Thinking of tying the knot soon? I’ve got you covered! I know there is so much to think about when planning a wedding, but a Catholic wedding is more than just a ceremony, it’s a sacrament. While there are lots of practical things that need to be planned (music, flowers, food, venue, etc.), it’s important to remember that your wedding is a sacrament – don’t forget the spiritual side! The things I remember most about my wedding were the things that were inherently Catholic. I don’t remember my dress, the food, the flowers, any of that stuff—I remember the way we prepared through prayer and confession. Honestly, the days after my wedding were so much more memorable! If you know you want a holy nuptial Mass but aren’t sure where to get started, read on for some tips that helped me!
1) Have a wedding mass. The first step in planning your wedding is booking a Mass. While it is possible to get married without having a Mass, it is not recommended. The form matters—you and your spouse will receive the spiritual graces you need to ensure you succeed in your marriage. Call your local parish and schedule an appointment with a priest to learn more about pre-Cana (marriage prep) and what the Mass will look like.
2) Go to confession before your wedding. Go to confession as close to your wedding day as possible, either the day of or the day before. This is such a beautiful way to prepare yourself for your vows. My husband and I both went to confession the morning of our wedding day! It was so comforting to walk down the aisle with a pure and clean soul, knowing I was in a state of grace and ready to undertake such a big commitment.
3) Pray My husband and I prayed a St. Joseph novena before our wedding. We saw this as a wonderful way to connect and make God the center of our special day. The morning of our wedding, my bridesmaids and I prayed a rosary together. It doesn’t matter how you choose to pray, whether it be a novena, rosary, or spontaneous or mental prayer, just bring all your petitions before the Lord!
4) Stay chaste before your wedding. I know it’s hard, but it’s worth it! And if you weren’t able to do that, know that God is merciful! You can always go to confession and start over. It’s never too late to turn back to God.
Marriage is amazing, but it’s also hard. It involves two people coming together with different ideas and beliefs, learning to live together and become selfless. Marriage is a true dying of self, where you must put your spouse’s wants and needs before your own. You will be much more prepared to do this successfully if you have the graces from the sacrament of matrimony and the power of prayer behind you! If you’re engaged or thinking of getting married, I wish you the best!
