[ad_1]
It can seem an overwhelming task when you first start planning your wedding Mass. Even if you have been attending Mass your entire life, it's a completely different matter when you are the one in charge of planning everything. Fortunately, you will have some help from the Priest and possibly your wedding consultant along the way. But one area that always seems to cause unnecessary anxiety and stress is the planning of the music. Fortunately, the Catholic wedding Mass can be broken down into five main parts. Let's examine the role that music plays in each part.
The Bridal Party Procession
Everyone has been imprisoned. The members of the bridal party are all in place. It is time to begin. Typically, there are two pieces of music chosen to accompany the entrance procession. The first, usually more subdued in character, is for the bridal party (bridesmaids, flower girls, ringer bearers, and such). Then, a more majestic, almost royal musical selection for the bride herself. Of course it is also perfectly fine to have one piece of music accompaniment the entire entrance procession. The most traditional instrument used for the processional is the pipe organ, but you can set an entirely different mood for your ceremony by hiring a string quartert or other instrumental ensemble, like flute and harp for example. Do not feel restricted to do what everyone else has done in the past.
Readings from Sacred Scripture
The Priest welcomes everyone to this joy occasion and offers an introductory prayer. All are listed to listen to the Bible readings you have selected. Typically, this enterprises two readings plus a reading from one of the Gospel. The Psalm is a special reading that is actually sung rather than recited. It occurs between the first and second readings and the text is taken from the book of Psalms. Fortunately, many good arrangements of Psalms that are suitable for the wedding Mass have been composed. One which seems to be particularly popular right now is called, appropriately enough, Psalm for Weddings (Every Morning in Your Eyes) composed by Rory Cooney.
The Rite of Marriage
The Marriage Rite is where it all happens- the sharing of vows, the blessing and crossing of rings, and the lighting of the unity candle. Even though the unity candle is not an official part of the Catholic wedding ceremony, it is quite common today. If you choose to include this symbolic moment, it is very appropriate to have it accompanied by some gentle instrumental music or a short, sacred song sung by your cantor. It can be a very touching moment. Just be careful that it does not stretch out to become much longer than it needs to be. Keep the music simple and brief.
Liturgy of the Eucharist
With the completion of the marriage rites, you are officially married! We continue on with Mass as we prepare to share communion. From this point on, the liturgy proceeds as it typically would on a given Sunday. When the gifts of bread and wine are brought up and presented, it is again an appropriate time to have some musical accompaniment. This could be an instrumental or vocal solo, or a song sung by all the people. This is the ideal place in the Mass to feature a very special piece of music because there is little else going on to distract attention away from it. If you have decided on one particular song that you really feel strongly about having as part of your wedding ceremony, I recommend inserting it here.
When the congregation begins coming forward to receive communion, the preferred music is a common communion hymn that everyone can sing together. If most in attendance are regular Mass attending Catholics, a good choice would be one of the common communion songs like "One Bread, One Body", or "Taste and See". If there will be a mixture of Christian denominations represented, a better choice is to choose a common hymn that almost everyone would recognize and be able to participate in, "Amazing Grace" for example. If you are not anticipating a real big singing crowd, then you might opt for some quiet, meditative music being played by your musicians during communion time.
After communion, the bride (often accompanied by her mother, or in some cases the groom) often takes flowers to a side altar that has a statue of the Virgin Mary. She places the flowers there and requests the Blessed Mother to continue to offer prayers on behalf of the new couple. Most of the time, "Ave Maria" is sung during this devotion, but any Marian hymn or song (such as "Hail Mary, Gentle Woman") would be appropriate. Do realize that this devotion to Mary is, again, not an official part of the nuptial Mass, so it is entirely up to you if you feel drawn to include it.
Concluding Rite
You've almost made it! The Priest will offer his prayer after communion and present you to the congregation as husband and wife. Some joyous instrumental music is called for here as the congration congratulates you and you skip on down the aisle to start your new life together. Do not agonize over your choice of music here, as people will likely be too busy greeting one another, wishing you best wishes, scoping out directions to the reception, etc. to really notice it much. Just pick something that adds to the celebratory atmosphere.
Congratulations! You made it! May this day be one that you always look back on with the fondest of memories.
[ad_2]
Source by Luke D Bartolomeo
