Good to Know
Information & Questions
I'm not Catholic — what should I expect during the ceremony, and what shouldn't I do?
You're warmly welcome, and there's no expectation that you know the ritual. Our ceremony will be a Nuptial Mass, which runs a little longer than a typical wedding ceremony — usually 45 minutes to an hour — and includes Communion partway through. A simple rule of thumb: stand, sit, or kneel along with everyone around you. No one will notice if you're half a beat behind. When it's time for Communion, the congregation will process to the front of the church. This part is reserved for practicing Catholics who've received the sacraments. If you'd rather not receive Communion, you're welcome to either stay seated, or walk forward with your arms crossed over your chest to receive a blessing from the priest instead — both are completely normal and expected. At one point the priest will invite everyone to offer a "sign of peace" — you'll simply shake hands with those near you and say "peace be with you" or similar. It's a warm moment, not a formal one.
What will the weather look like?
Late October in Knoxville runs cool and crisp — expect daytime highs in the mid-to-upper 60s°F, with evenings dropping into the mid-40s°F. October is also one of the driest months of the year here, so rain is unlikely but not impossible. Since the ceremony is in the afternoon and the day cools quickly once the sun goes down, we'd suggest layering — a light jacket, wrap, or blazer that works over your outfit for the reception, since you'll likely want it by evening even if the afternoon feels mild.
Can I bring a plus-one?
We've addressed this individually on each invitation — some include a plus-one, some don't, simply due to space. If you're unsure, check your invite, or reach out to us directly and we're happy to clarify.
Don't see your question here? Reach out to us directly and we're glad to help.