Baptist Wedding Etiquette?

Baptist churches are not necessarily Southern Baptist simply because they're in the South - but as far as weddings go, it won't make much difference.

If both the ceremony and the reception are at the church, I wouldn't expect alcohol of any kind. Most Baptist churches don't allow alcohol on the premises, even for weddings. If the reception is off-site, it will primarily depend on the bride and groom. My fiance and I are Baptist, but we will be having alcohol at our reception.

For an evening wedding, which is generally more formal than an afternoon wedding, black and grey are always acceptable.

Regarding communion, about half of the Baptist weddings I've been to have offered communion and half have not. Regardless, in the Baptist faith, as long as you are a believer in Christ then you may participate in communion. If you feel uncomfortable taking it, though, you may of course abstain.

Baptist Wedding

Baptists do not serve communion at weddings.

As for it being Southern Baptist or just Baptist, there really isn't much of a difference when it comes to wedding style. The preacher will talk, there will be prayer, probably music selected by the bride and groom, but basically you will just sit and watch. To give you and idea to compare, Baptist weddings are typically shorter than Catholic weddings.

As for dress code.... gray and black is fine, I've never heard of there being a problem with those colors.... I would think more so, given that at night, people tend to dress up, and for every woman a "little black dress" is a fashion staple, similar to the man's suit or tux. Just cover your cleavage and don't show too much leg. You sound like you have enough sense! =)

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Baptist Wedding Etiquette?

I have been invited to a wedding at a Baptist church in the south. Does that make it southern baptist? It doesn't say southern in the church name. What can I expect? Will there be a communion, and if so can Episcopalians receive it? Also it is on a Saturday night - are gray and black clothing...

Not all Baptist churches in the South are "Southern Baptist." And even within those who say they are Southern Baptist there are various interpretations and rules. I used to assume tha the late Jerry Falwell was the spokeman for all Baptists. Wow did I get corrected. Many Baptists will say clearly that he definitely did not represent them. Communion is almost never done at a marriage. Episcopalians who believe that the wafer and the WINE is truly the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ would be kind of in another world where that peice of hard tack and the mini-plastic-cup of grape juice is strictly SYMBOLIC! Means absolutely nothing but a reminder ofthe Lord's Supper and the cups are tossed in the garbage after Service. Hey to each his own. You would probably be permitted to receive as most have "open table fellowship" but not sure if you would be giving yourself a mixed signal because it shares the name "communion" but I don't think Episcopalians and Baptists agree on many things since as I understand it you are "more catholic than the catholics!" Formal dress is ok but I have seen people show up to weddings and funerals in Virginia dressed in blue jeans and boots.. A very different notion of formality in some places. They use words like hitched and preacher. Good luck. I have been a few Baptist wedding services. They tend to last about 15 minutes. A couple time I am not sure oif they even read a bible passage. Sometimes the vows are about PLITE THEE MY TROTH and I have a feeling some folks don't even realize whay the vows they spoke meant...it's like in another language! Be prepared for CULTURE SHOCK!!

ok first of all relax, weddings in the south are usually just relaxed and fun, however you have the occasional "old money" wedding where etiquette is very much appreciated.

-no, just because its in the south and baptist does NOT mean it's southern baptist. there is a difference.

-expect a long ceremony, followed by dinner and music. that's usually it.

-there may or may not be communion but there usually isn't.

-its up to you whether you choose to participate during the communion, no one else.

-yes gray and black are fine especially since it's in the winter.

if you still feel uncomfortable, call the person who invited you and ask politely what to expect, or ask someone else you know that's going. good luck and have fun!

Baptists don't generally take communion during weddings (I've never heard of it, and I grew up baptist)

So don't worry too much about that.

In regards to attire, just ask the bride or the MOH (if you know her) how casual the event is! You can never go wrong in a little black dress though. That rule holds true everywhere :)