Goin’ to the Chapel…

It’s that time of year! Wedding bells are ringing, champagne is flowing, and toasters are abundant as couples celebrate their nuptials.

In a flurry of tulle and taffeta, it can be easy for the happy couple-to-be to forget what a wedding is truly about. Suddenly, conflicts arise over table arrangements and what really constitutes the color “eggshell.” You find yourselves arguing over whether the one-man-band that he wants, which specializes in kazoo covers of this year’s hit songs, or her entryway made entirely of fresh roses and mother-of-pearls is really what the wedding needs. But it’s not only the bridezillas and groomzillas that can send shivers down a wedding planner’s spine. Let’s not forget the bridesmaid who may have considered shoving a flower girl for a chance at the bouquet. And what about the guest who thinks weeping loudly during the ceremony is synonymous with wishing the happy couple “all the best”?

From planning your big day to being a good wedding guest to ensuring the days that follow your wedding are just as special, Busted Halo® makes getting down the aisle a piece of (wedding) cake!

When planning for the wedding — and every day that comes after:
doubt-flash“Sacraments 101: Matrimony (why make it Catholic)”

Why do we have to have a Catholic wedding? Why does it take so long to get married in the Church? Why does the Church insist we have children? These questions and more are answered in this edition of “Sacraments 101.”

(watch the video here)


“Why do engaged couples have to do marriage preparation?” by Neela Kale

Marriage in the Catholic Church is different from civil marriage. It is no mere legal contract, easily made and easily broken; rather, it is a covenantal relationship in which a man and woman commit their whole selves to each other, in love and fidelity, for the rest of their lives. (continue reading here)


spiritmoves-large“How does one pick Bible readings for a Catholic wedding?” by Ann Naffziger

At a Catholic service, the presiding priest or a member of the parish staff will provide a list of scripture readings from the lectionary from which the couple may choose. The suggestions will include options for both Old and New Testament readings. If the couple has a preference for other biblical texts that are meaningful to them or have a particular significance in their lives, the presider may allow those. (continue reading here)


future-full-of-hope-large-image“Why can’t I have my dog in my wedding?” by Neela Kale

If your dog is a service dog and you or another member of your wedding party depend on it in order to participate in the liturgy, then you should be able to include the dog. You can even put a bow on its collar if Fido will tolerate it! But you can’t have a pet in your wedding for any other purpose. (continue reading here)


gradpanic-flash“After the Wedding — 6 Tips for Being Better Prepared for Marriage” by Lynn Freehill

Once my fiancé and I got engaged, I found out that in the wedding industry, they call spring “Bridal Christmas.” That’s because such a significant proportion of couples get engaged between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Come March, they get down to wedding planning, and in the spring and summer, nearly 65 percent get married. A spending bonanza has begun. (continue reading here)


NowWhat-largeBlog: Confessions of a Newlywed Couple by Andy and Sarah Otto

Andy and Sarah reflect on the joys, challenges, and new discovers of their first year of marriage. Everything from understanding one another’s “love language” to keeping marriage fun to ruminations about “the one.”


When you’re scrambling to make your summer wedding travel plans:
graduation-large-image“Pure Sex, Pure Love: Some Tips on Avoiding the Wedding Bell Blues” by Christine B. Whelan

I remember receiving that first oversized calligraphed envelope. I was 22 and giddy with excitement as I opened the multiple envelopes, sifted through the tissue paper and found an impressively engraved invitation. I felt honored to be among the chosen to receive this elaborate missive: One of my oldest friends was getting married to her college sweetheart and I was thrilled. That was nearly 10 years ago — and the bloom has worn off this wedding rose. (continue reading here)


When invited to non-Catholic weddings:
gradpanic-flash“Can I attend a non-Catholic wedding of some friends?” by Rev. Leo A. Walsh, S.T.D.

Yes, you may. While it may not be a sacramental marriage, a wedding is a wonderful time to share your friends’ joy. (continue reading here)


“As a Catholic, what should I do at a wedding when the ceremony is not Catholic?”
by Thomas Ryan, CSP

Be a respectful observer and participate to the extent your own faith tradition allows. (continue reading here)