Catholic weddings

Everything you need to know for a fabulous Catholic wedding celebration

The order of service

Dress, make-up and bridesmaids all in place? Then you are all set for the ceremony, which will begin in the normal way, with the bride, (on her father's arm, although this is up to you), and bridesmaids processing down the aisle to the groom and priest.

During the procession, an Entry Antiphon (a passage from the bible which may be sung or recited) may be used or a hymn will be sung.

You will then sit or kneel on special cushions in front of the priest.

If you have chosen not to have a Nuptial Mass, the service begins with a welcome from the priest and the congregation are invited to make the sign of the cross.

An opening prayer is spoken by the priest, after which the congregation are invited to sit. Readings from the Old or New Testament follow that and the priest will then speak about Christian marriage, the sacrament and the responsibilities that married people possess.

You will have spoken to your priest about the order of service for your wedding beforehand (and chosen your readings and psalms), but as a rough guide, the service will then progress like this:

• The priest reads a Gospel reading (that you have chosen).
• The priest gives a short homily or sermon.
• You exchange vows.
• The priest blesses the rings and the you place them on each other’s finger, saying, ‘Take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.’
• Some short bidding prayers are read for you.
• The service continues with the celebration of the Nuptial Mass (if you have opted for this) the bridesmaids will take their seats in a reserved pew at the front and the pair of you will return to the sanctuary where you kneel, often on cushions. The Mass continues with a variety of prayers, including the emotive Rite of Peace and the couple receive Communion, followed by the rest of the congregation.
• The priest reads a Nuptial Blessing over the couple if not.
• The priest gives a final blessing.
• The couple and their witnesses sign the register.
• The priest will then introduce you as a newly married couple!

You will then be a happily married bride and groom and you can parade back down the aisle of the church with huge grins on your faces!

Practical points to bear in mind…

1. The order of seating at a Catholic wedding is up to you. Bear in mind though, that if you are having a Mass, and especially if it is at a scheduled Mass time, you are likely to be joined by other parishioners who are not your guests. They will usually be discreet and leave the front rows for your friends and family.
2. You can decorate the church with flowers, but rather than strip the church of them afterwards, couples usually leave some of their flowers as a sort of ‘votive offering’ to decorate the church after the wedding -- a gesture that’s always appreciated by the priest and his parishioners.
3. A photographer is allowed and usually video cameras, although sometimes the priest might impose restrictions on when and where they can film. Have a chat to the priest about this beforehand.
4. Rules on confetti throwing vary from parish to parish too (as it does make a big mess for them to clear up afterwards!) Have a quick check with the priest about this.
5. It’s customary to give the priest an offering for his efforts, which will have included a fair amount of paperwork. How much is down to you and what you can afford. Between £50 and £70 is probably reasonable; more is generous. The groom or best man, or sometimes the bride’s father will usually give the offering to the priest in an envelope after the service. It’s customary to invite the priest to the reception too… he might be glad of a relaxing drink!

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