The Wedding Guidelines

St. Thomas More is our parish home. We ask that you treat our facilities with the respect that you would treat your own treasured home and possessions. We ask that the wedding couple and their friends clean up any areas used for preparation for the wedding. There is no smoking, eating, or drinking in the church building, Holy Family Room, or the restrooms.
 
DRESSING ROOM FACILITIES
The church provides a bride's room (Holy Family Room) for the convenience of the bride and her attendants. The bride may dress in the Holy Family Room, but all attendants should arrive dressed and ready. The groom and his attendants should arrive dressed for the ceremony and will gather in the Family Center of the religious education bldg. The bridal parties remain in these areas until the ceremony begins. Reminder: Please no food, drink, tobacco or gum in the church, Holy Family Room, or the restrooms.  Please designate a responsible person to remove all trash and flower boxes from these areas, as all areas must be left clean. For example: tidy the Holy Family Room, foyer and church; gather the flower boxes, hangers, wrappings, etc.; check the pews for personal belongings, tissues, etc. Please have this task assigned to someone you trust out of consideration for all coming into the church shortly after your wedding. The church is not responsible for items left behind. The Family Center should be left in the same condition/set up it was found in because the Coffee/Donut ministry will be used early Sunday morning.

CANDLES
The candles on the altar will be lit for the marriage ceremony. Unity candles may be requested.

FLOWERS
Flowers are optional and arrangement of the flowers on and around the altar will be discussed with the celebrant. Flowers are typically placed on the altar and in front of the ambo and may not be any taller than the altar or ambo. Flowers may not be placed in such a way that would obscure the altar, ambo, or presider's chair. Please contact the church office to arrange a suitable time to deliver the flowers. Florists should deliver the flowers directly to the church.  Flowers or plants used in the sanctuary for the occasion must be live—no artificial or silk flowers. (Liturgy Documents, Art and Environment #102) Silk is fine for pew decoration, but no tape or tacks of any sort may be used, including masking tape. Pew bows or flowers must be attached with pew clips to ensure no damage to the pews. There are eleven pews in the center aisle. Decorations provided by the florist must be removed after the ceremony. Flower girls are permitted, but they may not throw petals down the aisle. No loose flower petals are allowed.

MUSIC
The music ministry is provided to help you select music that is appropriate and fitting for the celebration of your wedding within the context of your Catholic faith. The Director of Music at St. Thomas More is Stephanie Mire. Stephanie's email and phone number are smire@stmaustin.org and (512) 258-1161 x219. Please contact Stephanie Mire 3 months before the ceremony to schedule a meeting. All music and musicians must be approved for weddings at St. Thomas More.  Recorded or taped music is not permitted. Musician fees are separate from the church fees and are discussed with the Director of Music. 

PHOTOGRAPHY
Photos may be taken on church grounds and in the church before the ceremony. All photos must end 30 mins before the start of the ceremony. Photographers are asked to avoid distracting movement during the celebration. The photographer is PROHIBITED from ascending the altar steps. Movement of any kind is a distraction from the important focal point of the couple and the Liturgy taking place. Flash may not be used when the bride and groom are at the altar. No flood lights during the ceremony. Videographers must have a stationary camera placed at a designated area in the church. The wedding party should return immediately to the altar after the conclusion of the ceremony for pictures. The first photo is to be taken with the priest/deacon.

SEASONAL DECORATIONS
Banners, altar cloths and any hangings or decorative setup are an important part of the current Liturgical season and may not be moved or removed.  NO EXCEPTIONS.

• Aisle runners are not permitted.

All doors, pews and aisles are to remain accessible.
 

WEDDING REHEARSALS
Rehearsals are the last and an essential part of the preparation process. It is imperative that all who are taking part in the wedding, no matter how small their part, be present at the rehearsal. If someone cannot attend the rehearsal, please have a substitute ready. Rehearsals take place at 6 p.m. on the Friday before the ceremony. Please inform all members of your wedding party that they must be present and ready to begin on time. The rehearsal allows your attendants to practice the procession into the church, and allows your readers to practice at the lectern with the microphone. Please bring your marriage license to the rehearsal. You may give the priest/deacon a free will stipend at the rehearsal.

WORSHIP AIDS OR PROGRAMS
Worship aids or programs are optional. If you choose to use worship aids or programs, please submit them for approval three weeks before the wedding ceremony. This is to ensure that appropriate artwork, order of service, and photos used reflect the sacrament being celebrated. 
 
REMINDER
Please do not throw rice, birdseed, rose petals, confetti, glitter, potpourri or any other material inside the church, outside the church, or anywhere on the church premises, as they are NOT PERMITTED.