Here's the lowdown on who sits where
and who walks when at a Catholic wedding.
TAKING SIDES
In Catholic ceremonies, the bride's side is the left side of
the church and the groom's side is the right, when looking
from back to front. The brides mother is always seated last
(the groom's mother is seated just before her). The seating of
the bride's mother signals that the ceremony is starting.
Usually, brothers of the bride and groom seat their mothers;
the head usher can do this if the brothers are in the wedding
party, or a brother can seat his mother and then take his
place with the other groomsmen.
THE CATHOLIC PRE PROCESSIONAL
Traditionally, the priest welcomes the bride and groom at the
church entrance. In some cases, the priest may lead the couple
and their families from the entrance to the altar, symbolizing
family unity.
Ushers may roll out an aisle runner after the bride's mother
takes her seat. Traditionally red or white, the runner was
believed to protect the couple from evil spirits lurking in
the floorboards. A red runner connotes honor, while a white
runner represents a pure path.
THE CATHOLIC PROCESSION
For a Catholic ceremony, the wedding party enters in this
order:
-- The Priest, groom, and best man wait at the altar.
-- Groomsmen (who walk in from the side or accompanying
bridesmaids)
-- Bridesmaids (starting with the attendant who will stand
farthest from the bride)
-- Ring bearer and/or flower girl (child attendants can be
seated with their parents once they reach the front)
-- Honor attendant(s)
-- The bride, walking to the left of her father or another
close male family member (In a Catholic procession, the bride
is not given away by her father; he simply accompanies her to
the altar)
THE CATHOLIC RECESSIONAL
After the ceremony, the procession is reversed, and the men
escort the women in this order:
-- Bride and groom (bride at groom's left)
-- Flower girl and ring bearer (optional)
-- Honor attendants (maid/matron of honor and best man)
-- Bridesmaids and groomsmen, in pairs
Parents leave the pews directly after the wedding party
recesses, followed by the congregation. |
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