Catholic Wedding Coordinator Job Description
After the celebrant, the coordinator is the Catholic couple's most essential resource. Parishes with their own wedding planners are especially in demand because of their familiarity with the church, networking capability and nominal rates. The duties of both on and off-site Catholic coordinators range from the basic (presence at the rehearsal and ceremony only) to the complex (providing help and advice before, during and after the wedding).
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Information Source
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Because marriage is a Catholic sacrament, certain rules and criteria apply to these weddings. Planners clearly communicate the necessary information to the couple, wedding party and their guests or point them in the right direction (usually the parish priest).
Advance Planning
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Most parishes require a lead time of six months to one year, according to CatholicBrides.com. If the couple contacts the wedding coordinator first, the planner should advise them of the waiting period and to make an appointment with the parish priest or deacon as soon as possible. Preparations shouldn't begin until after the clergy member determines the bride and groom's eligibility to be married in the Catholic Church. Although coordinators helpwith the ceremony details, their role is secondary to the priest or deacon. For example, while the planner may offer advice about music selection and Bible readings, the celebrant must approve them.
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Networking Skills
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Networking is one of the most significant services a coordinator offers. Beyond florists, photographers, caterers and other general wedding professionals, a Catholic planner helps the bride and groom find qualified musicians, servers, lectors (readers), Eucharistic ministers and other personnel necessary for a Catholic nuptial mass or ceremony. This task is much easier for coordinators who already work or volunteer at the parish where the wedding will be.
Rehearsal and Pre-Ceremony
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All Catholic wedding coordinators should be present during the rehearsal and just before the ceremony. Although the celebrant usually leads the rehearsal, the planner ensures that everything runs smoothly. The coordinator should arrive early, welcome the wedding party and family, direct participants to where they should go and see if the bride and groom have any last minute needs or requests. Pre-ceremony is the busiest time for the planner. Duties range from handing out programs and helping ushers create a prayerful atmosphere to pinning on corsages and arranging floral and greenery. In addition, this is usually the best time for planners to collect stipends and deliver them to the appropriate parties.
Ceremony and Beyond
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Throughout the nuptial mass or service, coordinators provide various cues to the wedding party, musicians and other participants. Planners may also seat late guests. Above all, their direction should be silent and discreet as not to disrupt the sacred flow of the Catholic ceremony. Coordinators--especially those directly associated with the parish--are usually in charge of clean-up. Because Catholic weddings are usually held back-to-back on Saturday afternoons, a timely and well-planned effort is essential. Although these coordinators might help plan and oversee the reception, their main focus is the wedding ceremony itself.
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References
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- Photo Credit House of Sims: Flickr.com
