• It is important to remember that Riverbend is both a non-smoking and an alcohol-free campus.
• It is the responsibility of the bride, groom and their families to inform their guests of all policies regarding the use of church property.
• Wedding receptions are available in the Fellowship Hall on Friday evenings.
• The church will be unlocked two hours before the scheduled wedding time unless otherwise approved.
• Deliveries and wedding party members are welcome during those two hours.
• Dressing rooms can be provided for the wedding party if requested.
• The church will not be responsible for any personal items.
• It is the responsibility of the wedding party to inform the florist, photographer and/or caterer of our stated policies.
  

Decorations

• No food or drinks are allowed in the Wedding Chapel or the Home for Hope.
• Wedding dresses may not be delivered to the church.
• The florist should call the Wedding Coordinator during regular office hours at least 48 hours in advance of the wedding to set a time for delivery/decoration of the church.
• Only ribbon or cloth may be used to secure bows to pews or chairs.
• Please do not attach tape since it may remove finish from the wood.
• Riverbend rents candelabras. The wedding coordinator can give you more details about what is available.
• We ask you to only use the candelabras provided by the church.
• Only birdseed or rose petals may be used for showering the bride and groom after the wedding and may only be thrown outdoors.
• Real rose petals are not to be dropped by flower girls due to carpet stains.
• Confetti or rice are not allowed. Decorations and rental equipment are to be removed promptly following the ceremony. They may not be left overnight.
• To meet this requirement, the florist must make arrangements to have all of his or her property picked up immediately following the wedding.
• The church will not be responsible for removing and storing equipment and is not responsible for any articles left after the wedding.

The church reserves the right to bar any florist not willing to accommodate these rules.

Music and Sound

• Reflecting the sacred nature of the wedding ceremony, every part of the ceremony, including the music, should be appropriate.
• The wedding fee includes the use of an audio technician and up to four microphones for performers.
• Sound equipment may be used by church personnel only.
• Soloists and musicians may rehearse one hour prior to the wedding, when the sound technician arrives.
• There is no audio set up for Foyer or Quadrangle weddings, although we will provide a piano if requested.
• Our Wedding Coordinator can suggest several accompanists and vocalists for weddings.
• There is a beautiful grand piano for accompanists, but there is no organ.
• Fees for accompanists or vocalists must be arranged independently with the individuals involved.

Photography/Video Policies

• Photographers must check in with the Wedding Coordinator prior to the ceremony. Photographs may be taken before or after the ceremony.
• No flash pictures are to be taken during the ceremony except during processional and recessional.
• If pictures are taken after the wedding, they should be taken immediately following the ceremony.
• Please instruct the entire wedding party, including parents and ushers, not to leave the auditorium after the ceremony to minimize delay.
• Video cameras are allowed if they remain stationary and relatively inconspicuous during the wedding ceremony. They are not to disrupt the sacred nature of the ceremony.
• NO CAMERAS are allowed in front of the stage area or on the side areas during the ceremony.