Creating Wedding Programs: Printing Your Own For The Big Day

Designing and printing your own wedding programs is a great way to express your creativity and cut costs. There are many online tools and templates available to help you create your own wedding programs, such as Canva, which offers a range of customizable templates and design features. You can also use programs like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or InDesign to create your own designs from scratch. When it comes to printing, consider the type of paper you want to use, such as cardstock or regular printer paper, and whether you prefer to print at home or use a professional printing service.

Design: Choose a template, design from scratch, or hire a professional

There are several options available to you when it comes to designing your wedding programs. You can choose a template, design from scratch, or hire a professional. Each option has its own advantages and can help you create beautiful and personalised wedding programs that match your wedding theme.

Choose a Template

Using a template is a great option if you want a quick and easy way to create your wedding programs. Websites like Canva, Adobe Express, and Shutterfly offer a variety of wedding program templates that you can customise. You can browse through their collection of professionally-designed templates and choose one that fits your wedding theme and style. After selecting a template, you can edit it as much or as little as you like, adding your personal touches. Templates are often customisable, allowing you to change colours, fonts, images, and text to match your preferences and wedding theme. This option is usually more affordable than hiring a professional and can save you time compared to designing from scratch.

Design from Scratch

Designing your wedding programs from scratch gives you complete creative freedom. If you have a specific vision or want something truly unique, starting from a blank canvas can be ideal. You can use a computer program or online design platform to bring your ideas to life. This option may be more time-consuming, but it allows you to personalise every aspect of your wedding programs, from the layout and design elements to the text and paper choice. Designing from scratch is perfect for couples who want full control over the creative process and wish to incorporate specific details that reflect their personalities and wedding theme.

Hire a Professional

If you want to ensure your wedding programs are professionally designed and flawlessly executed, hiring a professional designer is a great option. Professional designers have the expertise and experience to create elegant and sophisticated wedding programs that match your wedding aesthetic. They can guide you through the entire process, from concept to completion, ensuring that your vision is brought to life. Hiring a professional can save you time and reduce the stress of designing the programs yourself. Additionally, they can provide valuable advice on paper choice, printing techniques, and design elements that will elevate the overall look and feel of your wedding programs. While hiring a professional may come at a higher cost, it can be a worthwhile investment for couples seeking exceptional quality and a seamless design process.

Paper stock: Select a finish and weight that matches your theme

When it comes to paper stock, it's important to select an option that aligns with your wedding theme, design, and wording. The weight and finish of the paper can enhance the overall aesthetic and tactile experience for your guests. Here are some tips to help you choose the right paper stock for your wedding programs:

Finish

The finish of the paper can add a subtle touch that complements your wedding theme. For instance, a bright and modern wedding program design might pair well with gloss paper stock, adding a sleek and contemporary feel. On the other hand, a traditional wedding program might be better suited to a matte paper stock, creating a more understated and elegant impression.

Weight

The weight of the paper, measured in pounds (# or lb), contributes to the overall impression of quality. Thicker paper stock, such as 110# or 130#, will make your wedding programs feel more luxurious and substantial in your guests' hands. This weight range is also less likely to bend, enhancing the overall durability of the programs. If you're looking for an option that's suitable for most home printers, 80# to 90# paper stock is a good choice. It's thin enough to work with most desktop printers while still providing a sturdy feel.

Paper Type

The type of paper you choose can also enhance your wedding theme. For a rustic or vintage-style wedding, consider kraft or recycled cardstock, which has a coarse texture similar to brown grocery bags. This option adds a trendy and rustic touch to your programs. Alternatively, for a spring wedding or a small, intimate celebration, parchment paper is a lovely choice. It has a thin, semi-translucent quality with a subtle marbled look, adding a unique and soft touch to your programs.

DIY Considerations

If you plan to print your wedding programs at home, it's essential to consider the limitations of your printer. Desktop printers often have restrictions on the thickness of paper they can handle, so be sure to review your printer's instructions and perform a test print. Start with 80# cardstock and gradually increase the weight until you encounter issues like smudging or jamming. Then, choose the weight just below that to ensure smooth printing.

Additionally, if you're using an inkjet printer, consider opting for textured cardstock as it can help disguise any "fuzzy" imperfections that may occur with this printing method. Linen cardstock, with its delicate woven texture, is an excellent choice for hiding these minor flaws while adding a touch of elegance.

Professional Printing

If you opt for professional printing services, you'll have more flexibility with paper weight. Local print shops can handle thicker paper, so consider starting with 100# cardstock and working your way up. However, keep in mind that not all printers or locations will deliver the same print quality, even when using identical paper and printers.

Additionally, if you choose laser printing, be aware that this method applies a layer of ink that may flake off on certain paper types, such as shimmery cotton or vellum. Smooth cardstock, like a cover cardstock, is a better option for this printing technique.

In conclusion, selecting the right paper stock for your wedding programs involves considering the finish, weight, and type of paper, all while ensuring it aligns with your wedding theme and design. By choosing a paper stock that suits your printing method and enhances your overall aesthetic, you can create beautiful and memorable wedding programs for your special day.

Printing: Use a home printer or an online/in-person printing service

Printing your wedding programs is the final step in the process, but there are still a few things to consider. You can print your wedding programs at home or use an online/in-person printing service. Here are some tips for each option:

Home Printing

If you choose to print your wedding programs yourself, make sure your printer can handle the weight and size of your chosen paper. Most standard home printers can accommodate cardstock up to 80 pounds. It's also a good idea to run a few tests, as home printers usually display images that are a shade or two darker than your digital design. Adjust the settings as needed until you're happy with the colour balance.

Online/In-Person Printing Services

Using a professional printing service can give you a more polished result and access to additional options like soft-touch coatings and foil details. If you're using a heavier card stock, a vendor that offers a folding service can ensure a clean, crisp finish.

• Canva and Kinko's printing: You can print your designs via Canva at FedexKinko's stores. Several people have reported a positive experience with this option, praising the decent paper quality and quick turnaround time.
• Smartpress: This service is recommended for those who want simple or fancy options, as they offer a range of features like soft-touch and foil details. You can also design your programs directly on their website using Canva.
• Catprint: Recommended for reasonably priced foil printing.
• Office Max: Suggested for printing programs, menus, and signs.

Whichever option you choose, be sure to request a hard-copy proof from your printing company to ensure you're happy with the final result and to avoid costly mistakes and reprints.

Proofing: Request a hard copy to check for errors before printing

Proofing is an important step in the process of printing your own wedding programs. It is highly recommended that you request a hard copy of your design from the printing company before giving the final go-ahead. This will allow you to check for any errors and make sure that the finished product meets your expectations.

Reviewing a hard copy proof is the best way to ensure that your wedding programs will look exactly as you want them to. It gives you the opportunity to inspect the design, format, text, and overall quality of the print. This step can help you avoid costly mistakes and reprinting.

When reviewing the hard copy proof, pay close attention to the details. Check that all the information is accurate and up-to-date, including the full names of the couple, the wedding date and location, and the order of the ceremony. Make sure that the design, colours, and fonts align with your wedding theme and that the paper stock and finish match your vision.

If you have included musical selections, lyrics, readings, or quotes, double-check their accuracy. Review the wedding party bios and the thank-you notes to ensure that there are no typos or errors. Check that the programs are easy to read, with clear separation between sections and adequate white space.

Once you have thoroughly reviewed the hard copy proof and are satisfied that it meets your expectations, you can confidently approve the printing of your wedding programs.

Assembly: Fold, add adornments, and place in envelopes

Once you have designed your wedding programs, it's time to assemble them. The first step is to fold them. Depending on the style you have chosen, you might opt for a half-fold with four panels, an unfolded card with two panels, a Z-fold with six panels, or a booklet. If you have chosen a scroll design, you can roll your programs into scrolls now. You might also want to add a custom sticker to seal them, or tie them with a ribbon.

Next, you can add any adornments you have chosen. This could be anything from a sprig of eucalyptus to a wax seal. You could also add some coloured sea glass to weigh down the programs if your wedding is outdoors.

Finally, place your programs in envelopes, or in baskets, pails, or trays at the entrance to your ceremony site for guests to grab as they arrive. Alternatively, you could ask a friend or family member to hand them out, or have ushers give them to guests as they are seated.

Frequently asked questions