Advice for wedding Officiant

[EagleJCS]

Chas,
I asked a R/C priest about this before (a long time ago). When in the sanctuary and performing a full Mass with the Liturgy of the Word (readings) and the Liturgy of the Eucharist, a R/C priest will wear his robes (alb, stole and chasuble). When in the field, if possible, he brings a light robe (alb) and stole and dons them prior to the service. I have been to a couple of field Masses with the Scouts where all the priest had with him was a stole, which he wore over his black suit with his clerical collar (I think he forgot the alb). If he's not doing a full Mass and it's just an exchange of vows or something of that nature, he may or may not get "dressed up", whether in the santuary or the field.

By the by, our OP didn't mention which denomination he is from (or even if he's a Christian minister), just that he's the wedding officiant. Some Christian traditions here in the States don't have their ministers dress any differently from the rest of the congregation (though going to some churches these days, the pastor/celebrant may be one of the few there in a coat & tie).


Jock, as Mark said,most folks over here still consider the button-down collar to be more casual. Most of those shirts are of a coarser material (usually oxford-cloth) instead of the smoother finish of a broadcloth. However, some people consider any shirt with a collar (button-down or no) to be "formal".

[kennethrmc]

Thanks everyone! This has been helpful. BTW, I'm a nondenominational minister, hence there's no policy on dress. For this occasion, since the couple have chosen to be married at a Celtic Fest I've been factoring the setting into the dress formula.

I'll wear a white dress shirt (not button down collar) and b ring my tie and waistcoat...decide at the last moment what seems best for those. And...black hose (just on the basis that one can never go too wrong with those).

Thanks again everyone

[mookien]

Kenneth: I think fluter hit on an important point. If you can, ask the bride for her advice. It's her day, after all. The groom won't even notice what you're wearing, or for that matter, even if you're naked. He will be too busy running "I do, I do, I do, ... " through his head, so he remembers what to say at the appointed time.

I'm attending my nephew's Scottish wedding this Saturday. The minister (a MacFarlane) preached in Scotland for a while, but cannot afford a kilt. So, the bride (also a MacFarlane) and groom's family pitched in and bought him a MacFarlane kilt for the ceremony. It's a Douglas Clan vs. a MacFarlane Clan wedding, so "a splendid time is guaranteed for all".

May the Force (our Good Lord) be with you. ;-) And, have a great time.

[Jock Scot]

Thanks chaps.

[kennethrmc]

Excellent point Fluter and mookien. I will have my argyl jacket and tie handy in a nearby tent so if the bride wishes I can dress up a bit more. Thanks again, I'm ready for the day!