Ceremony Details

Question

Questions Regarding the Ceremony

Answer

The wedding Mass will be a Catholic Traditional Latin Mass. If you have never been to a Latin Mass, or a Catholic Mass at all, that's perfectly okay! We are excited that our wedding will be your first time! Below are some common questions and answers about the ceremony. We understand that this is likely a new experience for many of our guests. Don't stress if you don't know what is going on. It is more than enough for you to be there and support us! We hope you find it to be as beautiful as we do!

Question

Why are you having the ceremony as a latin mass?

Answer

We fell in love with the Latin Mass over 5 years ago and have been going ever since! It has played a huge role in our relationship and growth as a couple, so it only felt right to have our wedding ceremony in the same church we have been going to for years.

Question

What is the "traditional latin mass"?

Answer

The Traditional Latin Mass, or "The Mass of All Time," is the sacrifice that has been offered by the Catholic Church from as early as the third century. As the name suggests, the ceremony will be said in Latin; the official language of the Catholic Church. However, the sermon, Epistle and Gospel readings will be said in English. The Latin Mass is different from the English Mass, or "New Order of Mass," in several ways. In the New Order of Mass, the priest faces the people. In the Latin Mass, the priest faces the altar to direct the focus of the Mass towards God. It is typically an hour to an hour and a half long, as it contains more prayers and readings from Sacred Scripture than the English Mass.

Question

How do we follow the wedding ceremony?

Answer

We know that a large portion of our attendees are not Catholic and we are so thankful to our friends and family for being there on our special day, despite it not taking place in a familiar context. You don't need to know Latin to be involved in the wedding. There will be booklets available with the English translations of the Mass. The booklets also contain notes on when to stand/sit/kneel, but when in doubt just follow the bride and groom! We'd love for you to follow-along as much as possible, but if for any reason you are unable to kneel, please feel comfortable to sit back. We do ask, however, that guests abstain from talking/clapping/cheering during the ceremony.

Question

Is there a dress code?

Answer

The dress code is semi-formal, black-tie optional. You may notice that the women in the wedding party are wearing veils. This is a custom for traditional mass. It is not required for guests.

Question

How long is the ceremony?

Answer

The entire ceremony will be approximately 1-1.5 hours long. We understand that children (or adults) may get antsy. There is a door at the back of the church (located by the entrance) that leads down to the lower level. The lower level has a seating area and restrooms. It also has video feeds, so you don't have to worry about missing anything!