Marriage Frequently asked questions What should I do first to arrange a wedding in Ruabon Parish Church or Pen-y-lan Church? Talk to the vicar. The enquiry should come from the couple not someone acting on their behalf. You should do this before establishing dates or booking reception venues. The vicar has considerable experience of weddings and may be able to advise you on far more than the marriage service in church. Where can I be married? Could I choose any church? If both parties to be married are over 18 years of age, both are British citizens, and neither has been married before, you have a right to be married in Ruabon Parish Church or All Saints’ Church, Pen-y-lan if you are able to tick one or more of the boxes below:
If you want to get married in Ruabon Parish Church or All Saints’, Pen-y-lan, but are unable to fulfil the qualifying conditions above, you will need to talk to the vicar. Couples can apply for the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Special Licence, if one of them has a genuine and long-standing connection with the Church in which they wish to marry. To apply or find out more contact The Faculty Office, 1 The Sanctuary, Westminster, London SW1P 3JT Tel: 020 7222 5381.
But you might consider choosing one of these:
It is also possible to have one suitable reading, perhaps poetry, from another source.
If you have any further
queries regarding marriage in church, please ring the Vicar.
Other things
to consider Preparation for a wedding involves a lot of planning and considerable costs but it need not cost the astronomical sums that we often read about in the press and popular magazines. Here are some things to think about if you are working to a small budget: Establish a budget at the start and decide on which things are absolute priorities. Little extras add up, so don't sign a contract unless you've read the small print. For instance don't commit to a marquee until you find out what the price includes. Lighting, electricity, a dance floor, toilets and heating could significantly increase your costs. Most couples exceed their budget by up to 10%, so set aside a contingency fund. Confirm all arrangements in writing to prevent any hidden extra charges. Keep track of how much you're spending (try an online budget planner or a simple Excel spreadsheet). Guests – it’s great to invite everyone you’ve ever met but of food and drink costs a lot. You can always invite people to the evening do rather than the actual wedding, and have a pay bar in the evening. Put a maximum one bottle of red wine and one of white wine on each table and let people go to the bar after that. If you know your guests are mainly beer drinkers, give them a voucher each for the first drink. Don't just offer expensive booze like champagne and wine, especially on a hot summer day. Offer alternatives such as water and juice, and consider Buck's Fizz or a signature champagne cocktail named after bride and groom. Your choice of venue also has a big effect on your budget. Do shop around and ask others what their experience has been. The flashiest venues don’t always provide the best service and they’re bound to be more expensive. If you can hold the wedding reception in a marquee in your parents' back garden and buy your own food and drink in, you will save significantly. Getting married "off peak" such as mid-week or in the winter can get you better deals from venues and caterers. Wedding dress - You could try a vintage dress, or make your own. For an informal ceremony, consider an elegant suit or cocktail dress. If you have bridesmaids, you could get cocktail dresses instead of specific bridesmaids' dresses. The label “bridal wear” carries a premium price tag and you’ll never wear it again! Invitations –you must know someone who can create something on the computer and undercut the printers by hundreds of pounds. You can also send save-the-date emails. Flowers - Wedding bouquets can cost a bundle. To save money, choose in-season blooms and scale down the bouquet. Ask the vicar if there is anyone at the church who will arrange flowers at a fraction of the cost of local florists. If there's another wedding at your venue on the day, speak to the other couple about sharing arrangements. If you can agree on colour and style, you could both save hundreds of pounds. Pony and traps and classic cars look great, but the guests will already be inside the venue and won't witness your arrival so stick to cheap (or free) transport. Entertainment - A solo performer will cost less than a band or just get a DJ. Photography - Professionals can cost a fortune, so shop around and ask those who’ve been married recently about their experiences. Consider a talented friend or relative to snap away on the day - but make sure they won't suddenly pass out after one drink too many and make sure they’re up to the job, not just of taking pictures, but of marshalling the guests. This is one memento that matters. Video – how many times are you really going to watch it? Remember that the vicar has officiated at lots of weddings and can offer advice far beyond the service in church. |