command  policy.  Permission  for  its  use  should be obtained as soon as possible in order to secure the  desired  date  and  hour  for  the  wedding. Whenever possible, applications should be made in writing to the chaplain’s office well in advance of  the  event.  Any  changes  or  conflicts  in  the scheduled  use  of  the  chapel  facilities  should  be immediately noted by the RP and brought to the attention  of  the  cognizant  chaplain  or  military supervisor. There is no charge for the use of the chapel, but  a  donation  to  the  chapel  fund  can  be accepted. Donations which are received are used to  support  special  ministries  as  a  part  of  the Command  Religious  Program.  When  a  donation is  made  by  check,  it  should  be  made  out  to  the chapel  fund  designating  the  proper  account, such  as  Protestant,  Catholic,  or  Jewish. The  use  of  rice  and  confetti  is  normally prohibited inside or outside the chapel. Wedding receptions are not normally held in the chapel. Where   possible,   dressing   rooms   should   be made available to the bride and groom and their attendants. FLOWERS   AND   DECORATIONS.—Rules for  decorating  military  chapels  vary  according to  command  policy.  At  the  Academy  chapels, flowers, candelabra, and white hangings are fur- nished  by  the  chapel  altar  guild  and  are  the same for all weddings. Two vases of flowers are usually  permitted  and  may  be  the  only  decora- tions   permitted   at   both   informal   and   formal weddings. The   aisle   posts   or   reserved   pews   may   be decorated,  or  greenery  alone  may  be  used  in some  chapels. Generally,  military  chapels  do  not  furnish flowers   or   decorations.   However,   for   chapel weddings  held  during  the  holiday  seasons,  such as  Christmas  and  Easter,  flowers  and  decora- tions used by the chapel for holiday services will be present. If  flowers  or  decorations  are  to  be  provided by   the   couple   for   the   wedding   service,   the RP  should  be  aware  of  the  time  and  date  of delivery,  the  manner  in  which  they  are  to  be arranged, and whether or not the flowers are to be removed after the wedding service. Any decorations which require alterations to the  chapel  (fastened  to  pews  or  walls)  are  not permitted without the approval of the command chaplain. MUSIC.—Since  wedding  ceremonies  are traditionally  religious  ceremonies,  the  organist will  usually  be  asked  to  play  religious  wed- ding music. These selections can normally be ob- tained for the chapel music file. The selection of music  to  be  played  at  the  wedding  service  is made  by  the  couple  in  consultation  with  the  of- ficiating  chaplain  or  clergyperson. In  the  case  of  chapel  weddings,  organists who are members of the Armed Forces on active duty  receive  no  fee  for  their  services.  However, civilian  musicians  are  normally  paid  for  their services. If an organist and/or soloist are utilized at the rehearsal, there may be an additional fee. The RP may assist the couple in determining the   expenses   associated   with   their   particular wedding  plans.  A  handout  itemizing  normal expenses  would  be  helpful. Ensuring  that  the  religious  music  file  or library  is  properly  maintained  and  cataloged  is also an important function of the Religious Pro- gram  Specialist.  A  properly  stocked  and  main- tained  sacred  music  library  can  provide  organ and  choral  music  sufficient  in  quantity  to  meet the  needs  of  the  chapel  music  program. P R E P A R A T I O N    O F    T H E    C H A P E L BEFORE   THE   WEDDING.—Candles   will usually be lighted 15 minutes before the hour of the  ceremony.  The  RP  or  ushers  proceed  to  the front of the chapel and light the candles with the aid  of  tapers.  Hand-held  matches  or  cigarette lighters are considered inappropriate. The  ends  of  pews  are  frequently  marked  by ribbons   or   sprays   of   flowers.   A   runner   is sometimes  used  in  the  chapel  to  prevent  the bride  from  soiling  her  gown  and  train.  If  a 4-26