Creating Folded Wedding Programs: A Simple Diy Guide

Folded wedding programs are a stylish and informative addition to your wedding ceremony. They are a type of program that is folded in half or in multiple sections, providing guests with details about the order of events, the bridal party, and other important information. The folding format allows for a compact and organised program with ample space for content. You can obtain folded wedding programs through online printing services, local print shops, or DIY printing. Online services like Zazzle, Vistaprint, and Shutterfly offer customisable templates, various paper options, and finishes. Local print shops can guide you on paper choices, folding techniques, and printing specifications, and you can work with their designers or provide your own design. DIY printing gives you full control over the design and customisation, requiring access to a printer and design software. When creating folded wedding programs, consider the quantity needed, desired customisation, and your budget.

Online printing services: Customisable templates and various paper options

If you're short on time or would rather enlist the help of professionals, there are plenty of online printing services that offer customisable templates and various paper options for your wedding programs.

Canva, for example, provides free and printable wedding program templates that are easy to edit and customise. You can browse their collection of templates, which include Catholic wedding program templates and traditional wedding program templates. Each template comes with colour palette information, allowing you to match your program to your wedding motif. You can then tweak the template by changing the text, font style, size, and colour, as well as experimenting with different graphical elements and background options. Once you're happy with your design, you can download it for your own printing or send it to Canva Print to choose your desired paper quality and material.

Basic Invite is another option, offering a selection of folded wedding programs with designs such as bold damask patterns, photo covers, and modern designs. You can customise each element of the program cards, choosing from over 150 different colour options and 100 different font styles. The paper types available are luxurious 120lb matte or semi-gloss cardstock, as well as shimmer paper.

Other websites that offer customisable templates include The Knot, VistaPrint, Zazzle, and Paperlust. These sites allow you to select a template, customise it with your chosen design, colours, and text, and then place your order. Many of these services also offer additional wedding stationery, such as invitations and thank you cards, that can be designed to complement your wedding programs.

Using an online printing service can save you time and stress while still allowing you to create beautiful and personalised wedding programs.

Local print shops: In-house designers and printing specifications

Local print shops are another option for obtaining folded wedding programs. They often provide printing services for wedding programs and can guide you through the process, including paper options, folding techniques, and printing specifications.

When visiting a local print shop, you can either provide them with your own design or collaborate with their in-house designers to create a custom program. Discussing your requirements with the print shop professionals will help you determine the best approach for your needs.

Print shops typically offer a range of paper options, including various cardstocks and finishes. They can advise you on the most suitable paper type for your desired format and design. For example, if you want to include handwritten messages or signatures, they may suggest choosing an uncoated paper stock for a smudge-free experience.

Additionally, local print shops can guide you on folding techniques to ensure your programs are compact and organized. They can also provide insights on printing specifications, such as full-color printing on both sides or the addition of foil stamping or die-cut shapes for a more luxurious finish.

When working with local print shops, consider the quantity of programs needed, your desired level of customization, and your budget. Proofreading and reviewing the content and design before finalizing the printing is essential to ensure accuracy and high quality.

DIY printing: Full control over design and customisation

If you're looking to design and print your own wedding programs, there are several options available to you.

First, you can use a program such as Microsoft Word, Adobe PageMaker, or InDesign to create your own layout and graphics. You can also use a free online platform like Canva, which has templates that you can easily customise. If you're looking for a quick solution, Microsoft has a wedding program template that you can use.

Once you've designed your program, you can print it at home if you have access to a printer. Consider the type of printer you have—a laser printer will give you a clearer print than an inkjet printer, but an inkjet printer can still do the job. You can also print double-sided or flip the paper over to print on the other side. If you're printing at home, you might want to invest in a paper cutter and a bone folder to give your programs a clean, professional finish.

When it comes to paper, you can use regular printer paper, but if you want something more durable, consider cardstock. Cardstock comes in different weights, so choose one that's not too thick for your printer. You can also use two types of paper—a heavier paper for the outside and a lighter paper for the inside. If you want to add a touch of elegance, opt for cream-coloured, pearl shimmer, or textured cardstock.

If you don't want to print at home, you can take your design to a printing shop. FedEx/Kinkos, Staples, Office Depot, and Office Max are some options. Printing at a store will also give you access to colour copiers if you want a coloured program. Alternatively, you can upload your design to an online printing service such as Smartpress, which offers a range of paper and finish options.

Include: Names, date, headline, prelude, and bridal party roles

A wedding program is a document that gives guests information to guide them through the wedding ceremony. It traditionally outlines the proceedings and includes the names of everyone participating in the ceremony.

Names, Date, and Location

The first section of your wedding program should include the names of the couple, the wedding date, time, and location. This is usually placed at the top or on the front cover. The wording can be formal or casual.

Headline and Prelude

The second section should feature the order of the ceremony, including the prelude and processional. The prelude is the music played while guests are being seated, and the processional is the music played when the bridal party enters. You can list the song title, composer, and performer, but this is optional.

Bridal Party Roles

The third section should recognise the bridal party and their roles. This includes the wedding officiant, the parents of the couple, the grandparents, the maid/matron of honour, the best man, the flower girl, the ring bearer, ushers, and readers. You can also include a brief note about how you know each person.

Proofread: Ensure accuracy and quality before printing

Proofreading is an essential step in the process of creating your wedding programs. It ensures that your programs are accurate and of high quality before printing. Here are some detailed instructions to help you proofread your folded wedding programs effectively:

Fresh Perspective:

It's easy to overlook small details, typos, or formatting issues when you've been closely involved in the design process. Ask someone who hasn't seen the design yet, like your fiancé, a friend, or a family member, to review it. A fresh pair of eyes can often catch mistakes that you might have missed.

Link Accuracy:

If you're including a link to your wedding website or any other online resource, make sure to test it. Copy and paste the link into a browser and ensure it directs to the correct page. Consider using a QR code instead of a typed link to make it easier for your guests.

Read Backwards:

When proofreading, try reading the text backwards, from the end to the beginning. This isolates each word and can make it easier to spot spelling errors or typos that your brain might automatically correct when reading in the usual forward direction.

Check Spacing:

Pay close attention to the spacing between words and lines. Extra or missing spaces can be introduced during the design process, and they can affect the overall appearance of the text. Ensure that the spacing is consistent and aligns with your desired format.

Confirm Venue and Address Details:

Double-check that the venue name, full address, city, and state are spelled correctly. These details are important for your guests' convenience and can be easily overlooked.

Review Special Elements:

If your wedding program includes special elements like song titles, quotes, or religious passages, ensure that they are accurate and correctly formatted. Pay close attention to any unusual formatting or punctuation requirements.

Final Review:

Before giving your final approval for printing, review the entire design once more. Check that all suggested edits have been implemented and that no new errors have been introduced during the editing process.

Remember, proofreading is a crucial step to ensure that your folded wedding programs are flawless and ready for your big day. Take your time and don't hesitate to seek feedback from others.

Frequently asked questions