Wedding Decorations

INSTRUCTIONS TO THE FLORIST

We are pleased that you are providing flowers for a wedding at Highland Park Presbyterian Church  In order to maintain the integrity of this Worship Service, we ask your cooperation in the following considerations:

A performance bond of $100.00 MUST be made by the florist engaged for a wedding. A check, made payable to Highland Park Presbyterian Church, must be sent to the Wedding Coordinator at least one week prior to the wedding date. The check is returned to the florist (uncashed) the week following the wedding - providing all work has been done satisfactorily and no damage has incurred.  Previously approved florists are exempt from the bond.

SANCTUARY

Every effort should be made to preserve a worshipful atmosphere.  To achieve this, decorations are limited as follows:

  1. Highland Park Presbyterian Church has two brass, seven branch, standing candelabra. These are the only candelabra allowed to be used in the sanctuary.  To prevent carpet damage, candles for the candelabra must be the permanent spring type, which are supplied by the florist.  Please place plastic on the floor beneath the candelabra.  To avoid damage to the candelabra, NO decoration of any kind is to placed on them.
  2. Two floral arrangements, in moderate-sized containers, may be placed on the tables on each side of the chancel, behind the railing.  NO additional tables nor pedestals may be used.  NO flowers, candelabra nor greenery are permitted in the center of the sanctuary chancel area. Nothing may be placed on the communion table.
  3. Any church decorations already in place for special occasions, i.e. Christmas, Easter, etc., may not be changed nor added to.  They must remain in place for the designated time period.  The candelabra and two floral arrangements may also be used, if desired.
  4. Flowers and greenery may be used in pew bows.  To prevent damaging the church pews, the bows must be attached with plastic clips.  NO nails, tacks nor tape may be used.
  5. The tables in the narthex are part of the permanent furniture of the church, and must remain on either side of the entrance to the sanctuary. Arrangements may be placed on them, if desired.  NO additional temporary structures may be used.
  6. NO artificial vines or trees are allowed, and  NO decorations are allowed on, over, nor in   front of the chancel rail - in either the sanctuary or chapel.
  7. Aisle runners are not permitted, in the sanctuary nor chapel, as they cannot be secured.
  8. A unity candle is permitted, but the florist must provide the candles and the stand. NO tulle or other flammable materials may be used on the unity candle stand.

WYNNE CHAPEL

  • Two floral arrangements, in moderate-sized containers, may be placed on the tables on each side of the chancel, behind the railing. No additional tables nor pedestals may be used.   NO additional flowers nor greenery, other than in pew bows, may be used.
  • The candelabra on the Communion Table may not be moved.  If desired, the standing brass sanctuary candelabra may also be used.  Nothing may be placed on the communion table.

Please check with the bride to see if she wishes the flowers to be left for the narthex, the chapel or for Sunday Fellowship in Elliott Hall.  Please be sure that the flowers are not picked up after the ceremony, if they are to be left for Sunday.

Florist and their employees may not use profane language, discourteous actions and may not smoke nor use alcohol in the sanctuary, chapel nor any other part of the church facilities.  Violation of this regulation could bring immediate eviction of the offender, and removal of the florist from the approved list.

The sexton on duty is not expected to clean up for the florist.  It is the responsibility of the florist to leave the sanctuary/chapel as they were found.

The following regulation is from the Fire Marshall of the City of University Park:

"The Uniform Fire Code is used in our City, Article 26.116B prohibits the use of candles in such religious ceremonies".

It states:

  1. Candles used in churches, shall be limited to areas out of the reach, or way, of the occupants using the area.
  2. Candelabra with lighted candles shall be securely fastened in place so they can-not  tip over.  They shall be located away from occupants using the area and away from possible contact of drapes, curtains or other combustibles.
  3. Candelabra shall be high enough that clothing cannot come in contact with the flame.
  4. Candles held in persons hands are especially dangerous and shall not be permitted