WEDDING PLANNING QUESTIONNAIRE

Wedding Planning Questionnaire

A Pastoral Planning Guide

1. Couple Information

BRIDE

Full Legal Name: ____________________________________

Preferred Name: ____________________________________

Phone Number: ____________________________________

Email Address: ____________________________________

Current City & State of Residence: ____________________________________

GROOM

Full Legal Name: ____________________________________

Preferred Name: ____________________________________

Phone Number: ____________________________________

Email Address: ____________________________________

Current City & State of Residence: ____________________________________

COUPLE DETAILS

How will your names be printed in the ceremony program (if applicable)?

Primary Contact for Planning Communication:
☐ Bride  ☐ Groom  ☐ Both

Preferred Method of Contact:
☐ Phone  ☐ Email  ☐ Text

2. Wedding Overview

Wedding Date: ____________________________________

Ceremony Time: ____________________________________

Ceremony Location (Church / Venue): ____________________________________

Indoor or Outdoor Ceremony:
☐ Indoor  ☐ Outdoor

Officiating Minister: ____________________________________

Rehearsal Date & Time (if applicable): ____________________________________

Rehearsal Dinner Location & Time (if applicable): ____________________________________

3. Purpose & Spiritual Foundation

(To be discussed together during the meeting)

• How would you describe your understanding of Christian marriage?

• What does it mean to you that your wedding ceremony is an act of worship before God, not just a celebration with family and friends?

• Are there Scriptures, prayers, or spiritual themes that are especially meaningful to you as a couple?

4. Ceremony Style & Tone

• How would you describe the tone you envision for your ceremony?
  ☐ Traditional
  ☐ Contemporary
  ☐ Simple / Intimate
  ☐ Formal
  ☐ Other: ______________________

• Desired ceremony length (approximate):
  ☐ 15–20 minutes
  ☐ 20–25 minutes
  ☐ 25–30 minutes
  ☐ Flexible

5. Processional & Participants

PARENTS

• Bride’s Parent’s names: ____________________________________ 
• Parents of the Bride will be:
  ☐ Seated prior to ceremony
  ☐ Escorted during processional
  ☐ Other: ______________________
• Important information regarding groom’s family: ________________________________

• Groom’s Parent’s names: ____________________________________ 
• Parents of the Groom will be:
  ☐ Seated prior to ceremony
  ☐ Escorted during processional
  ☐ Other: ______________________
• Important information regarding groom’s family: ________________________________

WEDDING PARTY DETAILS

• Will the officiating minister enter:
  ☐ Before the processional
  ☐ With the groom
  ☐ Other: ______________________

• Groom’s entrance:
  ☐ With parents
  ☐ With officiant
  ☐ From the side
  ☐ Other: ______________________

• Order of bridal party entrance:
  
• Bride’s entrance:
  ☐ Escorted by (name): __________________________
  ☐ Entering alone

• Will there be:
  ☐ Flower girl(s)
  ☐ Ring bearer(s)
  ☐ Children participating in another way

6. Music & Worship Elements

• Prelude music (before ceremony begins):
  
• Processional music:
  
• Will there be special music or worship during the ceremony?
  ☐ Yes (details): _______________________________
  ☐ No

• Recessional music:
  
• Music selections will be:
  ☐ Christian
  ☐ Instrumental
  ☐ Mix of both

7. Scripture Readings

• Are there any special passages of Scripture you want included in the ceremony?
  ☐ Yes
  ☐ No
  ☐ Minister to select

• Preferred Scripture(s), if known:
  
• Reader(s), if not the minister:

8. Message / Homily

• Would you like a brief pastoral message included?
  ☐ Yes
  ☐ Yes, but brief
  ☐ Minimal remarks

• Are there any special themes you want emphasized within the ceremony (check any):
  ☐ Christ at the center
  ☐ Covenant commitment
  ☐ Grace and forgiveness
  ☐ Servant love
  ☐ Faithfulness
  ☐ Prayer and spiritual unity
  ☐ Other: ______________________

9. Vows

• Vows will be:
  ☐ Traditional Christian vows
  ☐ Minister-provided vows
  ☐ Personal vows (to be reviewed in advance)
  ☐ Combination

• If personal vows are used:
  • Will they be written separately or together?
    
  • Will they include explicit Christian language?
    ☐ Yes  ☐ No

10. Rings

• Will rings be exchanged?
  ☐ Yes
  ☐ No

• Who will hold the rings and present them when requested?
  
• Any special wording or prayer over the rings?
  ☐ Minister to choose
  ☐ Custom wording: ______________________________

11. Unity Element (Optional)

• Will a unity symbol be included?
  ☐ Unity candle
  ☐ Sand ceremony
  ☐ Communion
  ☐ Other: ______________________
  ☐ None

• Who will assist or participate, if applicable?

12. Prayers & Blessing

• Do you have any special requests regarding:
  ☐ Opening prayer
  ☐ Prayer over the couple/ vows
  ☐ Closing prayer
  ☐ Benediction / blessing

• Any specific prayer emphasis requested?

13. Communion (If Applicable)

• Will communion be included?
  ☐ Yes (private for the couple)
  ☐ Yes (congregational)
  ☐ No

• Notes or logistical details:

14. Family, Cultural, or Special Considerations

• Are there family traditions or cultural elements to be honored?
  
• Are there sensitive family dynamics the minister should be aware of?
  
• Will there be acknowledgment of deceased loved ones?
  ☐ Yes (details): _______________________________
  ☐ No

15. Legal & Administrative Details

• Marriage license obtained?
  ☐ Yes
  ☐ Not yet

• Who will bring the license on the wedding day?
  
• Provide couple with any special signing instructions:

______________________________________________________________________________

16. Final Reflection

• What do you most hope you remember about this ceremony ten years from now?
  
• Is there anything you want your guests to clearly understand about your faith or your marriage covenant?
  

Minister’s Notes (For Pastoral Use)

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