Decorations & Furnishings
To preserve the architectural finishes of the Chapel, the only floral decorations permitted are altar table arrangements. Bows may be attached to pews with ribbons, but not with wire. Helium balloons are not permitted in the Wren Building. Nothing may be taped, tacked, stapled, nailed or otherwise affixed to the walls, floors, doors, or pews; items may not be hung from the wall sconces.
Articles necessary for the celebration of a religious service may, of course, be used. A brass table cross is available for use on the altar during Christian ceremonies. You may request to use the table cross at any time during the planning process. Our building superintendent will make sure the cross is placed on the altar before guests start arriving.
Runners and flower petals may not be used on the slate floor of the aisle because of the danger of slipping. The throwing of rice, birdseed etc. is not permitted inside or outside the Chapel.
The pulpit and display case for the cross may not be moved. The chairs on either side of the altar may be moved with the prior approval from [[weddings]].
Vestments, books, and most of the sacred vessels stored in the sacristy are the property of campus religious groups and are not available for use by others without permission of the owners. There is a silver communion service for Chapel weddings which may be used by prior arrangement with the building director.
Following the service all ring boxes, flower wrappings, programs, and other such items must be immediately removed from the sacristy and Chapel. All decorations must be removed from the Chapel at the conclusion of the service, including items placed in the Chapel by florists.
Candles & Unity Candles
Candles for the candlesticks on the altar will be provided by, and lit and extinguished by, building staff. A unity candle arrangement may be used, but those candles must be placed on the altar table and must be dripless and white or off-white in color. Standing candelabra may not be used in the Chapel. Use of the wall sconces is not permitted. Candles may not be carried when lit.
Those who want to make a unity candle ceremony part of their wedding service have several options. Keep in mind that all candles must be on the altar table.
The Altar
The dimensions of the top of the altar table are 30 x 78 inches (36 inches high). Area florists are familiar with the size of the table and prepare arrangements that are of a suitable size. If your celebrant plans to conduct part of your service from behind the table, as he or she might do for a communion service, be sure the scale of your arrangement will not interfere with the celebrant's use of the table. You might even consider dispensing with an altar table arrangement altogether. It is our opinion that the bride and her attendants are the principal decorations of the chapel.
If you plan to use the cross for your ceremony, your flower arrangement should be no more than 14 inches high. If you would like the candlesticks removed from the altar, please advise [[weddings]] in advance and remind our building superintendent during your rehearsal.
