Planning Your Wedding: Crafting The Perfect Day Schedule

Wedding programs are a great way to give your guests a rundown of the day's proceedings and share a little bit about yourself and your partner. While they are not a must-have, they are a fun way to keep your guests informed and entertained. The design and format are entirely up to you, but there are a few key details you may want to include, such as an outline of the ceremony events, a brief overview of the wedding-day timeline, and the names of the couple, wedding party, officiant, and ceremony speakers. You can also add personal touches like your \how we met\ story, meaningful verses or poems, and a message of thanks to your guests.

Names, Date, and Location

The 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. The couple's names, the event date, and the wedding location are usually displayed on the cover page. If your program is only one sheet of paper, the top portion should include this information.

Names

The names of the soon-to-be spouses should be listed on the wedding program. It is a nice touch to include a welcome message from both individuals, thanking the guests for joining them on their special day. This is especially helpful for distant relatives who may not be familiar with your fiancé(e). It is also a good idea to list the names of everyone involved in the ceremony, such as the wedding party, groomsmen, bridesmaids, family members, officiant, etc.

Date

Include the full wedding date on the cover page or at the top of your program. While your guests will already be at your wedding, this will serve as a sweet reminder of the occasion's specifics when they look back on the programs in the future.

Location

Provide the name of the venue and the address on the cover page. If your ceremony and reception are in two different locations, you may also want to include the name and address of the reception venue, along with the start time, so guests know where and when to head after the ceremony.

Remember, the wedding program is a great opportunity to express your personality and creativity. You can choose to match the design of your program with your wedding invitations and other paper goods, or opt for something completely different.

Outline of the Ceremony Proceedings

An outline of the ceremony proceedings is an important part of a wedding program. It helps guests know what to expect and when to expect it. Here is a detailed outline of the ceremony proceedings for your wedding day program:

Processional

The processional marks the beginning of the ceremony. The wedding party, including the officiant, parents, bridesmaids, and groomsmen, make their entrance and take their places. The flower girl and ring bearer can also be included in the processional.

Welcome and Introduction

The officiant welcomes the guests and introduces the couple. This is a good opportunity to thank the guests for their presence and support.

Readings and Speeches

If you have chosen to include readings or speeches, this is the time to do so. Provide the titles of the readings and the names of the readers. If the readings are religious, include the title, page number, and look-up information for guests to follow along. You may also include non-religious readings such as poetry or personal stories.

Exchange of Vows

The exchange of vows is a key moment in the ceremony. The couple expresses their love and commitment to each other, usually with personalised vows.

Ring Ceremony

The ring ceremony is a traditional part of the wedding ceremony, where the couple exchanges wedding rings as a symbol of their love and commitment.

Pronouncement of Marriage

The officiant declares the couple as married, and the newlyweds may seal it with a kiss.

Recessional

The recessional marks the end of the ceremony. The couple, followed by the wedding party, exits the venue. This is often done to cheerful music, and guests may toss confetti to celebrate.

Names of Ceremony Participants

The names of the ceremony participants are an important part of your wedding program. This is your chance to acknowledge and thank the people who have supported you through the wedding planning process and beyond.

Start with the officiant, then list both sets of parents (traditionally, the bride's parents are listed first, but you can also go in alphabetical order). Then, list the wedding party, including flower girls and ring bearers. It is recommended to list the wedding party in the order they will walk down the processional so that guests can easily follow along. If you have readers or ushers, add their names at the end. If there is room, you can also include a few sentences about how you know each person, giving your guests a fun insight into your VIPs.

If you are having a religious ceremony, it is also a nice touch to include the names of any musicians or singers who will be performing during the ceremony.

Special Instructions or Requests

Your wedding program is the perfect place to share any special instructions or requests with your guests. Here are some ideas and suggestions to consider:

Hashtag and Photo Requests

Encourage your guests to share their photos and use a specific hashtag by including it in your wedding program. This is a great way to collect memories and moments captured by your loved ones during your special day.

Unplugged Ceremony

If you're having an unplugged ceremony, politely request that guests refrain from using their cell phones and cameras during the proceedings. This ensures that everyone is fully present and avoids any distractions during the ceremony.

Honoring Loved Ones

If you have loved ones who have passed away, you can include their names and a heartfelt message in the program. It's a beautiful way to honor their memory and keep them close on your special day. Guests who knew them will surely appreciate this thoughtful gesture.

Audience Participation

If you would like your guests to participate during certain parts of the ceremony, such as singing or taking communion, be sure to include these instructions in the program. This ensures everyone knows what is expected of them and can join in meaningfully.

Reception Details

Provide details about your wedding reception, especially if it is at a different location. Include driving directions, the start time of cocktail hour, dinner, and any other important moments such as the first dance or send-off. This keeps your guests informed and ensures a smooth transition between the ceremony and reception.

Additional Notes

Feel free to include any other special instructions or requests that are unique to your wedding. For example, if you have a dress code, transportation arrangements, or specific cultural traditions that guests should be aware of, add them to the program.

Remember, the wedding program is a great way to communicate important information and create a more personalised experience for your guests.

Wedding Day Timeline

A wedding day timeline is essential for keeping your big day running smoothly and ensuring that you, your wedding party, and your vendors are all on the same page. Here is a detailed wedding day timeline to help you craft your own:

Morning of the Wedding

9:00 a.m.: Wedding planner and rental company arrive to set up.

9:30 a.m.: Wedding party breakfast.

10:30 a.m.: Floral and additional decor load-in.

11:00 a.m.: Hair and makeup team arrive. Allow at least three hours for these services.

11:30 a.m.: Hair and makeup services begin.

12:30 p.m.: Lunch delivery for the wedding party.

Early Afternoon

1:00 p.m.: Photographer arrives to capture getting-ready moments and details such as attire, rings, and invitations.

1:30 p.m.: Personal flowers delivered.

2:15 p.m.: Wedding party and VIPs get dressed.

2:30 p.m.: Couple gets dressed.

2:50 p.m.: Travel to the venue, if necessary.

3:10 p.m.: First look and couple portraits.

3:30 p.m.: Caterer load-in.

3:40 p.m.: Immediate family and officiant arrive for family portraits.

3:50 p.m.: Wedding party portraits.

4:10 p.m.: Extended family portraits.

4:30 p.m.: Guests begin to arrive and take their seats. The couple and wedding party should have a quiet moment to relax and prepare. Prelude music plays to set the mood.

Ceremony

5:00 p.m.: Ceremony begins.

5:15 p.m.: Band arrives.

5:40 p.m.: Cocktail hour commences as the couple takes family portraits.

Early Evening

6:00 p.m.: Soundcheck for the DJ, emcee, and/or band.

6:10 p.m.: Reception room detail photos.

6:30 p.m.: Quiet moment alone for the couple to relax and enjoy a private dinner.

6:40 p.m.: Guests are invited in for dinner.

6:45 p.m.: Pre-dinner reception programming, including introductions, the first dance, and welcome toasts.

7:20 p.m.: Dinner is served.

7:30 p.m.: Vendor meals, except for the band, who should have eaten earlier.

Evening

7:35 p.m.: Welcome toasts from the parents or family members of the newlyweds.

8:30 p.m.: Dinner concludes, followed by wedding party toasts from the best man and maid of honor.

8:40 p.m.: Parent dances.

9:30 p.m.: Cake cutting, bouquet toss, and garter toss, if desired. The newlyweds can also say a few words to thank their guests.

9:45 p.m.: Open dance floor.

11:00 p.m.: Grand exit to conclude the reception.

11:15 p.m.: Vendor load-out begins.

Frequently asked questions