The Southern Louisiana wedding reception is a beautiful and joyful celebration. It is a mixture of formal and informal traditions. Guests will notice that a structured minute-by-minute agenda will not necessarily be followed, but there will be no shortage of traditions and events. Guests will dine buffet-style in an elegant setting after a social hour and a blessing. There will be the traditional couple’s first dance, followed by the father-bride dance and the mother-groom dance. The dance floor will then be opened for all guests, with the Money Dance to occur at some point during the reception (see below).
The Money Dance is a tradition found throughout the United States, and is quite customary at southern Louisiana wedding receptions. The cash collected is a blessing to the couple, and is meant to be used for their honeymoon. During the reception, the Money Dance will be announced and guests will take turns dancing for a short time with the bride or groom. Before beginning to dance, each guest will pin money to the groom’s clothing or will place money in the petite bag the bride will carry.
The Sacrament of Holy Matrimony is a beautiful ritual that will take place inside the context of the Catholic Mass. The Church welcomes all to its Sacramental celebration! There will be a program to guide guests in how to participate in the Mass (i.e., “please kneel” or “please stand”), but please feel free to remain seated if you are not comfortable kneeling. The Sacrament of Confession will be provided before the wedding Mass for all Catholics in need of absolution before Communion. During Communion, those who are not Catholic are invited to receive a special blessing by coming forward with your arms crossed over your chest to indicate you wish to receive this blessing. If you prefer to remain in the pews during Communion, we ask that you offer a prayer of thanksgiving to God for the special couple.
The expression Laissez les bons temps rouler (alternatively Laissez le bon temps rouler, Laisser les bons temps rouler and Laisser le bon temps rouler, French pronunciation: [lɛse le bɔ̃ tɑ̃ ʁule]) is a Cajun French phrase that is literally translated from the English expression "Let the good times roll." It is a phrase which defines the joy and freedom of the people of South Louisiana.
Semi-Formal Attire
If your invitation says, “…and guest,” then the answer is, “yes!”
Yes! Transportation will be provided.