Weddings
If you are thinking of getting married, it is nearly always necessary to give at least three months' notice, and preferably more. This is to make sure that all the civil formalities and spiritual preparations can be completed in good time.
| As part of your preparation for marriage, you will meet with the priest who will be conducting the wedding a few times, and will probably attend a marriage preparation day. This is a good way of getting to know other couples who are about to get married, as well as to draw on the experience of married couples and others who be able to help with your preparations. For further information, please contact Fr David.
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Planning a wedding
When you both are ready, contact Fr David who will
be glad to assist you in your preparation and registration for marriage here at Saint Felix. Most people are nervous on their wedding day. You'll be less
nervous if you are well prepared. If everything is planned in advance you can
just enjoy the great day. If you can, try to get a few quiet days before the
wedding. You don't want to spoil things by being over tired.
Your wedding
Work out a budget for your wedding based on what you can afford. Expenses have a way of increasing without realising it and it's as well to begin marriage as you intend to carry on.The priest is there to help you through this most important day. If you have any questions or anxieties don't hesitate to ask him. Arrangements for the wedding service vary from place to place but there is always an opportunity for a brief rehearsal. You have to make a number of decisions about the kind of service you want. The priest will explain the possibilities to you. Here are some of the things you'll need to think about.
What kind of service?
There are
two kinds of service in the Catholic Church. One is a Wedding Service with
Nuptial Mass. This is when the wedding itself takes place as part of a Mass. The
other is a Wedding Service without Mass. The part where you make your promises
is the same in each and both are joyful celebrations. You may find it helpful to
discuss the alternatives with your priest before making a final decision.
It is quite normal to get married in the Catholic Church without celebrating a Nuptial Mass. This does not make it less of a true marriage and the service without Mass is equally impressive and joyful. If one of you is not a Catholic you and your family may feel more at home with this ceremony. This is the form your marriage service will take if one of you isn't baptised.
Readers
The minister will read the Gospel at your wedding. There will be other readings from the scriptures too. You might like to ask some of your guests to read for you. They will need to practise the piece so that they understand what they're reading. There are also the prayers of the faithful or 'bidding prayers'. You can write these yourselves with the priest's help. He will have some general prayers that you can choose from or adapt if you want to. Another guest could read these.
Altar servers
These aren't always necessary but
some of your friends or servers from the parish may be used to serving at Mass
and might like to help at your wedding.
The Best Man
The Best Man plays a key role in making sure the arrangements run smoothly. He brings the rings and any money necessary for incidental expenses on the day.
Music
Your choice of music can transform the ceremony, especially if it encourages everyone to join in. Make an appointment to meet the organist to book him or her for the day and also to discuss what you have chosen. If you do decide to include hymns make sure people know them. Otherwise the organist may end up playing to a silent congregation.