Correct Catholic Wedding Processional Order: Who Walks When?
A Catholic wedding processional is a tradition that is followed during the wedding ceremony in a Catholic Church. The processional is the moment when the wedding party, including the bride and groom, enters the church and walks down the aisle to take their places at the altar.
As a Catholic wedding ceremony attendee, you might have found yourself swept up in the beauty and majesty of the event. The bride’s dress, the flowers, the music, and the solemnity of the proceedings all contribute to the magic of the moment. However, have you ever stopped to consider the intricate details of the processional order that sets the stage for the ceremony?
But one thing is certain: each step of the Catholic wedding processional order is immersed in meaning and tradition. Keep reading as we delve into the process behind the Catholic wedding processional order.
Catholic Wedding Processional Order
The guests are seated before the start of the wedding ceremony. The groom’s family and friends sit on the right side of the church, while the bride’s family and friends sit on the left side.
The parents of the groom are seated first, followed by the parents of the bride. They are typically escorted by an usher or family member and sit in the front row on their respective sides.
The wedding party enters the church in the following order:
1. Minister or Priest, Groom & Best Man
The priest, groom, and best man enter from the side of the venue and take their places at the altar. The priest stands in the center, the groom on the right, and the best man on the groom’s right.
2. Bridesmaids & Groomsmen
The bridesmaids and groomsmen walk down the aisle in pairs, starting with the attendants who will stand farthest from the bride and groom. Traditionally, the groomsmen are positioned on the right side while the bridesmaids are positioned on the left side. They part ways at the end of the aisle, with the first groomsman turning right and the first bridesmaid turning left. Once all the attendants have reached the front, they may form a diagonal line so they can all see the couple.
3. Maid of Honor / Matron of Honor
The maid of honor or matron of honor walks down the aisle after the bridesmaids and groomsmen and stands next to the bride on her left. Prior to walking down the aisle, the maid of honor may take a moment to ensure that the bride’s dress, train, and veil are all perfectly arranged. In addition to this, the maid of honor also has the responsibility of holding the bride’s flower bouquet during the ceremony and returning it to her after the couple’s first kiss as a married couple.
4. Flower Girl & Ring Bearer
The flower girl and ring bearer can make a grand entrance together or separately, depending on the couple’s preference. The traditional role for the ring bearer is to carry the couple’s wedding rings tied to a pillow – if the ring bearer is too young to carry the actual rings, then faux rings can be used instead. The flower girl can carry a basket of petals, which she can scatter as she walks down the aisle. When they reach the front, they can be seated with their parents or with other family members, depending on the couple’s wishes.
5. Bride & Her father
The bride walks down the aisle with her father, who stands on her right side. Once they reach the end of the aisle, the father lifts her veil and kisses her at the altar. The bride approaches the priest while the father takes a seat in the front row on the left.
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Printable Catholic Processional Order
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Tips & Notes
- Consider including special family members or friends in your wedding processional, such as grandparents or godparents.
- Choose music for each part of the processional that reflects the mood and tone of your wedding ceremony. You may want to consult with your priest or wedding planner for suggestions.
- Practice your processional beforehand to ensure that everyone knows their role and feels comfortable with the order.
- Don’t forget to enjoy the moment! Your wedding day is a special and memorable occasion, so take a deep breath and savor every moment of it.
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We hope this template helps you plan a beautiful and meaningful Catholic wedding processional that reflects your unique love story. Congratulations and best wishes for a lifetime of happiness together!
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