2 quick Anglican church wedding questions?

Question

2 Quick questions today about getting married in the Anglican church. I just want to make sure what I want would be reasonable to ask the Reverend.

I want to have our old high schools chamber choir to sing at the service rather then have organ music. I want the precession to be " She moved through the Faire" ( I'm not sure who has written it but it's on the Celtic Woman CD.) I also want Ave Maria to be sung somewhere during the service ( it was my favourite piece in Chamber choir) There are a few other chamber songs I like but if possible I would like "Farewell to Nova Scotia" tucked in somewhere because that's where I was raised.

I know some churches are very strict on types of music being played but this should be a reasonable request right.

as for my second question

Is it possible to just have the bride and groom take communion at a wedding? I've been to lots of wedding where everyone is invited to take communion. It can take a long time and sometimes a few guests get embarrassed because they are not part of the church and don't know what to do. Is this an all or nothing kind of deal? I would like to take communion on my wedding day but I know may guests are not Anglican and to be honest I'm not even sure my Fiance would want to take communion.

Answer 1

I don't think the reverand will have a problem with that music at all.  Anglicans are pretty laid back about that sort of thing (as long as you don't have the choir singing Baby Got Back or something) I think you should be fine.  Those are some lovely pieces of music.

That you would have to talk to them about.  I've been to a couple anglican weddings and no one has taken communion so that is an option.   If you decide you must go with everyone taking communion explain to the guests who haven't done it what is going on and that they can just stay in their seats during that part.

Good luck and congrats!

Answer 2

For the music, it's your wedding, you get to pick the music.  I don't think the priest would have any problems with the selections you have listed.  He might even have a couple of other good suggestions for you along the same theme.

As for the communion, it's completely optional.  And yes, you can request that only the bride and groom receive, or only the wedding party.  However, the rubric in the 1979 BCP is a little vague on that point, so it's probably a good idea to make sure the priest on the same page.  There is nothing wrong with you asking, however.

Since you didn't say which prayer book your congregation uses, I'm including links to the service in both the 1928 and 1979 BCP for your convenience.

1928 BCP

http://justus.anglican.org/resources/bcp...

1979 BCP

http://vidicon.dandello.net/bocp/bocp4.h...

May God be with you and bless your special day.

Answer 3

I think the idea of a chamber choir for your wedding sounds wonderful!

Some churches are more strict than others, so you may wish to have the words and music (perhaps bring the CD) for him to listen to.  The "Ave Maria" can be sung during a flower ceremony honoring Mary.  Your Reverend or Music Minister should be able to guide you as to where they are most appropriate.

Before asking the Reverend about communion, talk to your fiancee and get his take.  I know it does take a while, but communion is a sacrament people will want to take part in.  I don't believe it is something you can restrict to just the bride and groom.  The next question would be what about your parents, and it would snowball from there.

Explain to the Reverend there will be people there who are of different faiths.  Usually they will take the time to briefly explain what's going on and let people know they do not have to come up to receive communion.  They will gently say if they do not wish to participate, they may stay seated and have a moment of reflection and prayer.

Good luck!

Answer 4

About the music, that will vary by the parish, so just talk to the priest.

Ave Maria is most commonly used as the processional.

Best time for Farewell to Nova Scotia (I love that song, I'm from SK), would be your recessional. Would be lovely.