A different wording for a Catholic wedding invitation

[UpUpAndAway]

I’m hesitant on saying “nuptial mass uniting them …”

the nuptial mass does not do the uniting of the marriage.

Saying the nuptial mass in which they will be united might be better.

I actually agree with you, but it makes for a slightly wordier presentation.

Bride and Groom
request the honor of your presence
at the Nuptial Mass at which they
will be united in the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony

To help with the flow, The Husband and I worded the English language part of our invitation as if my parents were the hosts, even though we were the actual hosts. (Our invite was printed in two languages, the other being French. That part was worded as if my in-laws were the hosts, using standard French wedding invitation structure, which is very different from what is used in the US.)

The following is the wording put forth by Crane & Co. back in the day, it’s what we used 13½ years ago, and it’s what I based the above wording on. Use of this format dates back at least 25 years, probably longer. I don’t know if they still stick to this structure today, however.

Mr. and Mrs. Parents of the Bride
request the honor of your presence
at the Nuptial Mass at which their daughter
Bride
and
Mr. Groom
will be united in the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony

 

[pensmama87]

I actually agree with you, but it makes for a slightly wordier presentation.

Bride and Groom
request the honor of your presence
at the Nuptial Mass at which they
will be united in the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony

To help with the flow, The Husband and I worded the English language part of our invitation as if my parents were the hosts, even though we were the actual hosts. (Our invite was printed in two languages, the other being French. That part was worded as if my in-laws were the hosts, using standard French wedding invitation structure, which is very different from what is used in the US.)

The following is the wording put forth by Crane & Co. back in the day, it’s what we used 13½ years ago, and it’s what I based the above wording on. Use of this format dates back at least 25 years, probably longer. I don’t know if they still stick to this structure today, however.

Mr. and Mrs. Parents of the Bride
request the honor of your presence
at the Nuptial Mass at which their daughter
Bride
and
Mr. Groom
will be united in the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony

We were married five years ago and that was still the standard wording.

 

[agapewolf]

trying again…

Nuptial mass **at/in **which they will unite…

I’m not looking for what’s always been done. I’m looking for recognition of what’s happening.

In the ordinary form, the rite of marriage happens within the nuptial mass. So saying “in” seems a bit better to me.

I “pray at mass” seems a bit more casual? I don’t think either way is incorrect.

 

[pensmama87]

trying again…

Nuptial mass **at/in **which they will unite…

I’m not looking for what’s always been done. I’m looking for recognition of what’s happening.

In the ordinary form, the rite of marriage happens within the nuptial mass. So saying “in” seems a bit better to me.

I “pray at mass” seems a bit more casual? I don’t think either way is incorrect.

I’m a former English teacher. Prepositions are important; however, I don’t think here it matters which you use in terms of meaning. If you choose “in,” because it sounds better to you, then that’s fine, but most people are not going to notice. Both “at” and “in” are prepositions that note place - because the “place” here is actually an event (the Mass) and not a tangible space (though of course you will mention location), the difference between the two is not as clearcut as it would be if you were describing a physical place.

Now that I think about it, “at” can almost encompass “in” in terms of definition - if you said, “Meet me at the library,” you could mean outside or inside, but if you said, “Meet me in the library,” then you know not to be waiting at the front door. “In” is more specific, but not necessarily specific enough (libraries are big places - do I meet you at the reference desk or in the children’s story room? ).

Anyway, I think it’s a fun exercise, but I would not worry about it in terms of spiritual significance. If you have a preference, fine, but most people simply are not going to notice a two letter difference from standard wording.

 

[Maximilan_Kolbe]

His Blood is red,
Mary wears blue,
It’s our Nuptial Mass,
and you’re invited, too.

Date, time, location.

Probably why I don’t work for Hallmark.

 

[Phemie]

trying again…

Nuptial mass **at/in **which they will unite…

I’m not looking for what’s always been done. I’m looking for recognition of what’s happening.

In the ordinary form, the rite of marriage happens within the nuptial mass. So saying “in” seems a bit better to me.

I “pray at mass” seems a bit more casual? I don’t think either way is incorrect.

I’d go with “during”.

 

[EasterJoy]

trying again…

Nuptial mass **at/in **which they will unite…

I’m not looking for what’s always been done. I’m looking for recognition of what’s happening.

In the ordinary form, the rite of marriage happens within the nuptial mass. So saying “in” seems a bit better to me.

I “pray at mass” seems a bit more casual? I don’t think either way is incorrect.

Yes, either way.

There gets to be a point where a line is crossed between putting a lot of thought into something because it is important and simply overthinking it.

 

[agapewolf]

Yes, either way.

There gets to be a point where a line is crossed between putting a lot of thought into something because it is important and simply overthinking it.

sure. That’s not me. I’m not overwhelmed, I’m not overthinking.

The Bishop is witnessing the marriage, so I do want to be accurate.

 

[pensmama87]

sure. That’s not me. I’m not overwhelmed, I’m not overthinking.

The Bishop is witnessing the marriage, so I do want to be accurate.

Concerning yourself over the theological implications of using “at” vs “in” on your wedding invitations is definitely overthinking it. The bishop isn’t going to notice it, either.

 

[agapewolf]

Concerning yourself over the theological implications of using “at” vs “in” on your wedding invitations is definitely overthinking it. The bishop isn’t going to notice it, either.

Ugh…that’s not what I meant. If you look at the beginning, I was also discussing other aspects of the wording.

And its quite presumptuous to say he won’t notice. He may, he may not. I notice things like that.

 

[Phemie]

Ugh…that’s not what I meant. If you look at the beginning, I was also discussing other aspects of the wording.

And its quite presumptuous to say he won’t notice. He may, he may not. I notice things like that.

He’s going to see your wedding invitation?

 

[agapewolf]

He’s going to see your wedding invitation?

OF COURSE!!! He should be invited.