate. Check all transportation has been arranged and check the journey time to the church. Order money for the honeymoon. Notify banks, gas, insurance companies etc if bride planning to change her name. Advise caterers or receptions of the final guest numbers in writing two weeks before the wedding. Don't forget to ensure the stag and hen nights are arranged.
Saturday, August 16, 2008	Final checks on the honeymoon arrangements. Check tickets, local currency, travellers cheques and passports. Please them in safe place Pack your clothes for the honeymoon you wont need before the wedding Have the rehearsal for the wedding ceremony and check that the wedding 'orders of service' have been given to the best man or ushers Check wedding dress accessories and the morning suits have been collected (try them to make sure they all still fit). Wear in any shoes that are new. Final practice of hair and make up for the bride
Saturday, August 23, 2008	You need to be able to relax and enjoy your big day , so ask your friends and family to see that any arrangements are made for you on the day. The case for your honeymoon needs to be sent to your overnight hotel After you have changed into your going away clothes, your wedding outfits need to be packed and taken home. Your wedding presents need to be carefully packed up and taken home. Keep your presents at a friends or family members home until you return from your honeymoon Any items that you have hired need to be arranged to be returned as soon as possible after the wedding Wedding cake is to be sent to people unable to attend the wedding

Lets Plan My Wedding Together

Hi I am Erica and I am getting married to Steve next Year. I need help and don't know where to start. I hope that Blogging will give me a place to sort out my ideas and get some advice. I come from a large family 6 girls and one boy and I am the first to get married of course every one has ideas especially my sisters. I have to listern to 5 of them!!!!!!!!! Any way let us start the count down We have set on the date 23 Aug 2008 and we hope it is going to be at South Farm in Royston
There are 428 days left until the wedding of Erica and Steve!
I want a big wedding but have no idea where to start, but you know with your help I know it will be fantastic

Are you getting Married

Are you planning to get married on a shoestring or is your budget unlimited? I am going to explore lots of ideas here on my blog Brides 2 B. I hope you will join me on a fantastic journey.