Checklist for a catholic wedding

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Planning a traditional Catholic ceremony requires detailed preparation months in advance. It is important to take note of any parish regulations, rites that must be observed and any other religious considerations as outlined by the church. Once you get engaged, it is important to contact your home parish and ask your priest any questions regarding a Catholic ceremony to eliminate any surprises in your planning process.

1. 12 Months Prior to Ceremony

   • One year before your big day it is important to start envisioning the type of wedding you want. Do you want to include all of the rites in a traditional ceremony or only the necessary ones? Are you marrying within your faith or do you need to speak to your priest about interfaith marriage rites? You also need to decide on a date for the wedding. The time of the Mass may be predetermined depending on the parish and time of year.

   Nine Months Prior to Ceremony

   • Schedule an appointment with your officiant to discuss the details of the wedding. You may need to choose readings, music and rites (blessings) for the ceremony. It is important to choose your wedding party at this point with either your best man or maid of honor within the Catholic faith. Make sure to ask about any wardrobe restrictions as some churches require shoulders to be covered. At this point you will also need to begin your Pre-Cana which is a marriage preparation course required by parishes to be married. Engaged Encounter, Natural Family Planning course and online coursework may also be required.

   Six Months Prior to Ceremony

   • Order and design invitations to be sent to invitees. Pew markers may be a good idea to reserve seating for family members in the church. Contact the church to arrange for you and wedding party members wishing to receive communion prior to the ceremony.

   Three Months Prior to Ceremony

   • Plan the readings for your ceremony. Typically, the church will allow you to use a couple family members to take part. You will also need to decide if you wish to receive a Papal blessing. This is only available if you are getting married within a Roman Catholic church. An official application form will need to be filled out and sent to Rome for approval. You will also need to speak to the officiant regarding decorations for the church.

   One to Two Months Prior to Ceremony

   • Finalize your vows, the program for the ceremony and your invitations. Make sure to include pew markers with the invitations for family members you want to have priority seating at the ceremony. Banns may also need to be published in your parish's bulletin. This is an announcement of your intention to wed. Plan the rehearsal time for the day prior to the wedding and book a location for the rehearsal dinner.

   Final Days Prior to Ceremony

   • Be sure to schedule one last meeting with your priest to finalize any last-minute details. Go over the ceremony in detail and ask any final questions you may have regarding the wedding. Rehearse the ceremony with your family and wedding party the day before the main event.

Source: www.ehow.com

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