Inexpensive Wedding Programs: Creative Diy Ideas To Save Costs

how to make inexpensive wedding programs

Planning a wedding can be stressful and expensive. Wedding programs are a great way to add a personalised touch to your ceremony, but they can also add to the cost. However, there are ways to create inexpensive wedding programs that look elegant and professional. In this article, we will explore different options for creating affordable wedding programs, from choosing simple and elegant designs to using online tools and templates. We will also discuss the key information to include in your wedding program and how to personalise it to match your wedding theme. By the end, you should have all the tools you need to create beautiful and inexpensive wedding programs.

Characteristics Values
Cost Inexpensive
Customisation Customisable
Design Various designs available, including classic, vintage, Tuscan, Harry Potter-inspired, rustic, chic, etc.
Size 4" x 6", 4" x 9.25", 5.5" x 5.5", 8.5" x 5.5", 4.25" x 11"
Features Photos, illustrations, icons, borders, frames, graphics, text boxes, colour schemes, backgrounds
Personalisation Upload your own images, photos, or artwork
Printing Print-ready PDFs, print copies
Distribution Placed on chairs, handed out by groomsmen, placed in a basket at the entrance

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Choose a design that matches your wedding theme

When it comes to wedding programs, you can let your creativity run wild. There are many ways to design a wedding program that matches your wedding theme without breaking the bank.

If you're going for a rustic chic, vintage, Tuscan, or even Harry Potter-inspired wedding theme, you can create a design that complements it. For example, if you're having a rustic wedding, you might opt for a country western or woodgrain style program adorned with sunflowers. You can also incorporate sweeping fonts and sophisticated layouts for a touch of elegance.

Using photos from your engagement session or casual snapshots is another way to personalise your wedding programs without spending a fortune. Basic Invite, for instance, offers customisable and inexpensive wedding programs that allow you to choose the perfect font and design.

If you're looking for ready-made templates, Canva has a collection of professionally-designed options that you can edit to match your wedding theme. You can also upload your own images, photos, or artwork to add a more personal touch.

The Knot also offers a range of unique wedding program ideas, such as playbill-inspired programs that feature the couple as the stars, or confetti-stuffed programs that guests can toss during the recessional.

Whatever theme you choose for your wedding, there are plenty of ways to design a wedding program that complements it without blowing your budget.

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Include your names, date, location, and monogram

Including your names, the date, location, and monogram on your wedding programs is a great way to add a personal touch to your special day without breaking the bank. Here are some tips and ideas to help you incorporate these elements into your wedding programs:

Names:

List your names at the top of the program, under the "cover page" section. This is a great way to introduce yourselves to your guests and set the tone for the event. If you have a specific way you'd like to be addressed (for example, Mr. and Mrs.), be sure to include that as well.

Date and Location:

Including the date and location of your wedding is not only practical for your guests but also adds a sweet, nostalgic touch. Even though your guests will already be at your wedding, including this information will serve as a reminder of the specifics of your special day when they look back on the programs in the future.

Monogram:

A monogram is a beautiful way to add a unique and elegant touch to your wedding programs. You can create a free monogram online or design one yourself. Play around with different fonts, letter orders, and design styles to create a monogram that represents both of you. Your monogram can be included in various ways, such as on the cover page, as a decorative element throughout the program, or even as part of the paper design or envelope lining.

Inexpensive Ideas:

There are many ways to create elegant and personalised wedding programs without spending a fortune. Here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Use an online design platform like Canva to create your own wedding programs. They offer a range of templates, images, and design elements that you can use for free or at a low cost.
  • Opt for a classic, single-page program with a simple design. You can use thicker card stock or coloured paper to add a touch of elegance.
  • Create a DIY program by printing the ceremony details on craft paper and tying it with a ribbon, or folding it into a unique shape like a heart or a triangle.
  • Display your wedding program on a mirror, window, chalkboard, or wooden sign at the entrance of your venue, rather than printing individual programs for each guest.
  • Include your monogram and ceremony details on a luggage tag, handkerchief, or confetti-filled envelope for a unique and memorable program.

Remember, your wedding program is a fun way to express your creativity and share the joy of your special day with your guests. By incorporating your names, date, location, and monogram, you can create a personalised memento that you and your guests will cherish for years to come.

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Outline the ceremony events

The ceremony is the part of the day that makes your union official, so it's important to get it right. Here is a breakdown of how some popular cultures and religions conduct their wedding ceremonies.

Traditional Wedding Ceremony Order Outline

The first up in the wedding ceremony order of events is getting the VIPs—immediate family, wedding party, and the couple—down the aisle. The procession starts with the officiant and follows with the groom (or whichever partner wants to go first for queer/nonbinary couples). They can walk down the aisle with their parents or alone. Next, the groom's wedding party and honour attendants (best man) make their way to the altar. Then, the maid of honor, bridesmaids, flower girl, and ring bearer head down and take their places before the bride (or second partner) enters, escorted by a parent or alone.

Opening Remarks From the Officiant

An officiant's first few phrases are also called the invocation. Once everyone is in place at the altar, the officiant welcomes everyone to the wedding ceremony and thanks the guests for being present as witnesses. Here is when the officiant might speak about marriage in general and your love story, if you choose.

Wedding Readings or Poems

While these passages are pulled from holy texts in religious ceremonies, you can incorporate any lines and verses that speak to you as a couple. Look to poems, spiritual texts, or even your favourite book or movie for inspiration. Many couples ask family members or friends to come up to the altar and recite their chosen readings after being introduced by the officiant.

Vow Exchange and Declaration of Intent

Whether you write your own or stick to the classic sentiments, this is where you speak about what you're promising to your partner. You can deliver your vows publicly or privately if you want more intimacy. Then comes the declaration of intent (aka the "I do"s). The legally binding part of the ceremony is when you and your partner verbally acknowledge that you're both choosing to be there and marry each other.

Ring Exchange

After the declaration of intent and vow exchange, you and your partner swap rings. The officiant first gives each of you the other's wedding ring. You can take a moment to say some kind words about why the wedding ring is significant to you and your marriage, if you'd like.

Pronouncement and First Kiss

It's official! The officiant will pronounce you and your partner as newlyweds and say you can finally have your first kiss as a married couple.

Recessional

The recessional generally follows the reverse order of the processional, so the couple leads the way, and the officiant is the last to leave. The officiant may exit down the centre of the aisle or to the side after giving closing remarks and offering instructions to the wedding guests.

Christian Wedding Ceremony Order

  • In the processional, the parents of the groom follow the officiant, then the mother of the bride, groom, best man, and maid of honor (walking together), groomsmen and bridesmaids (escorting each other), ring bearer and flower girl. Finally, the bride and father of the bride walk down the aisle.
  • The officiant welcomes the guests and makes their remarks.
  • Then come the wedding readings and vow exchange.
  • A brief prayer is spoken over the wedding rings before the bands are exchanged.
  • The officiant pronounces them newlyweds, and the couple shares their first kiss as a married couple.
  • Finally, the recessional follows the reverse order of the processional.

Jewish Wedding Ceremony Order

  • Ahead of the processional, the couple must sign the ketubah (a marriage contract) and perform the bedeken (the veiling ritual).
  • A traditional Jewish processional starts with the rabbi and cantor, followed by the bride's grandparents and the groom's grandparents. Next, the groomsmen (walking in pairs), best man, the groom escorted by his parents, the bridesmaids (walking in pairs), the maid of honor, and the ring bearer and flower girl (optional). Then comes the bride, escorted by her parents.
  • The couple arrives under the chuppah (a canopy representing love, home, and support from loved ones).
  • Next is the betrothal blessing. The rabbi blesses a cup of wine, and the couple drinks from the cup.
  • The couple exchanges rings as the rabbi reads from the ketubah.
  • The rabbi or another honoured loved one recites the Sheva Brachot (Seven Blessings) over a second cup of wine, and the couple drinks from that cup.
  • Then, the groom stomps on a glass wrapped in a cloth bag, and everyone shouts "mazel tov" (congratulations).
  • The couple starts the recessional, followed by the bride's and groom's parents, grandparents, ring bearer, flower girl

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Add a thank you message to your guests

Adding a thank-you message to your wedding guests is an important part of your wedding program. It's a chance to express your gratitude and make your guests feel appreciated and valued. Here are some tips and ideas to help you craft heartfelt and meaningful thank-you messages:

Plan Ahead:

It's essential to set aside time after your wedding to write personalised thank-you messages to your guests. Sending them out within two to three months is generally considered appropriate. Create a list of all the guests and the gifts they gave to help you keep track.

Start with a Greeting:

Begin your message with a simple "Dear [Guest's Name]". If addressing a family, include the entire family. Using their first name is also an option, especially if you have a closer relationship with the guest.

Express Gratitude for Their Attendance:

Let your guests know how much their presence meant to you and your partner. You can say something like, "Thank you for joining us on one of the most important days of our lives." Mention how their presence made your day more special, joyful, and meaningful.

Thank Them for Their Gift:

If your guests brought or sent gifts, be sure to mention and thank them for their thoughtfulness. You can say, "Your generous gift towards our down payment was so thoughtful. We are thrilled to be one step closer to our dream home." Or, if they contributed to a specific fund, like a honeymoon or home renovation, let them know how you plan to use their gift.

Personalise Your Message:

Include something specific about the guest, such as a shared memory or a special moment during the wedding. This shows that you took the time to reflect on their presence and that it meant something to you. You could say, "It was so wonderful to share our first dance with you on the dance floor. We'll always remember your kind smile and warm wishes."

Look to the Future:

Express your excitement for future gatherings and how you plan to use their gift. This gives your guests a sense of connection and anticipation. For example, "We can't wait to see you again soon and share more happy moments. Your gift will be put towards creating new memories together."

End with a Thoughtful Sign-Off:

Use phrases like "Warm regards," "With love," or "Sincerely," followed by your name and your partner's name.

Remember, your wedding thank-you messages don't have to be lengthy. A short and sincere message expressing your gratitude is sufficient. You can also add extra flourishes for close friends and family or include a favourite quote about love and marriage.

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Recognise your wedding party

Your wedding day is a celebration of your love and a recognition of the support you've received from your nearest and dearest. It's also a chance to honour those who have helped you get to this point in your life. Here are some ways to recognise your wedding party and other important people in your life:

Involve them in the ceremony

Ask your wedding party to proceed down the aisle. If you're getting married outside of a religious institution, there's no requirement to have certain people walk down the aisle. This means you can invite any VIP you want to be part of the processional. You can also ask them to give a short speech, reading, or performance during the ceremony.

Give them flowers or a boutonnière

Flowers or a boutonnière are a great way to physically mark someone as a VIP. You could also give them a corsage or bouquet.

Reserve them a seat

Reserve a front-row seat for your VIPs by placing a bouquet of flowers on the chair or blocking off the seat with ribbons and a custom sign.

Include them in the wedding program

The wedding program is a great place to list your wedding party and thank your guests. You can also include a symbolic quote or a simple "In Loving Memory Of" tribute.

Give them a shout-out in a speech or toast

Not everyone likes public speaking, but inviting your VIPs to give a speech or toast is a great way to honour them and give them a chance to share their wishes for your marriage. If they'd prefer to speak to a smaller crowd, consider having this toast during a smaller pre- or post-wedding function.

Play a song that reminds you of them

Pick a tune that holds meaning, like a song you'd always sing together or dance to at home.

Display photos or heirlooms

Tap into the "something old, something new" tradition by proudly displaying family photos and heirlooms or anything else that reminds you of your VIPs.

Write a thank-you note

Share how your VIP continues to show up positively in your life and why you're grateful for them.

Ask them to help with wedding tasks

Your wedding party can help with setting up decor and flowers, making sure you have food and beverages throughout the day, driving you to and from various locations, holding any flowers or rings during the ceremony, and checking in with you to see if you need anything.

Remember, your wedding day is about you and your partner. Choose the people who will support your vision for the day and be there for you in the years to come.

Frequently asked questions

A wedding program should include the date, time and location of the wedding; the names of the couple; the names of other people in the ceremony; a welcome message to guests; an outline of the ceremony proceedings; and details about any celebrations afterwards.

There are several online tools that can help you design and print your own wedding programs, such as Canva, which offers free templates, images, fonts and other design elements. Ann's Bridal Bargains also offers 99-cent wedding programs that are cheaper than DIY.

A popular wedding program size is 4 inches x 9.25 inches, but other common sizes include 4 inches x 6 inches, 8.5 inches x 5.5 inches, 4.25 inches x 11 inches and 5.5 inches x 5.5 inches.

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