Kerry priests clamp down on couples saying it with flowers

COUPLES prepared to splash out extra thousands on wedding day frills are being urged to keep it simple by priests in Kerry.

Clergy attached to St Mary’s Cathedral are asking couples to use flowers sparingly and in a way that does not obscure the design of the altar.

Recently, a major wedding consultation day, with top wedding planners present, was held in the Brehon Hotel in Killarney. There, the focus was on extras but the church wants a more low-key approach.

A Church committee set up by the Bishop of Kerry Dr Bill Murphy to oversee wedding planning in Killarney says over-decoration of churches must be avoided.

“Artificial flowers and arches are not allowed,” said a committee spokesman.

Bishop Murphy has already spoken out about “undesirable practices” such as “the use of videos and cameras, even during the most solemn and sacred part of the ceremony, namely the exchange of vows, and the use of secular readings and secular songs instead of hymns”. He said in order to restore some sense of respect to the celebration of Church weddings, the diocese issued guidelines and a list of suitable hymns some years ago.

Regarding the filming of weddings, the Killarney committee insists that equipment be battery- powered, with no auxiliary lighting. Video technicians and photographers must not cause distraction or disruption during a wedding ceremony.

In the Diocese of Cork, couples are urged to contact sacristans or local florists in regard to floral arrangements for their big day. And, if there’s a second wedding in a church on the same day, couples are asked to look into sharing the flowers and the cost.

Like Kerry, Church authorities in Cork are against “extravagant” displays, which may be inappropriate, especially during Lent.

Priests in both counties are not in favour of maintaining the old tradition whereby the bride turns up late.

They are pleading with brides to be on time out of consideration for all concerned.