Reception
     The purpose of the reception is to allow relatives and guests to express their good wishes to the newly married couple and to join in celebration. Many varieties of receptions work well for weddings of all sizes. Food and beverages, catered, prepared, or potluck, add to festivities. 
     Couples may choose to greet guests formally, either alone or with parents together. They also may choose to mingle informally. Greeting each guest personally is the intention of either approach.
     The ministers have had experience with all kinds of receptions and can discuss possibilities. 
Photographs
     The general rule is that filming of the wedding shall not distract from the wedding service. This usually means no pictures during the ceremony, except by a photographer behind, or out of the sight line of guests.
     Professional photographers usually know what is appropriate.
     Ministers will be helpful in arranging for appropriate photographic opportunities.
     Formal pictures of the wedding party and family need to be scheduled so as not to delay the beginning of the wedding. (Conclude 30 minutes before start of the wedding) 
     It is discourteous to guests to delay the reception by having pictures taken after the wedding.
Etiquette
     There is a wide range of thinking about what is "proper" for a wedding. The library has a selection of wedding guidebooks that may be of some help. The ministers have experience with all kinds of circumstances. Your wedding should be your personal event.

Payments

     Most weddings involve a number of separate contract arrangements. It is possible to arrange a wedding in which the only expense is the marriage license. It is more common to have individual contracts for a wedding place, reception food and servers, florist, photographer, musician, soloist, clothes, attendant gifts, etc. Amounts for all services are separately arranged. Most providers offer a set price with negotiation depending on the extent of service provided. It is usually expected that payments be made prior to the wedding. There are no set amounts for ministerial services. Amounts usually range from $100 to $200 plus compensation for extra time, travel or other costs in performing of service.
5
              <--page 4                                                                                           page 6-->