The attitude and protocole to follow for a religious union is rather disciplined and involves a set of rules that you can not overlook. Some ideas we have in mind such as decoration, music or even for the wedding dress may be a little restricted in a venue such as a church. If you are going to celebrate a Catholic wedding, discover below all the guidelines that you have to follow and that won’t only affect you, as the bride and groom, but also your guests.
Documents and procedures
First of all, you have to know everything you will need to be able to say “Yes, I do” without unplanned events or anxieties, getting over with all the procedures by undertaking them in advance and getting informed on the necessary documents for a religious wedding.
From all we know, all you will need are the following documents:
- The baptismal faith certificate of both members of the couple, with a validity of three months
- The confirmation certificate of both members of the couple, as well as the birth certificate and the civil marriage certificate
- A letter of moral commitment, if anyone is from a foreigner or another religion
- Four small-size photographs and four in pairs in oval size
- Four witnesses present on your wedding
- Proof of attendance at the prenuptial course
Yes, you will need to attend a small course before your wedding, but don’t worry, it is very simple and interesting and also serves as a great help. Your church’s parish priest will help you out and so will your wedding planner, and you will have everything ready for the big day.
Dress code
For a wedding of this kind, you must take the dress code into account, as it is necessary to avoid leaving the necklines and shoulders in plain sight. It is clear that you can wear a dress with a word of honour, a neckline in v-neck or a heart neckline, but it is necessary that during the ceremony, everything is covered with a jacket, cape or shawl. You have to be demure, girls!
Any garment can be taken off when you leave the church and you’ll be radiant for the rest of the day without giving up sensuality and your form!
Transparencies and short dresses are not well seen either, and you should follow the line of white, beige, ivory, etc. tones. The veil is an important complement to consider, as it is a classic element that shows respect for tradition.
On the contrary, the bride and groom have it easier, because any tailor suit, tails or tuxedo will do. But no shorts, of course.
This code also applies to your guests. All of them must avoid leaving their necklines and shoulders in plain sight, covering them with any elegant garment.
Appropriate music
Surely you have in mind an infinite number of songs that you would like to hear on your wedding day, but these may not be appropriate for the austerity that comes with a church.
In any case, it is best to ask your priest if the orchestra can adapt them to the situation, since you must have his consent and benediction.
If you are a traditional bride and groom, you will most probably play J. Clarke’s Prince of Denmark’s March for the groom’s entrance and Mendelssohn’s Bridal March for the bride’s entrance. There is also music during the guests’ arrival, when the wedding hasn’t begun yet, the most appropriate are usually the Allegretto or the Little Night Serenade by Mozart.
And to leave the church, when the marriage has ended, you can choose songs such as Vivaldi’s Spring, Pachelbel’s Canon or Wagner’s Bridal March.
The tone of the music must be adequate, sounding in the background and accompanying the event, not highlighting and capturing all the attention.
Ciutadella de Roses
What to throw the bride and groom when they get out of the church
Traditionally, rice is the main element. It is usually thrown by the guests on the newly married couple upon their church exit, but if you want to innovate, there are other alternatives. You can talk about it with your parrish to make sure they are approved, such as flower petals, olive tree leaves, cotton balls, color confetis, soap bubbles or lavender grains. A different and uncommon touch!
Be careful with technology
In the 21st century, we are all addicts to the social networks, technology and internet, therefore it is normal that all your guests will want to capture the moment, but be careful! They have to remain in silent mode all the time to avoid interrupting the normal developing of the ceremony, and no flash, as this can make the photographer’s work more difficult.
Ciutadella de Roses
Choosing the venue
More and more couples decide to get away from the tradition saying that they have to get married in the church where one of the members of the couple used to go, to the profit of weddings in singular, emblematic ad different churches that both members really like.
It is important to know that, for religious rules, you will only be able to get married catholically in a cathedral, a chapel, a church… and always in this kind of monuments.
If you still don’t know which size of church to choose, you can take a look at this article to help you in your search for the perfect church.
Interview with wedding photographer Jordi Cassu
A matching decoration
Special attention should also be paid to the decoration of Catholic weddings. Flowers along the benches are allowed, as well as ribbons, or a large and long carpet. However, the decoration you have in mind should be consulted with your priest, as he will give you his approval or disapproval if it is not appropriate. Him and your wedding planner will guide you towards the best option.
Remember, all the elements must be placed in such a way that they do not cover any religious image or stamp.
Follow the structure
At Catholic weddings, there is an entrance structure to consider so that everything can be elaborated according to protocol.
The first to enter the church are the guests, who are placed according to the part of the family they come from: the bride’s guests sit on the left while the groom’s sit on the right. After this, the groom passes accompanied by his mother, with his respective nuptial march, and waits for the bride at the altar.
Finally, the bride enters, after the pages and the brides of honour, at her father’s arm until she is reunited with the groom, who receives her with a kiss on the cheek or on the hand. She is on the left and he is on the right.
Respect and silence
Finally, you have to emphasize that, throughout the union, your guests shouldn’t interfere by talking loudly or making noises, eating, or drinking.
Have a rehearsal! That way you’ll be calmer and safer and more confident that everything will go according to plan. It is true that there are quite a few guidelines to follow, but nothing complicated to do.
Remember that when you leave the church the party begins: bands, a marching DJ, a banquet in big gardens full of light, nothing is at odds with a religious wedding! So… enjoy yourself, it has been said!
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Photo1: Kaleidos wedding, Photo2: Mario Trueba, Photo3: via Castillo Peralada, Photo4,5,6: Fotógrafo Jordi Cassu, Photo7: via Monte de Cuatmilla, Photo8: via finca Santa Eufemia
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