So it's been suggested that we put together an OOS so our guests can follow the Church service and also have the responses so they can participate and know when to come in with the responses. Also they can follow the readings and responses and have the lyrics to Hymns. In addition, put in the words to The Lord's Prayer (the RC Church cut it short - we don't have the bit at the end which other denominations have).
So a million and one questions from me:
How detailed are you making it? How formal should it be? Are you putting in every single word the Priest says throughout the whole service and even the words spoken by H2B and I during the Rite of Marriage/Vow/Exchange of Rings? (Can't imagine guests will follow this in the booklet as they'll surely be watching and listening rather than reading) Are you getting it professionally printed to make it all fancy and glossy? How much does this cost? Do you acknowledge the Priest conducting the service? Do you state the music being played for the Processional and Recessional? Are you listing the Bridal party? i.e. parents, MOH/CBM, FG's, BM's, Best man, ushers etc? What if one of the parent's is deceased? And if the other parent now has a new partner but not married and it's all a bit sensitive?
I was thinking a very short personal message from H2B and I would be nice with a small piccy of us from our engagement shoot on the inside front cover might be nice.
Our Priest will proof read the draft to ensure that the words are correct and to ensure we haven't missed out any responses etc. before printing.
Sorry for all the questions!
xxx
Married the love of my life on Saturday 11th May 2013 xxx
Had our dream perfect honeymoon in Hawaii!
CommentAuthorElinor Claire
I would include the words to the hymns and anything else that requires the congregation to participate. Also give the references for the readings and who is reading them, but don't put in the text unless you really want to. List those in the procession and name the priest and musicians. As for key family members, it would be normal to name the parents as they form part of the wedding party, but if there is an issue you need to discuss it with them. You would also name best man and ushers. I think it would be nice to literally st the music too, as people like to know what they are listening to. I don't think it is necessary to include every word of the ceremony, although you might like to have it in print.
30th August 2014 was the best birthday ever.
It was the day that I became Mrs. Dixon.
CommentAuthorsarah
I've been to weddings that had almost every word in and ones that have a general outline and the hymns in it. Are most of your guest familiar with a RC wedding service? I know I'm not and I would appreciate a more detailed order of service. Not necessarily every word but a brief explanation of what will happen and when would be nice.
CommentAuthorDanielleH98
I agree I don't think you need every word but the hymns and when you want the congregation to join in is important. It's nice for guests to see who is in the bridal party and what music is been played xx
CommentAuthorInDreamland
Thanks ladies.
Most guests will not be familiar with RC Church wedding services. TBH neither am I as I've never been invited to an RC Church wedding, only CofE.
Married the love of my life on Saturday 11th May 2013 xxx
Had our dream perfect honeymoon in Hawaii!
I would ask your priest as they will have come across this many times before and will have arranged oos themselves x
CommentAuthorInDreamland
He did give me an idea i.e. the responses to the reading/psalm/Gospel reading and greeting, hymns lyrics and the words to the Lords Prayer. That's kinda it really. He did say he'll proof read the draft. Just wondering whether more detail is needed really.
Married the love of my life on Saturday 11th May 2013 xxx
Had our dream perfect honeymoon in Hawaii!
CommentAuthorLinzi-jo
Personally I think all you need is an outline of the service in the right order, with words to hymns, what the readings are, and anything they have to participate in. If you have too much detail your guests will spend the ceremony reading the OOS instead of looking at you and h2b and actually being a part of it if you get what I mean? xxx
Got together 14.02.2008
Got engaged 31.12.2010
Will become a Mrs on 30.08.2014 xxxxxx
CommentAuthorInDreamland
Thanks Linzi-Jo - makes total sense lol. I need to get this right, it's making me nervous, I've started on it now but worried about striking the right balance and getting it all right.
xx
Married the love of my life on Saturday 11th May 2013 xxx
Had our dream perfect honeymoon in Hawaii!
CommentAuthorsarah
I think that what the priest has suggested is perfect. Could you print up a mock up of the OOS? Seeing it printed up might help you to see if it's just right, there's too much, or something's missing.
CommentAuthorInDreamland
I'll print something up soon once the Priest has okayed the wording I've drafted up xx
Married the love of my life on Saturday 11th May 2013 xxx
Had our dream perfect honeymoon in Hawaii!
CommentAuthor*Jemma*
Order of service Entrance of bride Hymn Introduction Declarations Reading Address Marriage Hymn Prayers Lords Prayer Hymn Prayer of Blessing Exit
General outline hope this helps
Met H2B in 2007
Engaged in 2011
To be married in 2015
CommentAuthorInDreamland
Thanks Jemma That's pretty much close to what I've drafted so far xxx
Married the love of my life on Saturday 11th May 2013 xxx
Had our dream perfect honeymoon in Hawaii!
