Documentation

Weddings

Plan and celebrate beautiful Catholic wedding ceremonies with Outward Sign.

Overview

The Weddings module helps you manage every aspect of a Catholic wedding ceremony, from initial planning through the ceremony itself.

Creating a Wedding

Step 1: Basic Information

1. Navigate to Weddings in the sidebar

2. Click Create Wedding

3. Enter the following information:

- Bride - Select or create a person record

- Groom - Select or create a person record

- Status - Active, Inactive, or Completed

- Language - English, Spanish, or Latin

- Notes - Internal notes for staff

Step 2: Event Details

Add up to four events for a complete wedding celebration:

  • Wedding Ceremony - The marriage liturgy (required)
  • Wedding Reception - Post-ceremony celebration
  • Wedding Rehearsal - Practice ceremony
  • Rehearsal Dinner - Pre-wedding meal

For each event, specify:

  • Date and time
  • Location
  • Expected attendees

Step 3: Witnesses and Family

  • Best Man - Primary male witness
  • Maid/Matron of Honor - Primary female witness
  • Witnesses - Additional official witnesses
  • Parents - Parents of bride and groom

Step 4: Liturgy Planning

Choose your readings:

1. First Reading - Old Testament reading

2. Responsorial Psalm - Sung or spoken response

3. Second Reading - New Testament reading

4. Gospel - Gospel acclamation and reading

Add custom petitions:

  • Use a template or write custom prayers
  • Edit the Prayer of the Faithful
  • Add special intentions

Step 5: Ministers

Assign liturgical roles:

  • Presider - Priest or deacon celebrating the marriage
  • Lectors - Readers for the liturgy
  • Musicians - Cantor, organist, choir
  • Altar Servers - Assistants to the presider

Wedding Templates

Outward Sign includes built-in wedding templates:

  • Full Ceremony Script (English) - Complete wedding liturgy in English
  • Full Ceremony Script (Spanish) - Complete wedding liturgy in Spanish

Templates include:

  • Entrance procession
  • Liturgy of the Word
  • Rite of Marriage
  • Liturgy of the Eucharist (if applicable)
  • Concluding rites

Printing Your Wedding Script

1. Open the wedding detail page

2. Click Print View or Download PDF

3. Review the generated script

4. Print or save for the presider

The script includes:

  • Complete order of ceremony
  • All readings with citations
  • Petitions and responses
  • Minister assignments
  • Custom notes for the presider

Wedding Workflow

Initial Contact

1. Couple contacts parish

2. Create wedding record with basic info

3. Schedule initial meeting

Planning Phase

1. Add all event details

2. Select readings and music

3. Schedule rehearsal

4. Confirm ministers

Before the Wedding

1. Print ceremony script

2. Confirm all participants

3. Hold rehearsal

4. Final review with presider

After the Wedding

1. Update status to "Completed"

2. Archive ceremony script

3. Send thank you notes

4. File marriage certificate

Tips for Beautiful Weddings

  • Start Early - Begin planning at least 3 months ahead
  • Use Templates - Customize the built-in templates to save time
  • Communicate Clearly - Share event details with all participants
  • Print Early - Have scripts ready 48 hours before the ceremony
  • Be Flexible - Work with couples to personalize their celebration

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can we have a wedding without a full Mass?

A: Yes, you can celebrate the Rite of Marriage within or outside of Mass.

Q: How many readings are required?

A: Typically 2-3 readings plus a Gospel, but consult your presider.

Q: Can we write our own vows?

A: Couples can add personal statements, but the required vows are fixed.

Q: Who can be a witness?

A: Any Catholic in good standing, typically 16 years or older.

Related Features