Crafting Newspaper Wedding Programs: A Creative Diy Guide

Wedding newspapers are a unique and creative way to share your wedding programme with your guests. They can be used as a keepsake or souvenir and are a fun DIY project. You can include a range of details such as a welcome note, the order of the day, your love story, and even a crossword puzzle. Wedding newspapers are easy to create using online design platforms such as Canva, and can be printed on specialty paper for a vintage look.

Choose a template: Use Canva or Adobe InDesign to create your layout

When it comes to choosing a template for your wedding newspaper, two popular options are Canva and Adobe InDesign. Both are widely used graphic design tools, but they cater to different needs and skill levels. Here's a more detailed look at each platform to help you decide which one to use for your layout:

Canva

Canva is known for its user-friendly interface and accessibility. It's an online platform that offers a wide range of pre-made templates, including wedding newspaper layouts. With Canva, you can quickly create designs by customizing these templates or creating your own from scratch. One of the benefits of using Canva is its simplicity—you don't need to be a design expert to navigate the platform effectively. It offers a range of design tools that allow you to upload and edit photos, add text, and collaborate with others. Canva also provides video tutorials and tips to help you make the most of their platform. Additionally, Canva allows you to create colour palettes from your own photos, ensuring a consistent look throughout your design.

Adobe InDesign

Adobe InDesign, on the other hand, is a robust and complex professional design software. It is commonly used by publishing professionals to create magazines, books, and brochures. InDesign provides complete control over layout and typography, making it ideal for those with specific design needs or requirements. While it may have a steeper learning curve than Canva, InDesign offers unparalleled flexibility and precision in creating your wedding newspaper.

Both platforms offer free templates specifically designed for wedding newspapers, so you can get started quickly and easily.

Add photos: Include pictures of the happy couple, the wedding venue, or other relevant images

Adding photos and graphics to your wedding newspaper is a great way to make it more visually appealing. You can use pictures of you and your partner, your wedding venue, or any other relevant images. Here are some tips and ideas to help you get started:

• Consider including engagement photos or other romantic photos of you and your partner. These can be placed on the front page to catch your guests' attention right from the start.
• Use photos to accompany your love story or relationship milestones. For example, you can include childhood pictures, side by side, and then progress through the years until your engagement.
• If you have a unique story about how you met or any memorable moments from your relationship, consider adding photos to illustrate these moments.
• Include photos of your wedding venue, especially if you are having a destination wedding. This can be helpful for guests who are travelling to the location and can add a visual element to your newspaper.
• If your wedding party includes people who are not well known to all your guests, consider adding photos of them as well. This can be a fun way to introduce your bridesmaids, groomsmen, parents, officiant, or other VIPs in the wedding party.
• For a more creative approach, you can use photos to illustrate any traditions or cultural elements you plan to include in your wedding. For example, if you are having a Hindu wedding, you can include photos that explain the significance of different rituals or traditions.
• Finally, don't forget to add some fun and casual photos that showcase your personality as a couple. This could include photos from your everyday life, hobbies, or travels.

Remember, your wedding newspaper is a unique and creative way to share your story and celebrate your special day. Adding photos will not only make it more visually appealing but will also create a memorable keepsake for you and your guests.

Write content: Include a welcome note, details of the wedding party, and the order of the day

A wedding newspaper is a fun and creative way to share the day's itinerary with your guests, as well as a lovely memento. Here is some content you could include in your newspaper, focusing on the welcome note, details of the wedding party, and the order of the day.

Welcome Note

A welcome note is a great way to greet your guests and set the tone for the day. It can be serious, humorous, or a combination of both. Here are some ideas for your welcome note:

• A clever headline about how you met, such as "From Friend Zone to the End Zone" or "Love at First Swipe."
• A classic headline such as "John and Jane are Getting Married Today!"
• A humorous headline in the style of The Onion.
• A simple and direct welcome message, such as "Welcome to our wedding. We are thrilled to celebrate with you today."
• A destination-themed welcome message, such as "Get your passports ready—we can't wait to say 'I do' in front of you!"

Details of the Wedding Party

Not everyone at the wedding will know each other, so including a section that names and introduces your wedding party is a nice touch. Here are some ideas for this section:

• A simple list of the best man, maid of honour, groomsmen, bridesmaids, flower girls, and page boys.
• A more detailed introduction, including how you know each person and why they are important to you.
• A one- or two-word description of each person's relationship to you (e.g., "mother of the bride").
• A fun interview with a member of the wedding party, such as the best man or maid of honour.

Order of the Day

The main event of your newspaper, the order of the day, will let your guests know what to expect and where to be. Here are some ideas for this section:

• A simple timeline of the day's events, including the time of the ceremony, meal, speeches, and entertainment.
• More detailed information about the ceremony, such as the order of the prelude and processional, which readings and songs will be included, and any other formalities.
• If you are having a religious ceremony, include the title, page number, and lookup information for any passages, poems, or musical selections so guests can follow along.
• Information about the reception and any after-party, including directions, timing of events such as the first dance, and send-off.
• A schematic or map of the venue to help guests find their way around.

Remember, you can make your newspaper as detailed or concise as you like, but it's best to keep it short and sweet so your guests can focus on you and your special day!

Add puzzles: Create a crossword or word search with clues about the couple and the wedding

Adding a crossword or word search puzzle to your wedding program is a fun way to include your guests in celebrating your special day and let your personalities shine through. Here are some tips on how to do it:

Crossword Puzzle

To create a crossword puzzle, you can use an online tool such as Crossword Labs or Armored Penguin. These sites offer a simple and quick way to build and customize your puzzle. You can include a mix of wedding-themed clues and personal clues about the couple. For example, you can have clues such as "Something old, new, borrowed, and ____" or "Destination of the couple's first international trip together." Once you've created your puzzle, download it as a PDF or image file and then convert it to an image file (JPG or PNG) if needed for adding to your design.

Word Search Puzzle

If you prefer a word search puzzle, you can use a similar approach. Online tools like Microsoft Word or dedicated word search makers can help you create and customize your puzzle. Include words or phrases that are meaningful to the couple and the wedding. For instance, you can hide words related to how the couple met, their favorite ice cream flavors, or even the wedding venue.

Puzzle Design Tips

When designing your puzzle, consider the following:

• Theme: Choose a theme that reflects your personalities and interests. It could be travel, food, hobbies, or a mix of themes.
• Clues: Create a mix of easy and challenging clues to engage your guests. Include wedding-themed clues and personal clues that showcase your relationship.
• Format: Ensure your puzzle is easy to read and fits well within your wedding program design. You may want to create a draft and get feedback from friends or family to ensure it's enjoyable for your guests.
• Download Options: Depending on your design software or template, choose the appropriate download format. PDF, JPG, and PNG are commonly used formats that are widely compatible.

By adding puzzles to your newspaper wedding program, you not only create a unique keepsake but also provide an interactive element that involves your guests in celebrating your special day.

Proofread: Check for errors and typos, especially in the puzzle and program sections

Proofreading is an important step in creating your wedding newspaper. Before printing, make sure to check your newspaper for any errors or typos, paying close attention to the puzzle and program sections.

For the puzzle section, carefully review the clues and answers to ensure accuracy. Double-check that the puzzle is solvable and that there are no errors in the grid or answer key. This is especially important if you're creating a crossword puzzle, as you want to make sure that the clues match the correct answers and that there are no typos or missing words in the grid.

For the program section, verify that all the details of your wedding day are correct. Check the timing, locations, and any other relevant information that you want to communicate to your guests. Pay close attention to names, dates, and locations to ensure they are accurate. Also, review any additional programs or events you have included, such as a day-after-the-wedding brunch or BBQ.

In addition to the puzzle and program sections, it's essential to proofread the entire newspaper. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, as well as formatting and layout consistency. Review the text for clarity and readability, ensuring that your message comes across as intended. Pay close attention to headlines, captions, and any special sections, such as "Our Story" or "Welcome Note."

Finally, it's a good idea to have a fresh pair of eyes review your work. Ask a friend or family member to proofread your wedding newspaper, as they may catch errors or suggest improvements that you might have missed. This will help ensure that your wedding newspaper is polished and professional.

Frequently asked questions