Catholic Wedding Traditions

One of the most common questions asked by brides who are going to have a Tradition Catholic Wedding is; “What happens during a Catholic Wedding?”

The following are Catholic wedding traditions that will help to answer this question and many others:

Processional
Catholic weddings begin with the processional. The priest may either meet the couple at the entrance of the church to escort them and their attendants to the altar, or the priest and ministers may proceed to the altar to receive the bride, groom, and attendants.

The processional might also include the cross bearer, the priest and servers, bridesmaids and groomsmen, as well as witnesses.

Ceremony
The ceremony begins with a greeting by the priest to the bride, groom, and then the guests, followed by the opening prayer. After the opening prayer, the Liturgy of the Word ( 3 readings from Scripture), begins followed by homily (the sermon), the Nuptial Rite (the marriage ceremony), and the Liturgy of the Eucharist (Mass). During the Nuptial Mass, the bridal party kneels, stands, or sits during the entire ceremony.

If there is no Mass, the ceremony begins with opening prayer, followed by the Liturgy of the Word, homily, and the Nuptial Rite.

Music at the Church
The only music that is permitted before or after the ceremony is Sacred or classical music. The classic wedding march and recession music are not permitted to be played in the church.

Decorations at the Church
Many Catholic churches may be decorated with flowers. However, the flowers must remain at the church. The Catholic Church feels that flowers that are part of the wedding scene take on the spirit of the sacrament and should remain in the church for others to share.