A wedding program is the perfect way for you to remember your day,
thank people who made it possible, and to let all your guests
know who's who.
While you won't find wedding etiquette books declaring a wedding program a must-do, there are certain ceremony instances where a wedding program is more important than others.
If you have either a large wedding or a traditional ceremony a wedding program can be a courteous way of letting your guests know what to expect. A wedding program is a wonderful souvenir for your guests and personal keepsake for you.
Part One: The Wedding Program Cover
The cover of your program can be as elaborate or as simple as you want. The most important details on this page are going to be the date and
the couple's names. Including the place of the ceremony and maybe a picture of the couple or a logo are additional tidbits of information that can personalize your program. If you have a theme in your wedding this is the perfect place to add that vintage seashell detail or an image of a cowboy boot or whatever suits your theme.
Part Two: The Wedding Program Inside Cover
For brides who want to keep their program cover sleek and minimal,
it's best to choose a monogram or a simple initial detail. You can then reserve space on the inside cover of the program for all of the wedding day details. If you chose not to include the date, time, names, and location of the ceremony on the front cover, this information should be visible above the order of events. Remember to mapping out your order of events, be sure to include the following details:
Processional & Recessional Music
A listing of your music not only gives guests insight into your choices,
but also helps them identify songs that they love.
The Officiant's Name / Greeting
Be sure to let your family & guests know who the person is who will be performing your wedding ceremony and declaring you Mr. & Mrs.
The Officiants greeting is a lovely idea when the officiant has a special connection with the couple.
Special Readings
Be sure to name the author of the readings (your guests might like to
read more from the author later) and to also include the name
& relationship of the reader.
Prayers
Prayers should be included and if one is particularly meaningful to you, this is a great place to share it with everyone.
Exchanging of Vows & Ring Ceremony
You can simply list these in the schedule without any clarifying statements. It's really not necessary to print out all of their vows in their wedding programs. (It can also add a significant amount to your design and printing costs).
Communion, Lighting of the Unity Candle, or Special Song
If your ceremony has specific religious or spiritual elements that some guests may be unfamiliar with, write an explanatory line or two about the ritual's significance.
Pronouncement of Marriage
You put this line in your program to let guests know that party time is right around the corner.
Part Three: The Wedding Party Page
When you bring two families together, there will be plenty of guests who don't know each other. Including a list of the bridal party and their relation to the bride and groom will make the reception an easier transition for all guests. It is also a way to thank those hand-picked people personally for choosing to be a part of your special day. Here is an example of how your wedding party section should look:
Officiate: Rev. Ida-May Hanson
Parents of the Bride: Albert & Vera Lucas
Parents of the Groom: Peter and Patty Smith
Maid of Honor: Diane Newman
Best Man: Robert Howard
Bridesmaids: Lorna Johnson, Jescinda Moore
Groomsmen: John Howard, Kenneth Webb
If you would like to include grandparents or step-parents, this is the place to honor them as well. Also, after the wedding party is listed, it is not uncommon for the bride and groom to include a couple of sentences as a thank you to all of the family and guests who participated in their wedding. You can also acknowledge those loved one who could not be there to celebrate with you. You can make your program full of personal details or very streamlined and traditional. The choice is entirely up to you.
thank people who made it possible, and to let all your guests
know who's who.
While you won't find wedding etiquette books declaring a wedding program a must-do, there are certain ceremony instances where a wedding program is more important than others.
If you have either a large wedding or a traditional ceremony a wedding program can be a courteous way of letting your guests know what to expect. A wedding program is a wonderful souvenir for your guests and personal keepsake for you.
Part One: The Wedding Program Cover
The cover of your program can be as elaborate or as simple as you want. The most important details on this page are going to be the date and
the couple's names. Including the place of the ceremony and maybe a picture of the couple or a logo are additional tidbits of information that can personalize your program. If you have a theme in your wedding this is the perfect place to add that vintage seashell detail or an image of a cowboy boot or whatever suits your theme.
Part Two: The Wedding Program Inside Cover
For brides who want to keep their program cover sleek and minimal,
it's best to choose a monogram or a simple initial detail. You can then reserve space on the inside cover of the program for all of the wedding day details. If you chose not to include the date, time, names, and location of the ceremony on the front cover, this information should be visible above the order of events. Remember to mapping out your order of events, be sure to include the following details:
Processional & Recessional Music
A listing of your music not only gives guests insight into your choices,
but also helps them identify songs that they love.
The Officiant's Name / Greeting
Be sure to let your family & guests know who the person is who will be performing your wedding ceremony and declaring you Mr. & Mrs.
The Officiants greeting is a lovely idea when the officiant has a special connection with the couple.
Special Readings
Be sure to name the author of the readings (your guests might like to
read more from the author later) and to also include the name
& relationship of the reader.
Prayers
Prayers should be included and if one is particularly meaningful to you, this is a great place to share it with everyone.
Exchanging of Vows & Ring Ceremony
You can simply list these in the schedule without any clarifying statements. It's really not necessary to print out all of their vows in their wedding programs. (It can also add a significant amount to your design and printing costs).
Communion, Lighting of the Unity Candle, or Special Song
If your ceremony has specific religious or spiritual elements that some guests may be unfamiliar with, write an explanatory line or two about the ritual's significance.
Pronouncement of Marriage
You put this line in your program to let guests know that party time is right around the corner.
Part Three: The Wedding Party Page
When you bring two families together, there will be plenty of guests who don't know each other. Including a list of the bridal party and their relation to the bride and groom will make the reception an easier transition for all guests. It is also a way to thank those hand-picked people personally for choosing to be a part of your special day. Here is an example of how your wedding party section should look:
Officiate: Rev. Ida-May Hanson
Parents of the Bride: Albert & Vera Lucas
Parents of the Groom: Peter and Patty Smith
Maid of Honor: Diane Newman
Best Man: Robert Howard
Bridesmaids: Lorna Johnson, Jescinda Moore
Groomsmen: John Howard, Kenneth Webb
If you would like to include grandparents or step-parents, this is the place to honor them as well. Also, after the wedding party is listed, it is not uncommon for the bride and groom to include a couple of sentences as a thank you to all of the family and guests who participated in their wedding. You can also acknowledge those loved one who could not be there to celebrate with you. You can make your program full of personal details or very streamlined and traditional. The choice is entirely up to you.
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