FAQs
Question
What time does the Wedding Ceremony start, and may I take photos during the ceremony?
Answer
The Wedding Mass begins at 12:30 p.m. Kindly arrive no later than 12:20 p.m. Please sit on either side of the aisle (i.e., there is no groom or bride side) and kindly sit as close to the front as you are able. Only the first row on either side will be reserved for parents and grandparents of the Bride & Groom. Please understand that out of respect for the sanctity of the Wedding Mass, the Ceremony will be "unplugged." Please have your phones on silent and tucked away before the processional begins and until after the recessional ends. We have hired a talented and experienced photographer and a videographer to capture the entire ceremony. However, after the Recessional and at the Reception, please take all the photos you want!
Question
I am not Catholic. How may I participate in the wedding Mass?
Answer
The Bride & Groom are excited to share their love of the holy Catholic mass with you! We will provide Order of the Mass booklets to help you follow along. At Communion, if you are not Catholic or are unable to receive communion, you may remain in your pew, or you may walk up and receive a blessing. Please indicate this by crossing your arms over your chest.
Question
Why is there a time gap between the 12:30 Wedding Ceremony and the 4:00 Wedding Reception?
Answer
There is a gap of 2+ hours from the time you will depart from the church until the reception begins. This "Catholic gap" is not uncommon for wedding celebrations when the church's afternoon confession schedule dictates scheduling the wedding mass early in the day, while the reception venue has its own requirements for start time. (Confession at Sacred Heart is Saturday at 3 p.m. ) We appreciate your understanding and hope you can use this time to relax a bit, perhaps at one of the downtown establishments or your hotel room. (Some may even wish to sneak in a quick nap.) We hope all are rested and ready to feast, drink, dance, and celebrate as soon as the party starts at 4 p.m! Other options include exploring the beautiful spaces in the Amway Grand, JW Marriott, and other establishments linked by the downtown skywalk. The "Things To Do" link on this website lists several sites a short distance from the church and reception venue (Grand Rapids Art Museum; Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum; Grand Rapids Public Museum). And two of Grand Rapids' famous breweries are a short drive away -- Founders Brewing Co. and New Holland Brewing Co. But please remember to save room for all the food and drink we have planned for you as we come together to celebrate Ella and Brock!
Question
Where should I park?
Answer
Friday Welcome Gathering at Woodrows (7-9 p.m. in the Amway Grand Plaza): Woodrows validates 50% off parking for guests who park in the Amway and JW Marriott self-parking lots, or with Amway valet parking. Those staying at the Amway will already have daily discounted parking privileges with their room block, while downtown Marriott hotel guests have the option of taking the skywalk from their hotels to the Amway. There is also free street parking after 7 p.m. on the city streets near the Amway. Saturday Wedding Ceremony at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish (seated by 12:20 p.m.): There is a large parking lot directly across the street from the church and free street parking in the neighborhood. Saturday Reception at the Amway Grand Plaza (4 p.m.): The Amway has valet and self-parking. Those staying at the JW Marriot or downtown Courtyard may choose to park at their hotels and take the skywalk to the Amway. There also is free street parking on the weekends in downtown Grand Rapids. The Amway Grand Plaza self-parking entrance faces north on Pearl at the corner of Pearl and Campau. The JW Marriott self-parking entrance faces east on Campau St., across from Z's Bar. The Motor Lobby to the Amway Grand Plaza for Valet Parking faces south on Pearl St., perpendicular to Campau St.
Question
What is the attire for the wedding ceremony and reception?
Answer
Suggested attire: Formal/Semi-Formal. For men, a traditional suit and tie, and for women, an elegant dress (long, tea-length, or cocktail) or an elegant pantsuit, are all appropriate for the Wedding Ceremony's sacred space and the Wedding Reception's formal ballroom. The groom/groomsmen will be in black suits, not tuxedos.
Question
May I Bring A Guest, A Plus One, Or My Young Children to the Reception?
Answer
We are so thankful for you to celebrate such an important day with us! Everyone is welcome to attend the Saturday Wedding Ceremony at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Parish. Please understand that, for the evening Cocktail & Dinner Wedding Reception at The Amway Grand Plaza, we are able to accommodate only those guests identified on your formal invitation envelope and at the online RSVP page. Entering the last name of the guest at the RSVP site is all that is needed to find the invitation.
Question
What is the Sunday Mass Schedule for Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Parish?
Answer
Sunday Mass at Sacred Heart 7:45 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. (Latin Mass)
Question
How and by When should I RSVP?
Answer
Kindly RSVP by December 1, 2024, by using the "RSVP" link above. Please note, the RSVP page will tell you to enter your name "exactly as it is on your invitation." That instruction is not quite correct, as you may also enter just your last name and a list of all those who share your name will pop up. You should be able to select your name from that list to rsvp. If you have any trouble and your name does not appear, please try entering just your last name. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Question
Where should I stay?
Answer
For out of town guests, we recommend staying at or near the Amway Grand Plaza in downtown Grand Rapids. The reception is at the Amway, and Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Parish is a short drive from there. Information regarding the Amway Grand and 2 other downtown hotels with discounted room rates is on the "Travel" page of this website. To get the special wedding rate, please be sure to book before the hotels' room blocks fill or expire on 12/2 and 12/3/2024 .
