(Revised Nov 29, 2019)
The Rehearsal should be a joyful and prayerful occassion for the engaged couple and their wedding party. Since it takes place in the sacred space of the church, emphasis will be given to prayer and worship. As such, couples and their wedding party and guests should come reverently and modestly attired and prepared to fully participate, be on time and with as little distractions as possible. Failure to show up or late arrival to the rehearsal that causes re-scheduling will result in forfeiture of the deposit, as well as for those who do not cooperate
(or their wedding party).
Schedule of Rehearsals
Rehearsals are generally on the evening before the wedding. Rehearsals are conducted by Our Lady of Lavang Wedding Guild and last no longer than 45 minutes. Rehearsals time is at 7:30 pm
(8 pm if the 1st Friday of the month). Please contact the wedding coordinator to make an appointment and the information can be found at the end of the document.
The Wedding Party
The focus of the wedding is to remain at the altar; witnessing the sacramental exchange of wedding vows by the bride and groom. While wedding parties certainly add an element of solemnity and festivity to the occasion, they should not be a distraction from the focus of the wedding. Our Lady of Lavang Church, in seeking to preserve the integrity of the wedding liturgy has established certain policies regarding the wedding party.
The following are the policies regarding the wedding party for weddings at Our Lady of Lavang.
By accepting a wedding rehearsal with the Wedding Guild, the wedding party is accepting all guidelines below.
- Brides are to be mindful of the necessary modesty of dress that is appropriate for a sacred place and for sacred worship. Appropriateness for a sacred place is not the same as a reception, party, etc. When selecting the wedding gown and the bridal attendants' gowns, strapless, low cut dresses or sleeveless gowns, while not appropriate, are not prohibited as long as they are worn with a shawl, a bolero or wrap around the shoulders. Failure to wear the necessary cover (including bridesmaids) will result in loss of deposit fee. The cover is not required for the reception; only the wedding. The emphasis is a reverent respect for God, his ministers, and worship.
- Since the groom and bride are the focus, the number of attendants is to be limited to four (4) couples or less (preference given to less). Couples should strive for simplicity.
- Children are always welcome in church, but often times they find it difficult to stay still for long periods of time, or with following directions. Thus, the limit is two children in the wedding party, and the minimum age is a mature five years old. Children must be mature enough to follow directions and maintain appropriate behavior during the nuptials.
- Since this is a Vietnamese church, we all adhere to a traditional Vietnamese wedding and all members of the wedding party are to arrive at the church completely dressed. We do not have a Bride’s Room.
- At least two (2) people from either sides of the family should be present to serve as ushers. Their primary duties are to welcome and seat the guests and family members, and to aid in the opening of the doors for the entrance and departure of the guests and liturgical procession. Groomsmen may also help the ushers with the seating of the guests if there is sufficient time.
- Following the service, the ushers and the wedding party are to ensure that the church are clean and clear, by picking up any left over worship aids, waste, or other items left by the wedding party and/or guests. Eating and drinking is not permitted inside the church Main Santuary. Water bottles may be kept in the vestibule or in the cry room. Please remember to clean up of it after the cerememony as well.
Flowers & Candles
The use of flowers and other symbols is intended to add to the festivity of the wedding celebration. Flowers are permitted as part of the wedding environment, as long as they do not distract from the focus of the wedding
(the exchange of consent) and do not cause danger of falling, and/or damage to the building or furnishings. Church furnishings and liturgical decorations may not be changed or moved.
Weddings during Lent – To respect this liturgical, penitential season (which does not allow flowers), floral arrangements are not allowed in the sanctuary (altar area), nor other areas in the church. During Lent, only flowers carried or worn by the bridal party (including any immediate family members), and any flowers to be presented to the Blessed Virgin Mary, are allowed.
The following policies are in place to ensure the appropriate placement and use of flowers, candles, and other symbols.
Flowers/Decorations
- Flowers may be used in the designated areas (Wedding Flowers) except during Advent and Lent.
- Flowers/greenery and/or bows may be placed on the pew, on either side of the center aisle using only special floral hangers. The use of tape, staples, glue, etc. on the pews or any other furnishing is not permitted.
- Artificial flowers, including silk or plastic, are not permitted.
- No Flower petals or any other materials (i.e. paper, rice, etc.) are to be dropped on the main aisle of the church.
- It is customary to leave the flowers in the church for weekend Masses and you may do so if you wish. Please let the wedding coordinator know at least 1 week in advance so they can notify the church.
- If you would like the church to handle your flower arrangement (for a fee) and you are not taking it away after the wedding, you may do so. To select a particular flower(s) and colors, this can be arranged with the flower arrangement group. Please notify the wedding coordinator early.
- UNITY CANDLE/OTHER SYMBOLS: Effective December 1, 2019 the unity candle and any non-religious symbols are no longer be allowed in the wedding mass\ceremony.
- No aisle stanchions, lanterns, or candles of any sort and no white aisle runners are permitted.
- No glass\ crystal containers or decorations allowed in the aisle due to safety concerns and liabilities.
- Each wedding party will have 30 minutes before mass to set up and then 30 minutes to clean up after the mass.
Music
An important element of any liturgy is the music. Singing is always an integral part of the Church's worship. Music is prayer. St. Augustine said that
“singing is praying twice!” Therefore, couples preparing for music need to pay special attention to the music chosen for their wedding liturgy. Remember that weddings in the Catholic Church are liturgies first and foremost, and the goal of the liturgy is to give worship to God.
Music must be appropriate for Catholic liturgies; secular music or even popular Christian praise and worship music is not liturgical, and therefore not permitted. Pre-recorded music is also not permitted. Various choirs are available to sing for a fee. Please consult with the church secretary for a list of choirs.
Only sacred music should be selected and no popular music
(Pop) should be used.
Photography & Video Taping
Since the church is a sacred place of prayer and worship, appropriate professional and reverent behavior is expected at all times on church premises. The overriding principle for a photographer or videographer is to be as inconspicuous and discreet as possible.
Couples must provide their photographer and/or videographer with a copy of Our Lady of Lavang Church wedding guidelines. Before contracting with these services, couples must be sure the following policies are acknowledged and will be followed:
- The photographer and videographer must check in with the wedding assistant, priest or deacon before the wedding liturgy begins.
- Pictures and video may be taken in the church prior to the ceremony but ending 10 minutes prior to the service. Please consult the parish office for the time allotted for the usage of the church.
- The photographer and/or videographer is allowed only in designated areas, such as the choir loft or behind the main assembly. The inner sanctuary, area in front of/near the tabernacle, or area in front of the assembly are strictly forbidden. The videographer is encouraged to remain stationary throughout the ceremony.
- There is to be no artificial lighting or flash photography during the ceremony. The procession is not to be stopped or interrupted once it has begun.
- All photos should be respectful of the sacred nature of the liturgy and space, therefore couples must avoid poses that are cutesy, sexual in nature, or distract from the sacred focus on worship.
Below are the proper order for a wedding liturgy; wedding coordinators are not to interfere with this order in any way. Any deviations from this order must be approved in advance by the pastor, and should be truly exceptional and worthy of sacred worship.
MASS ORDER
- GATHERING HYMN
- INTRODUCTORY RITE
- Greeting
- Gloria
- Collect/Opening Prayer
- LITURGY of the WORD
- First Reading
- Responsorial Psalm
- Second Reading
- Gospel Acclamation
- Gospel
- Homily
- RITE of MARRIAGE
- Exchange of Consent
- Blessing and Exchange of Rings
- Prayer of the Faithful/ The Universal Prayer
- LITURGY of the EUCHARIST
- Preparation of the Altar and the Gifts
- Prayer over the Offerings
- Eucharistic Prayer
- COMMUNION RITE
- The Lord’s Prayer (Our Father ...)
- Nuptial Blessing *** (Bride and groom kneel)
- Reception of Holy Communion
(Those who are practicing actively the Catholic Faith may receive Holy Communion.)
- Communion Hymn
- Prayer after Communion
- CONCLUDING RITE
- Thank you from Family
- Final Blessing
- Flowers to the Blessed Mother
(say 2 Hail Mary together)
- Recessional Hymn