OTHER ISSUES TO CONSIDER

FLOWERS

1. Only freestanding flowers are permitted. Pillars may not be used and bouquets attached to seats should be removed immediately after the ceremony. Only tie-bows may be used – no sticking tape or other
adhesive material.

2. Flowers brought to the church should be arranged suitably beforehand.

3. The wedding parties should ensure that the florist contact the parish beforehand.

MUSIC

1. The Wedding Ceremony takes place within a liturgical context. Liturgy is public worship before God and so the music you choose for your wedding must reflect the sacredness of the event and be fitting for worship. It is important, therefore, that the music you choose is worthy of such a celebration and that the lyrics acknowledge the presence of Christ, the Unseen Guest, at your wedding. If you have any doubts, do not hesitate to contact the priest.

2. Musicians and groups of singers may not use the sanctuary, except for the singing of the Psalm and Communion Reflections. They may perform from the side of the sanctuary area.

FURTHER POINTS

1. A practice for the ceremony is strongly encouraged. This can be arranged with the priest who will be conducting the ceremony.

2. Please encourage all guests to be respectful and silent in the church before, during and after the ceremony.

3. The signing of the Marriage Schedule normally takes place in the sacristy. The Wedding Party and the parents of the bride and groom are invited into the sacristy for this.

4. It is normal for the Groom and Best Man etc. to occupy the front seat at the right hand side of the church at least 15 minutes before the ceremony is due to commence. This allows them to deal with last minute details, or to have a final word with the Celebrant or Sacristan.

5. It is courteous for the bride to arrive on time. This allows for maximum time afterwards as other arrangements may be made for the church, eg, another wedding.

6. One hour and fifteen minutes should be adequate time for any wedding liturgy.

7. Photographers may use the sanctuary but are expected to act with respectful discretion in keeping with the sacredness of the occasion.

8. Each photographer should discuss beforehand his expectations with the Celebrant. Posing for photographs during the ceremony is deemed inappropriate.

9. A Pre-Marriage course (facilitated by Accord) is strongly recommended, as Church Law requires instruction on the Sacrament of Marriage. An application form accompanies this booklet.

10. Confetti is not permitted in the church or the grounds of the church.

STIPENDS, FEES AND DONATIONS

1. There are NO charges imposed to marry within the Church in the parish. The amount of money you spend on your wedding day is your own choice. The Church only asks that the couple and two witnesses be present with the priest. However, it is customary to make a donation to the celebrant and the altar servers.

2. Flowers in the sanctuary are considered to be donations to the parish.

3. If you would like the Celebrant to attend the Wedding Reception, it would be appropriate to send him, as any other guest, an invitation. Failure to do so would result in the Celebrant’s absence at the Wedding Reception. Please note that is difficult for the Celebrant to attend Wedding receptions on Saturdays because of Vigil Masses and Confessions.

4. It takes a few months to receive a ‘Papal Blessing’ and before ordering, you will need to have a from signed by your priest stating that you are to be married on a particular date and that you are practicing Catholics.

5. For information on getting married in Rome see the website for the Irish College in Rome www.irishcollege.org.

6. If you are considering getting married in, for example, Cyprus, you should contact your priest to arrange this. Please note that weddings organised by travel agents do not always meet the requirements of the Catholic Church.

USEFUL WEBSITE

You will find more detailed information on getting married at www.gettingmarried.ie.

(www.tullylish.com is acknowledged for the outline of this page)