Custom Wedding Programs: Make Your Big Day Unique

Wedding programs are a great way to give your guests a sneak peek into your special day. They can be as creative as you like, from a simple black typeface to a custom illustration or even a playbill-inspired booklet. You can include anything from a photo or illustration of you and your partner, your how we met story, musical selections, and meaningful verses to helpful notes for guests and a message of thanks. There are plenty of free templates available online, or you can create your own from scratch. You can also choose from a variety of printing options, such as cardstock or printer paper, to suit your budget and style.

Choose a design template and software

When it comes to choosing a design template and software for your wedding program, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you'll want to select a program that offers a variety of customisation options to ensure your program aligns with your wedding theme and style.

Canva, for example, offers a range of professionally-designed templates that can be easily edited to match your wedding's aesthetic. Whether your theme is rustic chic, vintage, Tuscan, or inspired by Harry Potter, you can create a design that complements it. Canva also offers a library of design elements, including stock photos, illustrations, icons, borders, and frames, allowing you to further personalise your program.

Another option is to use Adobe Express, which provides free wedding program templates that can be customised to your liking.

If you prefer to work from a blank canvas, consider using a computer software program like Pages for Mac. This gives you complete freedom to design your program from scratch, adding your own creative touches.

When choosing a template or software, it's important to consider the level of customisation you desire. Some programs offer more flexibility than others, so explore a few options before deciding on the one that best suits your needs.

Additionally, keep in mind the overall style and colour scheme of your wedding. Select a template or software that allows you to incorporate your chosen colours, fonts, and any other design elements that reflect your wedding's theme. This will help create a cohesive look that ties your wedding program together with the rest of your stationery and decor.

Finally, don't forget to proofread your program before finalising it. A well-designed program should be easy to read, with clear and concise wording. Ask a few close friends to review it for any errors or typos before placing your order or printing.

Include names, date, location, and timeline

The wedding programme is a key part of your special day and a cherished memento for your guests. It's important to include the names of the happy couple, the date of the wedding, the location, and a timeline of events.

Names:

The names of the soon-to-be-wed couple should be prominently featured on the programme. This could be in a large, decorative font, perhaps with the couple's titles (Mr. and Mrs., for example) included as well. If the couple has different last names, it might be worth considering whether to include both last names or just one, for consistency, and to avoid an uneven look.

Date:

Including the date of the wedding is a wonderful way to mark the occasion and provide a keepsake for guests. It's a special day that guests will remember for years to come, and having the date on the programme adds to the sense of celebration.

Location:

It's important to include the location of the wedding ceremony and reception. This is especially helpful for guests who may be travelling from out of town or unfamiliar with the area. It can also be a lovely way to showcase the venue, especially if it holds a special significance for the couple.

Timeline:

A timeline of the day's events is a practical addition to keeping guests informed and ensuring the day runs smoothly. Include key times, such as the start of the ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, first dance, and any other unique or special moments planned. This ensures guests don't miss out on any fun and can plan their own movements throughout the day.

When including the timeline, consider adding a brief description of each event, especially if there are any unique traditions or activities that guests may be unfamiliar with. This can add to the sense of occasion and help guests feel involved in all aspects of the celebration.

Outline the ceremony proceedings

A wedding program is a great way to outline the ceremony proceedings and ensure your guests know what to expect. Here is a detailed outline of what to include:

Prelude and Processional

Begin by noting the prelude, where special family members such as mothers and grandparents are escorted and seated. Traditionally, the processional then starts with the bride being escorted down the aisle, or one or both partners in a same-sex wedding may walk or be escorted.

Opening Prayer or Blessing

If your ceremony is faith-based, include a prayer or blessing of the couple.

Welcome and Introduction

The officiant can welcome and thank guests for attending.

Wedding Message or Sermon

This may be given by the officiant or a chosen loved one and can include a sermon about marriage or a personal reflection on the couple.

Readings and Special Music

If you have chosen to include readings or musical performances, be sure to note them on the program, including the titles of any readings, songs, or musical selections, as well as the names of those involved.

Vows and Ring Exchange

The moment everyone has been waiting for! Be sure to include this in your program.

Unity or Other Ceremony

If you are including a unity ceremony, such as a sand-pouring ceremony, hand-tying ceremony, or ring-warming, list the specific type on your program.

Pronouncement or Introduction of the Married Couple

This is the moment your officiant declares you officially married, and it is a must-have on your program.

Recessional

Just like the processional signalled the beginning of the ceremony, the recessional signals the end, with the married couple walking back up the aisle.

Reception Details

If your reception is at a different location, include the address, as well as a map or directions to help your guests travel between the ceremony and reception venues. You can also include details about the timing of events at the reception, such as cocktail hour, dinner, the first dance, and speeches.

Names of Ceremony Participants

Include a list of everyone in your wedding party, starting with the officiant, followed by the parents of the bride and groom (in alphabetical order or with the bride's parents first), and finally, the wedding party members, including flower girls and ring bearers. You can also add a few sentences about how you know each person, giving your guests fun insight into your VIPs.

Thank Your Guests

Use your program as an additional place to thank your guests for attending and supporting your union. A thoughtful note or sentence will make your guests feel even more welcome.

Recognise the wedding party

The wedding programme is a great opportunity to thank those who have supported you through the wedding planning process and beyond. It's also a chance to introduce your parents and bridal party to your guests, as many people attending your wedding may not know each other.

• List the names of the wedding party members, including the maid/matron of honour, best man, bridesmaids, and groomsmen. You could also include flower girls and ring bearers.
• Order the wedding party members in the programme according to the order they will walk down the processional, so guests can easily identify them.
• Add a few sentences about how you know each person, to give your guests fun insight into your VIPs.
• Include a short biography of each person, if you wish.
• If there is room, you could also list the parents of the bride and groom, and any grandparents.
• If you have readers during the ceremony or ushers, you can add their names at the end.

Add creative touches

There are many ways to add creative touches to your wedding programs. Here are some ideas to make them unique and memorable:

Choose a Fun Format

• Turn your wedding program into a fan for a summer wedding to keep your guests cool. You can experiment with different shapes like hearts or seashells, or print the program onto a multifold fan.
• Create a luggage tag-inspired program if you and your partner love to travel.
• Design your program in the style of a playbill or newspaper, especially if you have a theatrical or literary connection.
• Opt for a cootie catcher or origami-style program for a unique, interactive element.
• Go for a classic booklet-style program but add a ribbon or twine for a touch of dimension and colour.

Include Special Details

• Add a photo or illustration of the happy couple, perhaps with a "how we met" story.
• Incorporate your monogram or a custom stamp featuring your initials.
• Include a meaningful verse, poem, or reading that is special to you.
• Provide a brief bio of those participating in the ceremony, including the wedding party and parents/guardians.
• Add a message of thanks to your guests, and/or a note in memory of loved ones who couldn't attend.
• Explain any cultural or religious traditions that are part of your ceremony so that guests can follow along.

Make it Interactive

• Include loose-leaf inserts with readings or symbols to involve your guests.
• Provide a map or directions to the reception venue, especially if it's in a different location.
• Attach a pouch of confetti or a small treat for guests to enjoy during the ceremony.
• Turn your program into a favour bag with useful items like tissues, mints, or lip balm.
• If you're having a destination wedding, create a passport-style booklet with information about the weekend's activities.

Remember, your wedding program should reflect your personalities and love story, so feel free to get creative and make it your own!

Frequently asked questions