Generally, only one clergyperson should officiate at
the wedding ceremony.
If the ceremony should involve more than one
clergyperson, however, you must check to make sure all
clergypersons agree to participate. In planning the
ceremony, the bride and groom should work closely
with the officiating and participating clergypersons to
make sure the final service is one that is acceptable and
meaningful to everyone. Multiple faith weddings are
delicate and nothing should be taken lightly or assumed.
SECURITY
The security of special guests and notification of the
command of their presence are vitally important.
It is imperative that members of the wedding party
and especially guests considered to be notable public
figures be brought to the attention of the commanding
officer and the command security officer. Notable
guests may include government dignitaries—both of the
United States and foreign countries—foreign visitors,
and military flag/general officers.
ARRANGEMENTS AND
ACCOMMODATIONS
Several factors are involved in planning a wedding.
You must be ready to advise a couple on some of the
concerns discussed in the following paragraphs.
WEDDING REHEARSAL
Generally, if a wedding party consists of more than
the bridegroom and best man/maid of honor, or more
than 20 guests are expected, a rehearsal should be
requested. Of course, the decision for a wedding
rehearsal is the bride’s and groom’s. The wedding
rehearsal must take place at a given hour.
The rehearsal will proceed smoothly and take far
less time if one person is in charge. At your RMF, the
RP will usually be the person in charge. The RP will
represent the command, direct the party through the
command policy on the use of the RMF, parking, and
other areas of concern. Then, the RP will turn the
wedding rehearsal over to the officiating
clergyperson(s) for the actual rehearsal. Normally, the
rehearsal will end with a final walk-through.
PHOTOGRAPHY AND AUDIOVISUAL
ARRANGEMENTS
Arrangements for the services of a professional
photographer and/or audiovisual person(s) are at the
discretion of the wedding party. It is the responsibility
of the sponsor, or the bride and groom, to inform the
photographer or audiovisual person of RMF policy.
Once the bride has proceeded up the aisle, no further
pictures are permitted ahead of the last row of people.
When the bride is entering or the bride and groom are
exiting, the photographer must be situated in a pew and
not standing in the aisle. If applicable, visual shootings
are permitted from the balcony. The RP can point out
some attributes of the RMF that will allow the
photographer to get the best possible shots. Remind the
photographer and the wedding party that no additional
lighting will be permitted for the purpose of videotaping.
The wedding party must be made aware that videotaping
is very costly and involves some element of risk when
done inside a closed-in RMF.
You can provide the members of the wedding party
and the photographer with the following checklist
concerning the policy and other information about the
use of the RMF, facts regarding seating capacity, length
of the aisle, candelabra chupa, floral arrangements,
music, fees and payments, dressing areas, punctuality,
time limitations, rice or confetti, and the location of the
facility.
Some of the information you might discuss should
include the following topics:
l Seating capacity—What is the maximum
comfortable seating capacity? Does a balcony provide
for additional seating? If so, what is the volume or
capacity?
. Aisle—How long is the aisle? Will an aisle
runner be used?
l Candelabra—Does the RMF provide the
candelabra? Are the candles provided? Is a unity candle
going to be used? If so, does the RMF provide one?
. Chupa or bridal canopy—Does the RMF provide
one?
. Floral arrangements on the pews and in the
sanctuary—The arrangements should be correctly
placed for maximum visibility. Whether the floral
arrangements are simple or elaborate, their use and
placement should be discussed in advance.
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