7 Things to Remember

Here are a few important components specific to a Catholic wedding ceremony:

1. In a Catholic wedding processional, the groom and his best man come in from the side of the church. Then, the bridesmaids and groomsmen walk up the aisle, usually in pairs, followed by the maid of honor, who walks alone. Lastly, the bride and her father walk down the aisle.
   
2. The priest usually leads the guests in a welcoming hymn, followed by a greeting or an opening prayer.
   
3. The prayer is usually followed by an Old Testament Reading (often read by a close friend or family member), a Psalm, a New Testament Reading, and a Gospel reading (from the Apostles). After this, the priest usually expounds on one or more of the readings.
   
4. The bride and groom then exchange Catholic wedding vows. They can choose to memorize the vows and recite them, read the vows from the book, or have the priest read them, followed by a response of “I do.” In a Catholic wedding ceremony, some priests will allow couples to write their own vows, and others won’t.
   
5. Guests then exchange peace by saying “Peace be with you.”
   
6. After a kiss is exchanged, communion is usually taken. Non-Catholic attendants should not partake.
   
7. The congregation says the Lord’s Prayer, the Priest gives his final blessing, and says “You may now go in peace.” The recessional begins.