The Traditional Latin Mass

The Traditional Latin Mass (also known as the "Extraordinary Form" by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI) has been celebrated in the Roman Catholic Church since the fourth century. For centuries prior to 1970, this was the way the Mass was celebrated all around the world, the same Mass that nourished the souls of saints and sinners for centuries. The priest faced the altar with the people, offering a sacrifice to God, present in the Blessed Sacrament reserved in the tabernacle. With the exception of the sermon to the people, the Mass was sung, chanted, or spoken entirely in Latin. 

A Catholic Wedding Mass has two parts

1. The Rite of Marriage
2. The Wedding Mass
This rite is the essential part of getting married in the Catholic Church - a Mass is not required, but it is strongly encouraged.
In Catholic weddings in the Novus Ordo (Ordinary) Mass, the Rite of Marriage happens in the middle of the Mass. In the Latin Mass, the Rite of Marriage happens at the beginning, and is followed by the Mass, uninterrupted.

Participation at the Mass

If this is your first time at the Latin Mass, don’t worry about knowing how everything works. You can simply enjoy the beauty of this sacred worship.
Latin: To have a deeper understanding of the prayers of the Mass, a white Latin/English wedding missal will be available at the doors. Simply follow those around you for indications as to when to stand, sit, and kneel.

Silence: Please maintain a recollected silence in the church at all times out of reverence for Christ’s presence in the tabernacle. This also respects others in church who are praying. We also kindly ask that you silence, turn off, or leave your cell phones behind. 

Attire: We request that you dress modestly when attending Mass. Clothes that are too revealing (short skirts, shorts, low necklines), too tight or too casual are inappropriate for Church. 

Veiling: It is customary at the Traditional Mass for women to wear a head covering. This practice, based in Holy Scripture and Tradition maintained even before the time of Christ.  There are many theological reasons why throughout history women wore head covering, to read some of them click here: https://www.veilsbylily.com/frequently-asked-questions/#why
This is recommended but not required. 

Main Characteristics of the Mass

Latin

The mother tongue of the Roman Rite is Latin. For most of the history of the Western Church, Latin was the predominant language for administration, education, theology, prayers, and above all, liturgy. It is the language, sanctified on the Cross of Christ, through which the great saints of the Church prayed. 

‘Towards the East’

Ad Orientem – This means ‘towards the East’ and describes the priest offering Mass while facing the Cross. Rather than having his back towards the people, as is sometimes claimed, the priest and the people together face Our Lord, and together offer the Holy Sacrifice. This is because ancient churches were required to face East since in theological thought, when Christ comes again he would come from the East. So offering Mass this way demonstrates an attitude of expectation and vigilance in living and praying in expectation of Christ’s coming. This is also symbolized by the rising sun, which is a symbol of Christ the Light of the World by which our minds and souls are illuminated by Christ’s doctrine and supernatural grace.

Holy Communion

In the Traditional Latin Rite, Holy Communion is received on the tongue while kneeling at the altar rail. Of course, if for reasons of health one cannot kneel, one may stand to receive Our Lord. But Holy Communion is still received on the tongue. There is no need to say “Amen” because the prayer the priest says includes the “Amen”. A reminder: only baptized Catholics in the state of grace and are properly disposed should present themselves for Holy Communion.