Wearing Wedding Band Before Marriage Blessing in Catholic Church
My husband and I have been married under the common law for almost two years. We are registered with the state as such, and it is honored legally just as a formal marriage is. We are both Catholic and want to have a religious ceremony. What do we do with wedding bands? Right now I only wear an engagement ring, but I wonder if it is ok to wear a wedding band, or whether that should wait until the religious ceremony? I don't want to wear one until we are married "by the church" but my husband said it shouldn't matter because we are already husband and wife in the eyes of the law. Please help!
(This post was
edited by TWQadmin on May 6, 2008, 12:16 PM)
Etiquette Now
WEDDING ETIQUETTE EXPERT
May 6, 2008, 2:57 PM
Post #2 of 5
(543 views)
Re: [loridani] Wearing Wedding Band Before Marriage Blessing in Catholic Church
[In reply to]
Dear Loridani,
Your husband is correct. You two are married, so you can wear your wedding band. The blessing of your marriage is performed so your wedding is recognized by the church. It isn't a wedding and shouldn't appear to be one.
Re: [Etiquette Now] Wearing Wedding Band Before Marriage Blessing in Catholic Church
[In reply to]
Thanks. I guess I'm just confused about the whole process. I guess this next question may be better asked of our parish priest, but, don't they bless the rings or something? Or is that just in a wedding?
Etiquette Now
WEDDING ETIQUETTE EXPERT
May 6, 2008, 3:27 PM
Post #4 of 5
(538 views)
Re: [loridani] Wearing Wedding Band Before Marriage Blessing in Catholic Church
[In reply to]
I was wondering this myself. I believe they do. I know that for vow renewals couples will often exchange new rings with a ceremony that is included in the vows. I'd ask. Rebecca Black, Etiquette Now
RevSusanna
Interfaith Wedding Minister
May 6, 2008, 8:02 PM
Post #5 of 5
(530 views)
Re: [loridani] Wearing Wedding Band Before Marriage Blessing in Catholic Church
[In reply to]
As you are legally wed, it is perfectly okay to wear your wedding bands. However, the Catholic Church does not recognize your marriage. For your ceremony in the church, if you wish, do not wear your rings before hand, have them blessed and then exchange them with your vows. Or you may buy new rings for your religious ceremony. It is up to you. Your rings are both legal and spiritual symbols. Reverend Susanna Stefanachi Macomb Author of Joining Hands and Hearts, Interfaith, Intercultural Wedding Celebrations, A Practical Guide for Couples
(This post was
edited by RevSusanna on May 6, 2008, 8:04 PM)
Wearing Wedding Band Before Marriage Blessing in Catholic Church
