Attire
We ask that our guests please remember that our wedding will be held within the church, where Christ is present, so please dress modestly and accordingly.
 
Entering the Church
Guests should be sure to arrive at a Catholic wedding at least 20 minutes early so as not to interrupt the procession down the aisle.
 
Upon entering the church, men should remove their hats. You may dip their fingers in the holy water at the entrances and make the sign of the cross to remind yourself of your baptism. Catholics also acknowledge the tabernacle upon entering a church. The tabernacle is a box made out of precious metal in which the Body of Christ is contained, designated by a red candle burning nearby. If guests wish to show respect, they may genuflect by lowering their right knee to the floor, or if you are uncomfortable with that you can bow to the altar instead.
 
Reciting Prayers
Catholic wedding ceremonies include prayers and traditions specific to the Catholic faith. We will be providing guests with a program that outlines the order of the ceremony including the words to some prayers. Additionally, small books called Missalettes will be located in the pews, inside which the text of most prayers can be found. Guests should be prepared to stand, sit and kneel as prescribed during the service.
 
Receiving Holy Communion
Our wedding will be celebrated within the context of a Mass, which includes Holy Communion. Guests who are Catholic may receive Holy Communion at the designated time. Guests who are not Catholic should not receive Holy Communion, but they may still process to the altar and receive a blessing or prayer from the priest or extraordinary minister. To indicate the desire for a blessing, guests should simply cross both hands across their chest.
 
Showing Reverence
Wedding ceremonies and Masses are reverent occasions for Catholics. All guests, regardless of religion, should respect the sanctity of the ceremony by maintaining a prayerful disposition. Guests may do this by following along with the prayers and songs, refraining from conversation with one another during the ceremony, and perhaps silently praying for the couple throughout the ceremony. Above all, guests should know that the ceremony is a celebration of love between two people and God's love for humanity, so it is truly a time to rejoice, be glad and thank God for His blessings.

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