Creating Elegant Scroll Wedding Programs: A Step-By-Step Guide

A scroll wedding program is a unique and elegant way to share your wedding details with your guests. Typically made from high-quality paper, these programs are printed with key information about your wedding, such as the date, location, and order of events. They are then hand-rolled and often tied with twine or ribbon, adding a decorative touch. Scroll wedding programs can be placed in a basket near the entrance of your wedding ceremony, inviting guests to take one as they find their seats. With endless options for paper and ribbon colours, scroll wedding programs are a creative and personalised way to guide your guests through your special day.

Choose high-quality paper or cardstock for sturdiness

To make a scroll wedding program, you'll want to start by choosing high-quality paper or cardstock. This is important for achieving a sturdy finish that will hold its shape when rolled or folded. Opting for heavy-weight papers such as cardstock or watercolour paper is a good idea. These types of paper will ensure your invitations are durable and maintain their form.

When selecting your paper, consider the design and layout of your invitation. You'll want to keep the design simple and elegant, allowing the scroll shape to be the decorative element. This means avoiding overly complex designs or text that might be difficult to read once the invitation is rolled or folded.

The paper you choose should be easy to work with and roll or fold without cracking or tearing. It should also be thick enough that any text or design elements printed on it won't show through on the other side. This is especially important if you're creating double-sided invitations, as you want to ensure a clean and professional look.

Additionally, consider the colour and texture of the paper. Opt for a neutral shade that complements your wedding colour palette. The texture of the paper can also add a subtle decorative touch, so consider options like embossed or textured paper for a luxurious feel.

Overall, choosing high-quality paper or cardstock is essential for creating elegant and durable scroll wedding programs. It will ensure your invitations not only look beautiful but also withstand handling and transport without losing their shape or becoming damaged.

Decide on a simple design with key details: names, date, location, time, etc

When deciding on a design for your scroll wedding programs, it's a good idea to keep it simple and elegant, as the scroll shape itself will add a decorative touch. Here are some key details you can include:

Names

Include the names of the happy couple, as well as the names of the wedding party and other participants in the ceremony, such as the officiant, musicians, and family members.

Date

The wedding date is an important detail to include, and you can also add the time of the ceremony if you wish.

Location

Add the location of the wedding venue, and if the reception is at a different location, you might want to include that too.

Order of Events

Provide a brief overview of the wedding day timeline, including key moments such as the prelude, processional, opening prayer or blessing, wedding message or sermon, readings, special music, vows, ring exchange, unity ceremony, and recessional.

Additional Details

You might also want to include things like your wedding logo or monogram, photos of the couple, an explanation of any cultural or religious traditions, and any helpful logistical information for guests, such as directions to the reception or a request for an unplugged ceremony.

Remember, the design of your scroll wedding programs is totally customizable, so you can decide which details you want to include and how you want to present them.

Roll or fold the paper into a scroll shape by hand or with tools

Now that you've chosen your paper and designed your program, it's time to roll or fold it into a scroll shape. You can do this by hand or with the help of tools.

Rolling by Hand

Gently roll one end of the paper, and continue rolling until it is tightly rolled, ensuring the text and design are straight and centred. Secure it with twine or ribbon.

Folding by Hand

For a folded scroll, start by folding the invitation in half lengthwise. Then, fold the bottom edge up to meet the top edge, forming a triangle. Fold the triangle in half, and continue folding until the entire page is folded into a compact, scroll-like shape. Secure with twine or ribbon.

Using Tools

A rolling tool or scroll invitation kit can be used to roll the paper into a scroll shape. This will ensure a tighter roll than rolling by hand. You can also use a tool like a paper slicer or a ruler to ensure straight lines when folding.

Tie with a ribbon or twine to secure, adding charms or beads for elegance

Once you have rolled your scroll wedding programs, it's time to secure them with a ribbon or twine. This will not only keep them neatly rolled but also add a decorative touch. You can tie the ribbon or twine around the middle of the scroll, or you can attach it to the ends to create a bow.

To add a touch of elegance to your scroll wedding programs, consider using charms or beads as embellishments. Choose charms that reflect your wedding theme or colours. For example, you could use small gold charms for a luxurious look or wooden beads for a rustic feel. You can attach the charms or beads to the ribbon or twine before tying it around the scroll.

If you want to add even more detail to your scroll wedding programs, you can also include a seal or wax stamp. This could be used to secure the ribbon or twine in place, or as an additional decorative element. A seal or wax stamp with your initials or wedding date would be a lovely way to personalise the scrolls.

Finally, don't forget to place your finished scroll wedding programs in a basket near the entrance of your ceremony, so your guests can take one as they find their seats.

Place in a basket or box with other stationery for a rustic or vintage feel

To create a rustic or vintage feel for your wedding, place your scroll wedding programs in a basket or box along with other stationery. You could use a picnic basket decorated with burlap and your engagement photos, or a vintage suitcase for a touch of travel flair. For a rustic vibe, a wooden crate or a basket with a burlap lining would be a perfect choice.

If you're going for a more elegant look, a glass vase card holder with a sophisticated ribbon and custom monogram would be a great option. You could also add extra flowers to decorate the rim of the vase. For a whimsical touch, consider a lantern card holder, which fits with rustic, minimalistic, and woodsy wedding themes.

For a unique and eco-friendly option, try a DIY log card box, perfect for outdoor, rustic, or nature-themed weddings. You could also repurpose a guitar case or a birdcage for a card holder that reflects your personality and hobbies.

Don't forget to place your basket or box near the entrance of the ceremony so that guests can easily pick up a scroll as they find their seats.

Frequently asked questions