Nuptial Mass - Kissing the Bride - Urgent

[pickguard1]

Kissing the bride is generally done after the dismissal (or at the EF, the Last Gospel, if read at a Nuptual Mass; some of the rubrics suggest it is not), or in any case, just before the recessional.

It’s never been a liturgical act, for crying out loud!

My wife and I were married by an FSSP priest at an EF low mass. We kissed after the very end of mass (that is - after the Last Gospel) right prior to the priest and acolytes leaving the sanctuary. This was something we discussed with the priest beforehand - since it’s not a part of the Liturgical ceremony (and definitely not a part of the Mass) it shouldn’t really be inserted anywhere inside of it. But once Mass is over, there’s nothing wrong with the newly married couple giving each other their first (hopefully of many) married kiss.

The priest didn’t do any “I happily present to you Mr and Mrs so and so” type of introduction that is common at non-denominational/Protestant weddings, he just kind of gave us a nod that it was OK to kiss now, kind of a thing.

Discuss it with your priest, he’ll know what is and isnt’ appropriate. - Of course open mouthed French kissing probably isn’t appropriate in a church ever, and we kept our kiss very chaste

 

[pickguard1]

It would seem proper for it to be done after the recessional, on the steps outside.

This would also be just as appropriate (if not more so) than kissing after the nuptial Mass inside the church as my wife and I did. I think the main thing is that it is not a part of the ceremony and should be reserved (if done at all - let’s face it, you’re probably gonna be kissing a bunch at the reception with all the glasses clinking ) for after the mass and ceremony.

If you really need a picture of the kiss - that can be done outside the church on the steps, too which makes a great picture anyway regardless of where it is.

I would say, don’t lose sight of what is going on due to what is, in reality, a very minor custom. (which in it’s current common perception - that is hollywood style - really isn’t a Catholic custom at all.)

 

[Bluegoat]

We were not married in the Catholic Church but had a traditional Anglican Wedding years ago. In those days the "you may kiss the bride " novelty was unknown. The Bride and Groom did not kiss in church.

Mind you, in those days marriages tended to last a lot longer.

Today we seem to always go for the instant gratification, waiting is something not favored.

I was married in a traditional Anglican ceremony six years ago, and there was no kiss in it. Perhaps it bodes well - I hope so!

My husband did kiss me at some point shortly after the service was over, but it was spontaneous.