A little knowledge goes a long way in helping you to prepare for your special day in whatever way you choose to celebrate it. In Barbados you will come across many different ways to celebrate due to respect for our residents and visitors from overseas. There are different expectations for various ceremonies and also for civil procedures.
A religious ceremony is a very popular and spiritual way to get married. To some it is the ultimate way, to have your marriage blessed in the eyes of God.
CATHOLIC WEDDING
THE CATHOLIC CEREMONY - This is a brief general guide ... Regions may vary.
There are two types of Catholic wedding ceremony, one with a mass and one without. The celebration without a mass is shorter as it does not include the celebration of the Eucharist; however even in this case hymns and readings are still performed.
Catholics dip their fingers in holy water and bend their knee with the sign of the cross when they come to a pew and face the altar. The service is usually mostly standing. A hymn opens the ceremony followed by:
Opening prayer
Liturgy of the word
Rite of marriage,/Exchange of vows
Blessing of the rings/Exchange of rings
Liturgy of the Eucharist
Sign of peace
Holy Communion (for baptised Catholics only)
Lord’s Prayer and nuptial blessing
The couple are pronounced
Closing blessing and Hymn
*Please note that certain weddings of various faiths or types, may require another additional ceremony (register office will suffice), to make it legal in western society. Check with your officiator for confirmation.
