A wedding mass booklet, sometimes called an order of service, guides guests through a Catholic ceremony in Ireland. It usually includes a cover with your names, date and church, then the running order: entrance, readings by reference, the Rite of Marriage, prayers of the faithful, the Liturgy of the Eucharist, signing of the register and a thank you.
At a glance
- Cover: your names, the date, the church and town.
- Inside: the order of the ceremony, readings and readers, the psalm response, prayers of the faithful, music, and a thank you.
- Readings: list them by scripture reference with the reader's name; full texts are optional.
- Page count: 8 pages for a ceremony without Mass, 12 or 16 pages for a full Mass.
- Quantity: one per couple or household, plus extras for the altar, readers and keepsakes.
- Simpler option: a single order of service card or an order of service fan.
What is the order of a Catholic wedding Mass in Ireland?
A Catholic wedding Mass follows the shape of a normal Mass, with the Rite of Marriage placed after the homily. Your priest will confirm the exact order, but most booklets follow this structure:
- Introductory rites: the processional, the greeting and welcome, the penitential act, and the opening prayer.
- Liturgy of the Word: first reading, responsorial psalm, second reading, gospel acclamation, gospel and homily.
- Rite of Marriage: the questions before consent, the exchange of consent (your vows), and the blessing and exchange of rings.
- Prayers of the faithful.
- Liturgy of the Eucharist: presentation of the gifts, the Eucharistic prayer, the Lord's Prayer, the nuptial blessing, the sign of peace and Holy Communion.
- Concluding rites: the signing of the register (often during a reflection or piece of music), the final blessing and the recessional.
What is the order of a Catholic ceremony without Mass?
Many couples in Ireland choose a Catholic wedding ceremony without Mass. It is shorter and works well when many guests are not Catholic. The running order usually looks like this:
- Processional, greeting and opening prayer.
- Liturgy of the Word: readings, psalm, gospel and homily.
- Rite of Marriage: consent, vows and exchange of rings.
- Prayers of the faithful, followed by the Lord's Prayer and the nuptial blessing.
- Signing of the register, final blessing and recessional.
Because there is no Liturgy of the Eucharist, a booklet for a ceremony without Mass often fits comfortably into 8 pages.
What goes on the cover of a mass booklet?
Keep the cover simple: your names, the date written out, the name of the church and the town. Some couples add a line such as "The Celebration of the Marriage of" above their names, or a small illustration of the church.
The cover is where paper and finish matter most. A textured Italian stock such as Tintoretto Gesso with gold foil lettering, or a blind embossed monogram, makes the booklet feel like a keepsake. See our paper guide to compare stocks.
What goes inside a wedding mass booklet?
The inside pages follow the order of the ceremony. For each part, list the title, the name of anyone taking part, and any music. Typical inside pages include:
- A welcome note and the names of your celebrant and wedding party.
- The processional music.
- Each reading with its scripture reference and reader's name.
- The psalm response, so guests can join in.
- Your prayers of the faithful and who is reading them.
- Hymns or music at the offertory, Communion and signing of the register (titles only, unless your musician confirms you may print lyrics).
- A remembrance of loved ones who have died, if you wish.
- A thank you on the back page.
Which Catholic wedding readings can you choose?
Readings are chosen from the approved Lectionary for marriage. Your priest can give you the full list; these are some of the most popular. Listing them by reference in your booklet is perfectly correct.
First reading
- Genesis 2:18-24
- Song of Songs 2:8-10, 14, 16; 8:6-7
- Tobit 8:4-8
Responsorial psalm
- Psalm 33 (numbered 34 in some Bibles)
- Psalm 127 (numbered 128 in some Bibles)
Print the response line in your booklet so guests can join in. Your cantor or reader will lead it.
Second reading
- 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:8
- Colossians 3:12-17
- 1 John 4:7-12
Gospel
- John 15:9-12
- Matthew 5:1-12
- John 2:1-11
The gospel is read by the priest or deacon, so you only need to list the reference.
How do you write prayers of the faithful for a wedding?
The prayers of the faithful are short intentions read by family or friends. Most couples include five to seven. A common pattern is to pray for the Church, for the couple, for both families, for those who could not be there, for those who have died, and for the wider world.
Keep each prayer to two or three sentences, written in your own words. Each ends with the reader saying "Lord, hear us" and everyone responding "Lord, graciously hear us." Here are two original examples you are welcome to adapt:
For the couple: We pray for Niamh and Conor as they begin their married life together. May their home always be a place of welcome, patience and laughter. Lord, hear us.
For those who have died: We remember with love the grandparents and friends who are not with us today but who shaped the people Niamh and Conor have become. May they rest in peace. Lord, hear us.
Print each reader's name above their prayer so they know their place, and give them a copy in advance.
How should you thank people in a mass booklet?
The back page is the natural place for thanks. Mention your celebrant, readers, musicians and both families, and thank guests for travelling to share the day.
If you would like to remember someone who has died, a short line such as "We hold in our hearts those who are with us in spirit today" sits gently on the inside back cover.
How many pages should a wedding mass booklet have?
Booklets are printed on folded sheets, so page counts go up in fours.
| Pages | Best for |
|---|---|
| 8 pages | A ceremony without Mass, with readings listed by reference. |
| 12 pages | A full wedding Mass with readings by reference and hymn titles. |
| 16 pages | A full Mass with readings printed in full, music details and a longer thank you. |
How many mass booklets do you need?
Order one per couple or household, plus extras. Couples and families tend to share, so you rarely need one per guest. Add copies for the celebrant, readers, musicians, the wedding party and a few to keep. Our wedding stationery checklist has quantity guidance for every item.
Do you need a full booklet, or will a card do?
For shorter ceremonies, a single order of service card listing the running order and readers is elegant and easy to read. For summer weddings, an order of service fan is a lovely practical choice. Both pair well with the rest of your wedding stationery.
On-the-day stationery, including mass booklets, is produced within 7 to 10 working days of proof approval. Order around 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding, as set out in our stationery timeline.
Frequently asked questions
Is a mass booklet the same as an order of service?
Yes, the terms are used interchangeably in Ireland. A mass booklet usually refers to a Catholic wedding Mass, while order of service is used for any ceremony.
Do you have to print the readings in full?
No. Listing each reading by its scripture reference and reader's name is correct and keeps the booklet shorter. Printing them in full is a personal choice.
How many prayers of the faithful should there be at a wedding?
Most couples include five to seven short prayers. Each is read by a different family member or friend and ends with "Lord, hear us."
Who checks the mass booklet before printing?
Ask your priest to review the running order and readings before you approve your final proof. We send a digital proof so you can share it easily.
When should you order mass booklets?
Order 6 to 8 weeks before the wedding. Booklets are produced within 7 to 10 working days of approving your proof.
If you would like help shaping your ceremony booklet, we are always happy to talk it through. Request a quote and tell us a little about your day.
