Articles on Weddings | Topics: weddings, wedding
by Deanne Guthrie
Full Mass or Simple Ceremony? How to Decide What You Want for your Catholic Wedding
Having a full Roman Catholic wedding takes planning and good execution. There are several things that must be done before even thinking about it. This is the Sacrament of Matrimony and must be completed appropriately for the wedding to be a traditional Catholic ceremony. The ceremony will be like a mass that celebrates the woman and man into marriage with God's blessing. The wedding takes place in the church and is considered a public ritual rather than a private ceremony. During the wedding ceremony, as in mass, the Sacrament will be given to all those attending. Most traditional Catholic wedding will be performed in the late morning or early afternoon. It is encouraged to receive the Sacrament prior to the actual Matrimony ceremony. Make sure your wedding does not fall on Holy Thursday or Saturday, Good Friday, a major holiday, or during a regular congregational mass session.
Choosing to have a Catholic ceremony means you must have your ceremony in the church you attend. Usually it will be arranged in the church that the bride's family goes to, but it can also be held at the congregation the couple attends. There are also some other issues you will have to make sure are complete before you are allowed to marry with in the church. Many require that couples take part in counseling that is conducted by the parish priest. In addition, you will also need your Baptismal and Conformational Certificates for both you and your fiancé. If your partner is not Catholic, you will still have to swear that you will continue to be Catholic and raise the children that way, as well in front of your partner. They may or may not have to make the same promise depending on the parish. You will be asked to make a donation or pay a fee for having your wedding held in the church. The couple will also be expected to give small gifts to the alter boy and other church attendants. If there will be an organist or singer, then you should expect that will be extra, as well.
| Historical Quote |
He holds him with his glittering eye—
The Wedding Guest stood still,
And listens like a three years’ child:
The Mariner hath his will.
| —Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772–1834) |
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The music that you will be allowed to have will also depend on the church of choice. Many churches will not allow the traditional wedding march because it is considered secular. They will allow you to use sacred or classical music upon approval. Some churches will allow the wedding march theme to be played, but may request it be done by their organist. Most times as long as the couple declares the song of choice gives them faith in the nature of love it will be approved. Using the Unity candle is now discouraged believing that it is faulty symbolism. Some parishes still recommend it and you should go with what ever your priest says is appropriate. Some believe that it is supposed to symbolize the bride and groom separate lives coming together as one. If you would like to have candles, it is best to incorporate them into the rehearsal dinner and ceremony. On the other hand, you could request to have a candlelight blessing. This celebrates Christ, who is symbolized by the flame. This would allow each guest to light a candle in God's name and ask for a blessing for the couple. You will be able to have floral arrangements at the wedding ceremony as long as you know they will stay at the church. It is the belief that once the wedding has ended the flowers should be enjoyed by the rest of the parish.
Once everyone has been seated in the church and the bride and groom are at the alter, a formal greeting is given by the priest. An opening prayer will be said. The homily will commence to celebrate the marriage. Vows will be said and then the rings will be exchanged. The rings will be handed to the priest by the best man and blessed before handing to the groom and then the bride. The groom always puts the ring on the bride's finger first. The Prayer of the Faithful follows the exchanging of rings and vows. The Liturgy of the Eucharist now begins when there is a Mass with the wine and bread being brought to the alter. After everyone has received the Sacrament the priest will offer the Nuptial Blessing. The service will then conclude with a Blessing and a Dismissal. If there is no Mass involved then the conclusion consists of the Lord's Prayer and a blessing.
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