Following is a LA District Brothers Meeting handout.  I don't have the date of the meeting, but it would have occurred sometime between September 12, 1991 and when Sunday evening services were eliminated.

WEDDINGS

Types/Times of Weddings:  (reference D.AP. Letter dated September 12, 1991)

1.        New Apostolic Couple – Sunday @ 5:00 pm

2.       Mixed Marriage (only 1 – New Apostolic) – Sunday @ 5:00 pm

3.       A couple living together – a Saturday afternoon or evening of the week when there is no Divine Service

4.       Common Law Marriage – a Saturday afternoon or evening of the week when there is no Divine Service

5.       Previously Married, divorced (1 or both) – a Saturday afternoon or evening of the week when there is no Divine Service

6.       Child born out of wedlock – a Saturday afternoon or evening of the week when there is no Divine Service

Topics for a Pre-Wedding Consultation:

1.        A New Apostolic Wedding is to be a modest yet dignified ceremony where the blessing of our Heavenly Father is given.  All else is of little value, consequence and worth.  The pomp and fanfare of a worldly wedding is not what we want to duplicate.  A couple should keep this in the forefront of their plans and arrangements.

2.       No weddings will be held during Lent.  (Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday)

3.       Who holds the wedding – as in a service the Apostle will send someone who will bring the blessing of our Heavenly Father

4.       The date for the wedding should be picked by the couple and not the Bishop or District Rector.  The Apostle will then send someone to hold the wedding.

5.       Music – all music that is in our anthem book, hymnal, folder or listed in the District Apostle Kraus’ letter dated May 17, 1976 can be used.  All other music should be approved by the district rector.  There is no service before a wedding, therefore all music must be planned by the couple, before, during, and after the wedding.  At the church all music should be played live, prerecorded music is inappropriate.

6.       Photographer/Videoman – the photographer and videoman should be advised by the couple getting married, (they are on their payroll) as to when they should be taking pictures, how they should conduct themselves, and how and what they should be wearing.  Both a haircut and suit are appropriate.

a.       The photographer can be mobile in taking any pictures as:

                                                               i.      Guests arrive

                                                             ii.      Processional

                                                            iii.      Song

                                                           iv.      Exchange of rings

                                                             v.      Congratulatory kiss

                                                           vi.      Recessional

                                                          vii.      Reception

b.      During the service while the text is read and talked about and during the blessing the photographer should refrain from taking any pictures.

c.       The videoman should be stationary during the entire ceremony, therefore not attracting undue attention.

7.       The local organist should normally play all wedding music.  If this is not possible then she should courteously be informed of your plans to avoid any hurt feelings.  If needed the local rector can help in this matter.

8.       If a soloist, duet or group of singers is to be used, they should be given the music far enough in advance and a chance to rehearse.  Though should be taken for the individuals chosen as to how feasible it is for them to get together.

9.       The attendants that are chosen are those whom the couple has picked.  It should be discussed that some of our churches are limited in the physical space available in front of the altar.  The number of attendants may have to be limited.  Also we should not try to outdo a previous wedding to think that more is better.

10.   Each couple wants to make their wedding day unique and special.  Some may have ideas for example of a white runner or rose petals down the center aisle.  If an idea has some significance, such as since you were a little girl you have dreamed about it then bring it up in our conversation.  These ideas can then be asked about far enough in advance and we can get back to the couple.  Then there are no surprises or sudden disappointments on their special day.

11.   Receptions also should be enjoyed with the same modesty and dignity of our New Apostolic upbringing.  Our District Apostle Kraus said that classical music can be played at the reception, however it can  not lead to dancing.  There should not be an open bar.  A congratulatory toast may be given and a glass of wine can be served.

a.       A reception should still focus all attention on the wedding couple.  Sometimes other interests such as slide presentations, singing, a game or talking are too drawn out and take away from the wedding couple.

b.      A reception should be attended according to your budgetary restraints.  It must be understood that not all congregants or youth can be invited.  It becomes foolish to go into debt for the next years.

12.   Weddings held by the New Apostolic Church should be held in our church buildings.

Wedding Procedure:

1.        A friendship develops into dating which develops into being a couple.

2.       This couple then decides to become engaged and asks for an engagement blessing.  This blessing is normally given at a youth service where parents and families are invited to come or a Sunday evening service and whoever is scheduled will hold the service and give the blessing.  The exchange of engagement rings should only be given after the engagement blessing is given, and you are actually engaged.

3.       A wedding date should be set within 6 months of the engagement.

4.       A wedding consultation should be set up with the District Rector 2 to 4 months in advance of the wedding to review all arrangements.

5.       A rehearsal evening should be planned with the local Rector.

6.       The wedding day arrives.

Thoughts for a Wedding Rehearsal:

1.        The groom’s attendants are the ushers for this ceremony.  They should usher all members and guests into their respective seats.  A plan should be developed as to how many family members and how many rows of seating are needed in advance to avoid embarrassment.

2.       The groom and his bestman may come in the sacristy at fifteen minutes before the hour to pray with the officiant.

3.       The organ and or instruments should be arranged while guests are arriving.  The organ should play all the time up to and including while the officiant, groom and his attendants take their place at the altar.  The organist should wait for the officiant to indicate all is ready and the processional song can begin.

4.       The groom and his attendants may turn and look at the bridesmaids while walking down the aisle.

5.       The bridesmaids should walk steadily down the aisle not pausing.

6.       After the recessional song the guests may be greeted whether inside or outdoors dependant on local climate.  Immediately after this greeting the couple should sign all documents, then pictures can be taken.

7.       All local administration brothers, members, and guests should sit down to avoid confusion, noise, and mulling around before the wedding.

8.       All church and legal documents should be reviewed and filled out as much as possible in advance.