Joshua Bennett
Flowers are a common feature of Catholic weddings, with brides traditionally presenting flowers to Mary after receiving Holy Communion. This custom, which dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries, is observed throughout Europe and America. In addition to this ritual, flowers are often given to family members and those involved in the wedding ceremony, such as readers, ushers, and bridal parties. While there is no universal prohibition against using artificial flowers in Catholic weddings, liturgical guidelines encourage the use of living flowers as a reminder of the gift of life.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flowers on the altar | Floral decorations should be arranged around the altar, not on the altar table. |
| Type of flowers | While there is no universal prohibition, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops recommends using fresh flowers instead of artificial ones. |
| Flowers for Mary | Although not part of the Rite of Marriage, many couples offer prayers and flowers to Mary before the final blessing. |
| Flowers for guests | Flowers are typically given to the bridal party and parents, and sometimes to grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, godparents, and ushers. |
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What You'll Learn
- Flowers for Mary: A bride may offer flowers to Mary as a symbol of her maidenhood
- Altar flowers: Floral decorations should be arranged around the altar, not on the altar table
- Blessing: A nuptial blessing is given to the couple, invoking the Holy Spirit
- Flowers for family: Flowers are often given to parents and grandparents
- Arras: In some cultures, the groom gives 13 coins to the bride, blessed by a priest
Flowers for Mary: A bride may offer flowers to Mary as a symbol of her maidenhood
Flowers are an integral part of Catholic weddings, and a bride offering flowers to Mary is a beautiful tradition. This custom, which dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries, is prevalent throughout Europe and America. It is a symbolic gesture where the bride offers her maidenhood to the Blessed Virgin Mary and seeks her blessings for a fruitful spousal love. Honouring Mary as both virgin and mother, the bride also expresses her trust in Mary's intercession through this ritual.
The tradition involves the bride, often accompanied by her groom, proceeding to Mary's altar after receiving Holy Communion. As a Marian hymn, such as the Ave Maria, is sung, the bride places a bouquet of flowers on the altar and offers a brief prayer. This act symbolises the bride's devotion and reverence for Mary, seeking her guidance and protection in her new role as a wife.
The choice of flowers for Mary can hold significant meaning as well. Various flowers are associated with different virtues and qualities of the Blessed Virgin Mary. For example, the lily, with its white petals and golden stamens, symbolises Mary's purity and holiness. The iris, with its deep blue colour, represents Mary's fidelity, while its blade-shaped leaves signify her sorrows. Other flowers like gladiolus, baby's breath, violets, blue columbine, and marigold also hold symbolic meanings connected to Mary's innocence, humility, simplicity, and domesticity.
In medieval times, the love and devotion towards Mary inspired the creation of Mary gardens, where flowers and herbs associated with her were cultivated. This tradition continues today in some parishes, including the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., where they grow a "Mary garden" filled with symbolic flowers.
While the flowers themselves hold symbolic value, it is essential to note that the act of presenting flowers to Mary is an external expression of the bride's inner devotion and trust in the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is a moment of spiritual connection and a request for guidance and blessings as the bride embarks on her married life.
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Altar flowers: Floral decorations should be arranged around the altar, not on the altar table
Floral decorations are an integral part of any wedding, and a Catholic wedding is no exception. When it comes to altar flowers, it is important to follow certain guidelines and traditions. While flowers add beauty and elegance to the ceremony, they also carry symbolic meanings and are often used to honour religious figures.
In a Catholic wedding, floral decorations should be arranged around the altar rather than on the altar table itself. This is a general guideline provided by the Church, which emphasises that floral arrangements should be placed thoughtfully and with moderation. By arranging flowers around the altar, a sense of reverence and respect is maintained while still incorporating the beauty of nature into the ceremony.
One important tradition involving flowers in Catholic weddings is the offering of flowers to Mary, the mother of Jesus. This custom, which dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries, is observed by many Catholic couples as a way to honour Mary and seek her intercession as they begin their married life together. The bride, often accompanied by the groom, brings a bouquet of flowers to Mary's altar during the ceremony. A Marian hymn, such as the "Ave Maria," may be sung as the flowers are presented, adding a solemn and devotional aspect to the ritual.
In addition to altar flowers and the offering to Mary, flowers are also traditionally given to key participants in the wedding ceremony. This includes the bridal party, parents, and sometimes extended family members such as grandparents, aunts, and uncles. Flowers are a way to honour and include these special individuals in the celebration. Corsages and boutonnieres are often chosen as a elegant and classic way to adorn the wedding party and family members.
When planning the floral arrangements for a Catholic wedding, it is essential to be mindful of the specific guidelines and traditions associated with the ceremony. By arranging flowers around the altar, offering a bouquet to Mary, and including symbolic floral gifts for family members, the couple can ensure that their wedding is both visually stunning and steeped in the meaningful traditions of the Catholic faith.
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Blessing: A nuptial blessing is given to the couple, invoking the Holy Spirit
The nuptial blessing is a beautiful moment in a Catholic wedding ceremony. It is a solemn blessing upon the newly married couple, where they receive the Holy Spirit as the communion of the love of Christ and the Church. The blessing is an inseparable part of the Rite of Marriage and is performed by the celebrant (priest or deacon).
The nuptial blessing usually takes place during the wedding liturgy immediately after the couple has exchanged consent, rings, and the Our Father. If the wedding takes place within Mass, the blessing comes after the Our Father is said or sung. The blessing places the marriage within the wider plan of creation and describes marriage as an image of Christ's covenant with His Church.
> O God, who consecrated the bond of Marriage by so great a mystery that in the wedding covenant you foreshadowed the Sacrament of Christ and his Church; O God, by whom woman is joined to man and the companionship they had in the beginning is endowed with the one blessing not forfeited by original sin nor washed away by the flood. Look now with favor on these your servants, joined together in Marriage, who ask to be strengthened by your blessing. Send down on them the grace of the Holy Spirit and pour your love into their hearts, that they may remain faithful in the Marriage covenant. May the grace of love and peace abide in your daughter [name], and let her always follow the example of those holy women whose praises are sung in the Scriptures. May her husband entrust his heart to her, so that, acknowledging her as his equal and his joint heir to the life of grace, he may show her due honor and cherish her always with the love that Christ has for his Church.
In terms of flowers for the altar at a Catholic wedding, there is no universal prohibition on the use of artificial flowers. However, the General Instruction of the Roman Missal notes that "floral decoration should always show moderation". The US Conference of Catholic Bishops also recommends the use of "living flowers and plants, rather than artificial greens" as a reminder of the gift of life from God. It is customary for the bride to present flowers to Mary after the reception of Holy Communion, offering a brief prayer.
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Flowers for family: Flowers are often given to parents and grandparents
The tradition of giving flowers to family members at weddings is not unique to Catholic ceremonies, and it is often a personal choice for the couple to decide who receives floral arrangements. Corsages and boutonnieres are popular choices for family members, and they can be a lovely way to unify the wedding party and the family.
In addition to family, some couples may choose to give flowers to readers, ushers, or those involved in the ceremony, such as eucharistic ministers or people bringing gifts. However, it is not necessary to provide flowers to everyone involved in the wedding, and it is common to focus on honouring the immediate family, especially parents and grandparents.
The colour, type, and arrangement of flowers can be chosen to match the wedding theme or the preferences of the family members receiving them. It is a thoughtful gesture to consider the favourite flowers or colours of the recipients when making selections.
For Catholic weddings, it is also a tradition for the bride to offer flowers to Mary, the mother of Jesus, during the ceremony. This ritual, often accompanied by a Marian hymn like "Ave Maria," symbolises the bride's trust in Mary's intercession and honours her as both virgin and mother. This custom is separate from the flowers given to family members but holds special significance in Catholic weddings.
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Arras: In some cultures, the groom gives 13 coins to the bride, blessed by a priest
In some cultures, the groom gives the bride 13 coins, blessed by a priest, in a custom known as the Arras. This tradition is observed in Latino and Filipino cultures, where it has survived since medieval times. The coins are presented after the exchange of vows and rings, with the bride and groom promising: “all that I have is yours, and all that you have is mine”.
The 13 coins represent the 12 months of the year and a donation to the poor, as well as Christ and his 12 apostles. They symbolise the groom’s promise to provide for his future wife and family, and the bride’s trust in his ability to do so.
In Catholic weddings, it is also common for the bride to present flowers to Mary after receiving Holy Communion. Accompanied by her groom, the bride places a bouquet of flowers on Mary’s altar while a Marian hymn, such as the Ave Maria, is sung. This custom, which dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries, is observed throughout Europe and America. The bride offers her maidenhood to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and asks for her blessing for a fruitful spousal love.
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Frequently asked questions
No, giving flowers to Mary is not part of the Rite of Marriage. However, couples who have a devotion to Mary may offer prayers and flowers to a statue of Mary before the final blessing.
It's really up to you. Traditionally, flowers are given to parents and grandparents. Some couples also give flowers to the bridal party, ushers, readers, godparents, aunts, uncles, and siblings.
While some parishes may have rules against using artificial flowers, there is no universal prohibition in the law of the Church. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal notes that "floral decoration should always show moderation".
Floral decorations should be arranged around the altar rather than on the altar table.
Yes, in some cultures, the bride presents flowers to Mary after receiving Holy Communion. The groom often accompanies the bride to Mary's altar, where a Marian hymn, such as the Ave Maria, is sung, and the bride places a bouquet of flowers on the altar and offers a brief prayer.
