Guidelines for Flowers and Decorations

Please make copies of these guidelines for yourself and for your florist/decorator. Vendors may also be directed to the church website where these policies are found. Florists and decorators are required to adhere to all guidelines.

Central has a wooden pedestal (approximately 48 inches tall) that may be used for a central flower arrangement, two gray pedestals (approximately 28 inches tall) that may be used for side flower arrangements, and two kneeling benches that may be placed side by side or facing each other in front of the communion table. There are also two tall candles and stands and a unity candle set.

Setup and Takedown

The total allotted time for the ceremony is 4 hours, beginning 2 hours before the stated start time. Additional time must be arranged at least 1 month before the ceremony (3 months if a holiday weekend), and is billed at $45/hour ($30/hour for the church and $15/hour for the custodian).

All decorations (other than disposable pew décor) and equipment must be removed within the reserved time. There is a minimum fee of $50 for any additional disposal/cleanup. Central is not responsible for any equipment left in the church.

Church Policies

  1. The only church furnishings that may be moved are the communion table, which may be moved forward or back, and the candles and stands, which may be removed.
  2. Pew decorations may only be attached using pew clips, ribbon, or rubber bands. No tacks, pins, nails, screws, staples, tape or glue may be used to fasten decorations to furniture or walls.
  3. Candles may only be placed in the chancel (in the front of the sanctuary), not on pews.
  4. Candelabra must have ample florist cellophane placed beneath them. Central does not rent candelabra. We prefer spring-loaded candles, pegged votives, or battery-operated candles.
  5. Candles should be lit at least 15 to 20 minutes before the ceremony begins.
  6. No flowers may be placed on or in front of the communion table, pulpit, baptismal font, or lectern.
  7. The only items allowed on the communion table are a Bible and/or a unity candle set. Greenery or flowers may be arranged around or underneath the unity candle set.
  8. Aisle cloths are not allowed.
  9. A flower girl or boy may hand flowers to people while going down the aisle, but no flower petals or anything else may be tossed within the church. Only flower petals may be tossed outside the building.
  10. No food or drinks other than bottled water are allowed in the sanctuary.
  11. Smoking is not permitted anywhere on church property.
  12. The couple is liable for any damage to the building or to furniture.

Alternative setup times: Decorating at a time other than the day of the ceremony, such as after the rehearsal, is usually not possible because church events such as memorials may be scheduled as little as 2 days ahead. We can only give permission for early decorating 2 days before your ceremony. If you do decorate after the rehearsal, you pay for that extra time at $45/hour, due at the rehearsal with the check made payable to Central Presbyterian Church and noted “for extra time.”

December weddings: At Christmastime there will be a tree in the center back of the chancel, garlands on the side and back balconies with a wreath on each, and garlands on the chancel rails. None of these may be changed. However, if you would like to change the colors of the bows, you may do so, as long as they are changed back following your service. Poinsettias are added the Thursday before the Sunday before Christmas (they may not be moved).