Wedding Forum - Church tourist...

Just wear something smart. Every church is different!

doesnt matter what youwear . the fact youu are there is important
....

All the service start and different times and will be lead differently.

I wear jeans and a tshirt to church!

awww have fun :) xx

Just wear something like jeans and a nice top. Christian services g on for about 45 mins to hour and a catholic Service you might want o clear your day if you want to go there.

Ok so I went, I was the youngest person there, and the 2nd most casually dressed. They had to bring me a hymn book, I didn't know to pick one up.

It lasted about an hour and a half.

I managed to make a slow getaway (hard to rush past grannys) with the excuse of work (which was true)

I was fresh meat and everyone had a piece of me.

During the service I sat next to one old dear who was on her own, only after sitting down did I think hmmm maybe no one likes her

It was a bit strange an oval shaped pew configuration around a central (?? alter table thingy) with bays of pews that sat 3-4 people.

Congregation total hmmm 30-40, it was hard to count while looking interested, total of 7 men. Age range 55-99, hair styles mainly grey/blue curly or bald.

Hmmm, its kind of half way between my dream and reality. It had an organ and pews and regal chairs and I did begin to see where my dreams would fit and sit. But wasn't made up that it was the one.

I think I am gonna use work resources and book an appointment with the chaplincy (they cater for all religions and non) to have a chat with her about why I want a church wedding and which denomination would best suit my visual dreams and my spiritual beliefs.

cool so another step forward then

aww im sure all will be fine , we are having a church wedding too fortunately the one at the end of our road is lovely so we booked that xx

Just thought I'd up-date.

I went to the methodist church again yesterday, and again everyone was lovely to me, I had time to stay for a coffee and met a few people, they had a baptism on this week so it was a lot busier and there were a lot more young people there. I got a bit scared when everyone came round shaking hands, but they did seem genualy pleased to see me again. I had a chat with the reverand and she was lovely, didn't really want to speak to her infront of everyone so she took me back upstairs into the actual church bit and let me take some photo's.

I also went and had a chat with the chaplain at work who was lovely, she is CofE but has no worries talking to people of all faiths and non.

She explained that methodist or CofE would be my best bets to match my views and really left the decision in my hands, ah the responsibility. She also explained that churches cost hundreds of thousands of pounds a year to upkeep! So in fairness the fees are quite reasonable, I explained my deep pockets syndrome and the fact that I'm from Yorkshire. And she sent me on a web trail.

It turns out the basics for a CofE is around £350. Extras may be overcome if the congregation get to know you and offer the services of bell ringing/organist, but it's not guarenteed, it was nice to learn why and where all the fees go.

I'm working nights this weekend, so next weekend I'm going to try the CofE which is a short distance from home.

Fingers crossed, and wish me luck in finding the faith/church/vicar/congregation I like.
xx

tell us how it goes anyway

I have been to another church, this one was CofE and within walking distance from my home. I went on thursday for a look around and one of the wardens was there and he let me have a proper walk around and a nosey and let me take loads of pictures. I really love the fact that there's loads of exposed beams and intricate stone work. H2b is a joiner and I like the idea of having loads of wooden details around him so that he gets something out of going to church too. There is loads of stained glass windows which look intact, one is of Mary Sumner and people flock to come see her, another is a tribute to WW1 (another of h2b's interests) apparently this window is priceless and is very beautiful.

Went to the service on sunday and all the congregation were really nice to me, the vicar welcomed everyone and had time to get to know us, he was being welcomed to the church by the bishop that afternoon and it was his first service there. Unfortunately he will probably be retired by the time we get married so me and H2b could be facing a church thats had 3 vicars in 2 years, but hey ho.

I have a sneaky feeling this is the one, and in keeping with my eco bohemian chic theme I would be able to get my guests to meet at mine and have a walking bus up to the church (bring a brolley and sensible shoes for the church) if its absolutely piddling it down I'm sure I could bag a bargin from the nearby taxi rank and get a cheap deal to take people up. Parking is really bad round the church so this would help, infirm guests would be able to get dropped off at the church.

Everytime I hear them practicing the bells when i'm at home I think they're my bells. I feel bad on the other church I visited but this one is CofE and therefore wont need the registra to come to us aswell. I think I will give it another couple of weeks before I speak to the vicar and ask about prices and stuff. I will probably go back to the other church and let them know why I have decided on this church.

Oh I am so excited, just hope the vicar doesn't price me out of my church :)