I am trying to clean up the wedding planning process at my parish and I've hit a question I'm not sure about. With the newly revised Order of Celebrating Matrimony, it says an "entrance chant" must be sung even if there is an instrumental procession. Is that for all weddings, or only for weddings within Mass?
Our entrance chant / priestly (+groom) processional in the OF takes place after the seating of the mothers, but before the bridal procession. The entrance chant happens during the priest's procession. It is done, whether or not there is a Mass for the wedding.
For my own wedding 7 years ago (OF), I had the entrance chant sung as the priests and servers processed in, then switched to different music for the bridal party and bride (If Ye Love Me and Ave Maria...all of it was sung). I also made sure that the congregation stood for the priest. Although nothing is set at our diocese or parishes right now, whenever I am doing a wedding, I make the same recommendation. Occasionally people allow me to chant the Introit! I'm hoping that our diocese will start encouraging this since it is a good time with the new rite!
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