FH and I were really excited because Good Shepherd RC in Holbrook said we could use their church for the ceremony (we were having a hard time finding a church, because neither FH nor I are Catholic, but are Christian and we are having a big wedding), as long as our priest contacted them. So our priest did and today we find out that our priest can't use the altar and they won't allow us to move the altar. The altar is very close to the steps (2 steps leading to the altar, where we were planning on standing), but more importantly, our priest needs a place to put some cultural things that's part of the ceremony. I don't know what to do....we don't really have other options for churches....most Catholic churches that are big enough to hold 400ppl said we can't use it, and FH's church is too small and mine is too far =\ And now, we can't move forward with invitations and things. ahhhhh!
Future Mulligan
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Re: I'm so upset
that *****......does the ceremony have to be in a church? what about a different type of location? i cant think of a place that would hold so many people off the top of my head but if it doesnt have to be a church maybe you can think of another location
i hope you find something that you like soon!
Jessie062108
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Re: I'm so upset
do you expect everyone to show up at the church, most people don't go to the church so you may not need such a big church
MAY24BRIDE
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Re: I'm so upset
The ceremony does have to be at a church...our priests won't marry us otherwise.
We're inviting 500+ to the wedding and in our culture, most people show up for the reception......so even if only 400 rsvp yes....we figure about 300-350 ppl will come to the church I'm so worried
BunnyBears
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Re: I'm so upset
i dont understand what happened... u can use the church but not the front of the church? why?
MAY24BRIDE
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Re: I'm so upset
Posted by BunnyBears
i dont understand what happened... u can use the church but not the front of the church? why?
I don't know....the odd thing is, when we first spoke to them, they didn't say anything about it...but now, all of a sudden, our priests have to stand in front of the altar...................i mean, they're still priests!!, just not catholic
skinny237
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Re: I'm so upset
Would it be weird if you put a table in front of the alter?
BunnyBears
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Re: I'm so upset
Posted by muttham4u
Posted by BunnyBears
i dont understand what happened... u can use the church but not the front of the church? why?
I don't know....the odd thing is, when we first spoke to them, they didn't say anything about it...but now, all of a sudden, our priests have to stand in front of the altar...................i mean, they're still priests!!, just not catholic
thats so mean! and they should have told you sooner. is there space on the sides of the church at all to do the culture things u were planning? i have to reread ur first post .. is the first row of seats so close to the alter ?
u know what - don't these churches want money? did u pay yet ? maybe u need to say u need to go else where to them and if they want ur money maybe they will change there mind?.. and find out what their reasoning is to not use the alter. and maybe try a bribe with more money- too crazy?
BunnyBears
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Re: I'm so upset
maybe speak to some officiants in the vendor board - they have been to lots of weddings and may know a place (start considering non-church places) that can fit all your guests and will not be an meanies about it. good luck - let us know what happens.
since u did not send the invites yet
maybe consider only inviting very close family and friends to the ceremony (and find a smaller friendly-user space) and have everyone else come to the reception to celebrate- after the ceremony you can have either ceremony pictures from your photographer on a tv screen going or have some one run to walgreens 1 hour for 10 x 10s of the the ceremony and have displayed at reception.
MAY24BRIDE
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Re: I'm so upset
Posted by skinny237
Would it be weird if you put a table in front of the alter?
I thought about that, but there isn't enough room in front of where the altar presently is to put a table....and they won't move the altar for us.
{SIGH} FH is soo laid back about this and that frustrates me a bit too. We're trying to get another church in Syosset, but that's not as close to the RH...a good 25 min drive....and our CH starts a half hour after the ceremony is supposed to end....so that's cutting it really close and that worries me too...it's just not convenient for our guests
MAY24BRIDE
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Re: I'm so upset
Posted by BunnyBears
maybe speak to some officiants in the vendor board - they have been to lots of weddings and may know a place (start considering non-church places) that can fit all your guests and will not be an meanies about it. good luck - let us know what happens.
since u did not send the invites yet
maybe consider only inviting very close family and friends to the ceremony (and find a smaller friendly-user space) and have everyone else come to the reception to celebrate- after the ceremony you can have either ceremony pictures from your photographer on a tv screen going or have some one run to walgreens 1 hour for 10 x 10s of the the ceremony and have displayed at reception.
We have so many restrictions and limitations.....culturally and just practically too. We HAVE to have a church ceremony, we HAVE to extend the invite to the ceremony to everyone....our CH starts at 12:30pm and most churches aren't available until 11am so that gives our guests 30mins from the end of ceremony to RH......I know....such a difficult situation!
BUT, I want to thank you girls for your support and empathy. Our priest is going to try and talk to the priest of the church (maybe he can be convinced that even though we're not Catholic, we're still Christian!)
