Crafting Wedding Program Signs: A Simple Guide

Wedding programs are a great way to help your guests understand the flow of your wedding. They can be as simple or creative as you like and can be made yourself or bought from a vendor. If you're looking to make your own wedding program sign, there are many ways to go about it. You can use a mirror, window, chalkboard, or wooden sign, and display it in a high-traffic area like the entrance of the venue or the ceremony entrance. You can also get creative and make your program into a fan, a luggage tag, or even a handkerchief!

Choose a design: opt for a classic single-page program or get creative with a unique shape or material

When it comes to wedding programs, you can opt for a classic, single-page design or get creative with unique shapes and materials. Here are some ideas to inspire your design choices:

Classic Single-Page Wedding Program

A traditional single-page program is a timeless choice for your wedding. While it is a classic option, there are still ways to make it your own. Consider using thicker card stock, coloured paper, or incorporating a pattern that ties into your wedding theme. For example, if you're having a botanical-themed wedding, you could use paper with a delicate floral pattern. You can place these programs on each ceremony chair, have ushers hand them out, or put them in a self-serve basket at the welcome table. If you want to go the extra mile, punch a hole in the top of each program and tie them to the chair backs with ribbon or twine.

Unique Shapes and Materials

• Fan: Double-sided paper fans are both practical and stylish, especially for a summer or beach wedding. You can experiment with different shapes like hearts or seashells, or opt for a multifold fan design.
• Treat Bag: Print the ceremony details on a craft paper bag and fill it with snacks, mints, tissues, or lip balm for your guests to enjoy while they wait for the ceremony to begin.
• Confetti Envelope: Stuff a vellum envelope with brightly coloured paper confetti that your guests can toss during the recessional. You can attach the envelope to your program or print the program directly on the envelope.
• Luggage Tag: For the travel-loving couple, a luggage tag printed with all your ceremony info is a unique way to incorporate your passion into your wedding.
• Handkerchief: Handkerchiefs printed with an outline of the wedding ceremony can be both useful for happy tears and a lovely keepsake. As guests arrive, hang the handkerchiefs with tiny clothespins from a cord so they can choose their own, or roll them up and place them in baskets.
• Origami: Surprise your guests with DIY programs tied with string that unfold to reveal all the ceremony details. You can fold the paper into various shapes like triangles, squares, or hearts.
• Sign: Instead of printed stationery, display your wedding program on a mirror, window, chalkboard, or wooden sign. You can set it in a high-traffic area, like the entrance of the venue, and hand-write the details or hire a calligrapher to do it for you.
• Newspaper or Magazine: Try a program that resembles a newspaper or mini magazine, especially if you're news junkies or want to make your wedding front-page news. Include a photo from your engagement shoot, your wedding monogram, and details about the proposal. You can even add a custom crossword puzzle focused on your love story.
• Playbill: If you and your partner are theatre lovers, a playbill-inspired program is a unique choice. Include mock ads, starring roles, and a plot summary of your love story.

Include key information: date, time, location, names, an outline of proceedings, and details about the celebration

Wedding programs are a great way to provide guests with key information about your big day. While they are entirely optional, they can be a thoughtful touch to help guests understand the day's schedule. Here are some tips for including essential details in your wedding program sign:

Date, Time, and Location

Include the wedding date and time, ensuring guests can easily find this information. For the location, consider adding a map or illustration of the venue and its surroundings. This can add a creative touch while also helping guests navigate to the correct spot.

Names

The wedding program is an excellent place to introduce the wedding party. Include the names of the bride and groom, as well as the maid/matron of honor, best man, and any other important participants. A brief introduction or bio of each person can make it more personal and engaging.

Outline of Proceedings

Provide a timeline of the day's events, from the ceremony to the reception. This helps guests know what to expect and when. Be sure to include any cultural or religious traditions that will be part of the celebration, so guests can follow along and understand their significance.

Details about the Celebration

Add any relevant information about the reception or after-party. This could include the venue, timing, and any special requests, such as an unplugged ceremony or specific dress code. You can also mention if there will be audience participation during certain parts of the celebration, like singing or dancing.

Additional Tips

When creating your wedding program sign, consider the following:

• Visual Appeal: Use a classy font and high-quality paper to create an elegant look. Incorporate your wedding colours or theme for a cohesive design.
• Personal Touches: Include a photo of the happy couple, your "how we met" story, or a meaningful verse or poem.
• Functionality: Ensure the font size is legible, especially for older guests. Consider adding ribbons, confetti, or other creative elements to make it unique and memorable.

Recognise your wedding party: list the names and roles of those involved

Recognising your wedding party and listing their names and roles is a thoughtful touch and can be a lovely keepsake for your big day. Here are some ideas for how to do this:

Names and Roles

List the names of those involved in the ceremony and their roles. This could be done in a simple format with the names of the wedding party and their relationship to the couple, for example:

• Maid/Matron of Honour: [Name]
• Best Man: [Name]
• Bridesmaids: [Names]
• Groomsmen: [Names]
• Flower Girl: [Name]
• Ring Bearer: [Name]

Bios

You could also include a brief biography of each person, which can be a fun way to introduce them to your guests. For example, a short description of how you know them, their relationship to the couple, and any fun facts or shared interests.

Photos

Including photos of your wedding party is another way to recognise and honour them. You could display individual photos of each person with their name and role, or a group photo of the entire wedding party. This could be a lovely keepsake for both your wedding party and your guests.

Display Ideas

There are many ways to display the names and roles of your wedding party, from printed stationery to more unique options:

• Printed Programs: You can create elegant, single-page programs with a simple font detailing the names and roles of your wedding party. These can be placed on chairs, handed out by ushers, or displayed in a basket at the entrance.
• Signage: Instead of printed programs, you could display the names and roles of your wedding party on a mirror, window, chalkboard, or wooden sign. This can be placed at the entrance of the venue or the ceremony room.
• Table Signs: Smaller signs can be placed on tables or counters, providing key information without taking up too much space. You could include the names and roles of your wedding party on these signs.
• Seating Charts: Create a seating chart that includes the names and roles of your wedding party, so guests can easily identify them.
• Welcome Signs: Welcome your guests with a sign that includes a greeting, the names of the couple, and the names and roles of the wedding party.

Remember to proofread your programs or signage before printing or displaying to avoid any spelling errors!

Add a personal touch: upload your own images or artwork, or include a photo or illustration of the happy couple

Adding a personal touch to your wedding program sign is a great way to showcase your personality and relationship. Here are some ideas to make your sign unique and memorable:

Include Photos or Illustrations:

• Feature a photo or illustration of the happy couple. This could be a simple portrait or a fun illustration that captures the essence of your relationship. For an extra special touch, consider commissioning a custom illustration that depicts you and your partner in your wedding attire, posing at your venue.
• If you have engagement photos, use your wedding program sign to showcase them. A sweet couple portrait is a wonderful way to introduce your loved ones to your special day.
• Opt for a painted or illustrated backdrop: instead of a plain background, use a painting or illustration that represents your relationship or wedding theme. This could be a landscape of your venue, a map of where you're from, or a creative illustration of your "how we met" story.

Upload Your Own Images or Artwork:

• Monogram: create a custom monogram of your joint initials, perhaps with a custom crest that includes items reflecting your lives and values.
• "How We Met" Story: include a brief overview of how you and your partner met, and perhaps a meaningful verse, poem, or song lyric that represents your relationship.
• Personalised Vows: if you've written your own vows, include them on your wedding program sign. They add a deeply personal touch and can even be part of your ceremony decor.
• "Our Timeline": create a visual timeline of your relationship, highlighting key moments and milestones. This can be a fun way to involve your guests and give them a glimpse into your journey together.
• Thank You Message: express your gratitude to your guests with a heartfelt message. This adds a warm and personal touch to your wedding program sign.

Remember, your wedding program sign is a great opportunity to get creative and showcase what matters to you both. Whether you choose to include photos, illustrations, or personalised messages, make sure it reflects your unique love story.

Order extras: allow for five to ten extra programs in case of spills, wind, or guests taking an extra copy

When making a wedding program sign, it's a good idea to order five to ten extras to account for any spills, wind, or guests who may want an extra copy. Here are some reasons why ordering extras is a wise decision:

Spills and Stains

It's not uncommon for drinks or food to be spilled or stained on wedding program signs, especially during the reception when people are eating, drinking, and celebrating. Having extra copies ensures that you can quickly replace any soiled or damaged signs, keeping your wedding decor looking neat and presentable.

Wind and Weather

If your wedding is outdoors or in a venue with open windows, wind can be a factor. Extra copies of the wedding program sign will come in handy if the original signs get blown away or become difficult to read due to wind or weather conditions.

Guest Convenience and Sentimental Value

Some guests may appreciate having their own copy of the wedding program as a keepsake or memento of your special day. They may also want to take an extra copy for friends or family members who could not attend the wedding. By ordering extras, you allow guests to have this special souvenir without compromising the availability of programs for other guests.

Unforeseen Circumstances

It's always good to be prepared for the unexpected. Extra wedding program signs can be useful if the original signs get misplaced, damaged, or forgotten. Having a few spares ensures that you have backup options and reduces the stress of last-minute scrambling.

Group Photos and Decor

Having extra wedding program signs can enhance your wedding photos. They can be used as props or decorative elements in group photos, adding a unique touch to your wedding album. Additionally, extra signs can be strategically placed around the venue to reinforce the wedding theme and create a cohesive look.

Ordering extra wedding program signs is a simple way to ensure your special day goes smoothly and leaves a lasting impression on you and your guests. It's a small detail that can make a big difference, providing convenience, peace of mind, and a memorable keepsake for those who attend your wedding.

Frequently asked questions