Get out your calendar if you’re planning a Catholic wedding.

By Sally Manglicmot, founder of Weddings A Breeze Software Solutions

Many guests who attend a Catholic wedding are not met with many surprises, that is, most Catholic weddings are as similar as attending a Sunday mass.  However, many guests may not realize all the steps the couple took before they joined at the altar.   
 
First, the couple must spend a weekend retreat where they join tens or perhaps hundreds of other future brides and grooms.   If a retreat is not an option, then a series of meetings at someone’s home is usually scheduled.  Members of the church who guide the couples through a series of activities facilitate the retreat.  The goal is to bring meaningful topics to the open that many couples shy away from discussing with each other, in hopes that the couple can clearly see the seriousness of their commitment.  Some of the topics include financial expectations, raising a family, religion, open communication and, of course, compromise. 

The activities vary from an open forum involving all couples, discussions in small groups, and individual assignments.  Why require all this?  Too many couples are excited about planning their wedding (and should be), and may overlook what marriage really means after the honeymoon is over.

Next, the couple must meet one or more times with the priest, or other qualified member of the church, to discuss the results of a written questionnaire.  This questionnaire presents very personal situations providing further intimate dialogue.    

Taking these steps signify the couple’s love and commitment to each other and recognition that the church fully supports such a union.  Planning a Catholic wedding soon?  Get out your calendar to start reserving dates long before your big event.