You will be married within the sacramental life of the Church, which performs its worship according to the rhythms of the liturgical seasons. Any seasonal decorations established by the parish liturgy committee take precedence over any one special liturgy such as a wedding, baptism or funeral. For example, according to Church law, there is a ban of flowers during the penitential Lenten season. This applies not only to Sunday worship, but also to weddings. On the other hand, the seasons of Easter and Christmas, rich with flowers and appropriate decorations, might indicate that you don’t have to buy flowers at all.

Any floral arrangements and church decorations you do desire are your responsibility to provide. They traditionally are left for parish use following the wedding liturgy. The possibility of sharing flowers with other couples being married on the same day/weekend may be planned so as to share the expense. If runners and pew decorations are used, it is your responsibility to arrange for their removal immediately after your wedding.

Flowers
If you are having a wedding mass, you may wish to decorate the two sacred places where God reveals himself to his people: the ambo (pulpit) where He is revealed through the Word, and the altar where He is revealed through Eucharist. Also as God is reflected through His people, you might consider some decorations where your guests will sit. The cantor stand (located on the right side of the sanctuary) is not liturgically prominent and should not be decorated.

To prevent an overcrowded environment, flowers may be situated in the following places:
• in front of the altar (center, or two smaller arrangements around the clusters of candles on the sides of the altar. If placed in front of the altar, the arrangement cannot be higher than the top of the altar (40 inches).
• in front of the ambo (pulpit)
• on two plant stands provided by the parish on either side of the presidential chair
• a small arrangement in the church lobby as a sign of welcome and hospitality.

Pew/aisle decorations
In reality, an aisle runner is not necessary and incurs an added cost to you by your florist. At times from our experience, a runner can pose some safety risks, particularly for your guests during communion time if you will be celebrating mass. If you do wish to use a runner, the parish uses a metal bar to weigh down the runner at the altar. The runner should not be taped to the floor.

Church decor should never distract from the primary action at the altar. For this reason a floral archway is not allowed in church as it takes focus away from the altar, and hinders the view of the sanctuary. These types of things are best set up at the reception.

Please note that:
• There are 32 pews on either side of the church.
• The church aisle requires a 100 ft. runner.
• Pew bows/ribbons/flowers are to be assembled with ribbon and/or rubber bands only. No tape or wire of any kind is allowed on the pews.
• No flowers, garland, etc. are permitted directly on the altar.
• No candles, other than those supplied by the parish and a unity candle (if desired and supplied by you) are permitted in the church
• The use of flower petals, rice, confetti, etc. is not allowed inside or outside of the church.