Junior Rasmussen
Wedding programs are a fun way to guide your guests through your special day. The wording and style of your wedding program can be formal, casual, modern, minimalist, or religious. The cover page should include the names of the couple, the date, time, and venue of the ceremony. The inside of the program can include the order of events, participants, and a thank-you note. If there are any rituals or traditions that guests may be unfamiliar with, it is helpful to include a brief explanation. For a later wedding reception, include directions, a map, and the timing of events, such as cocktail hour or dinner. Finally, don't forget to proofread and spell-check your program before printing!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of sections | 2-4 |
| Wording | Formal or casual |
| Cover page | Couple's names, date, time, venue |
| Order of events | Prelude, processional, readings, vows, pronouncement, etc. |
| Participants | Wedding party, officiants, family, friends |
| Messages | Thank you, memorial, reception reminder, new address |
| Design | Paper pamphlet, booklet, fan, infographic, etc. |
| Extras | Map, snacks, tissues, lip balm, confetti |
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What You'll Learn
Timeline of the day
A timeline of the day is critical to include in your wedding program as it lets guests know where to be and when, and what to expect. Here is a suggested timeline for your wedding program, including four to six paragraphs with detailed, direct, and instructive content:
Prelude
Music plays in the background while guests settle down and find their seats. The bride and groom's parents and grandparents are seated, followed by the bridal party procession.
Bridal Procession
The bride enters on the arm of her father or a male representative.
Ceremony
This is the main part of the wedding, where vows and rings are exchanged. If there are any rituals, prayers, blessings, or readings, these will take place during this time. This includes religious readings, which should be listed on the program with the relevant Bible verse and the name of the person conducting the reading. If there is a unity ceremony, such as lighting a unity candle or pouring unity sand, this should also be included.
Pronouncement
Let your guests know it's party time! This is where the couple is presented as newlyweds, and the groom kisses the bride.
Recessional
The couple exits the ceremony. A reception reminder with the time and venue can be included at the end of the program.
Reception
Provide directions to the reception venue if it is at a different location. Include the timing of events such as cocktail hour, dinner, and the first dance. You may also include special instructions, such as a request for an unplugged ceremony.
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Wedding party introductions
A wedding program is a great way to give your guests insight into the ceremony and reception. It can be a fun keepsake for your guests, with a timeline of the day's events, and details about the wedding party.
The wedding party is a key part of the ceremony and reception, and there are many ways to introduce them. Here are some ideas:
- Individually: The DJ or announcer can introduce each member of the wedding party one by one, sharing fun facts about them as they enter.
- In Pairs: This is a traditional way to introduce the wedding party, where they enter in pairs or couples.
- As a Whole: The announcer can simply introduce "the wedding party" without naming individuals.
- Bridesmaids and Groomsmen Separately: The announcer can introduce "the bridesmaids" and "the groomsmen" as separate groups.
- Creative Entrances: For a unique entrance, the wedding party can ride in on motorized toys, hold cutouts of the couple's faces, or even swap outfits!
- No Introductions: If a grand entrance doesn't feel right, you can skip introductions altogether and simply have the wedding party mingle with guests during cocktail hour.
Important Considerations
When planning your wedding party introductions, it's important to:
- Consult with your vendors, especially the venue, to ensure your unique entrance doesn't violate any safety rules or contract terms.
- Communicate your plans to your photographer, DJ, and videographer so they can capture the moment and ensure the correct music and announcements are prepared.
- Consider the comfort of your wedding party members and guests. Some may prefer a more low-key entrance or no introduction at all.
- Be mindful of any family dynamics or sensitive situations, such as divorced parents or step-parents, and plan introductions in a way that respects everyone's feelings.
Remember, the wedding party introductions are just one aspect of your special day, and you can make them as creative or low-key as you like!
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Thank you messages
Thank-you messages are a considerate addition to your wedding program, helping you to express your gratitude to your guests for their attendance and gifts. Here are some examples of thank-you messages that you can use as a starting point:
Thank-you message 1
> We would like to express a sincere thank you to our dear guests whose presence has made this day a most memorable one, filled with treasured memories, which we will carry with us for the rest of our lives. Your presence and participation at our sacred wedding are highly appreciated. To our family and friends, we would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for joining us as we begin our new life together. We feel extremely fortunate to be surrounded by so many of our loved ones who have shared and helped to shape our lives. Your presence today in celebration of our love and commitment means so much to us. We would also like to thank our parents, who have given us so much love and guidance, and taught us the importance of love and friendship. We could never thank you enough.
Thank-you message 2
> We thank God for all our blessings, but especially for bringing us together on this special day. To our parents, your love and support go beyond anything we have ever known, and more than we could have asked for. The people we have become and our ability to look towards a shared future come from your example and guidance. Throughout our lives, you have given us all that you could, and more. Thank you so much for making this day possible. We love you very much! To our family and friends, we would like to thank everyone, both near and far, for sharing in our joy and happiness on this day. You have all played a very special role in our lives, and each of you has touched our lives in some significant way, shaping us as individuals.
Thank-you message 3
> We are so honoured that our friends and family are joining us on our most special day. Thank you all for the generosity, love, and support you have all shown in making this day finally happen. We love and truly appreciate you. We would also like to thank God for blessing us with each other. Thank you also to our parents, who taught us the true meaning of love and commitment.
Thank-you message 4
> Thank you for sharing our special day with us. Your presence and support meant the world to us. We appreciate your thoughtful gift and will cherish it always. Thank you for being a part of our celebration. It was wonderful to see you at our wedding. Thank you for taking the time to come and share in our joy. Your presence made our wedding day even more special. Thank you for being a part of our memories.
Thank-you message 5
> We are thrilled that you are here to celebrate this special day with us. This is one of the most important days of our lives and it means so much to have you here. Many people have travelled long distances to be here with us today, and for that, we are especially grateful. We hope this explanation of some of the rituals and traditions that occur during the ceremony will make this wedding more meaningful for you. To our beloved parents, we wish to take this time to express our gratitude for everything you have provided and for all the sacrifices you have made for our benefit. The unconditional love and guidance you have given us throughout our lives have shaped us into the man and woman we are today.
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In memory of lost loved ones
A wedding is a beautiful occasion, but it can also be a difficult time if you're missing loved ones who can't be there to celebrate with you. Here are some ideas for ways to honour and remember those who have passed, with a focus on including them in your wedding program.
Wedding Program Wording
You may wish to include a memorial or remembrance message dedicated to deceased friends and family members in your wedding program. This could be a short note, a quote, or a poem that reminds you of them. Here are some examples of quotes that you could use:
- "There are no goodbyes, wherever you'll be, you'll be in my heart." - Gandhi
- "How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." - Winnie the Pooh
- "Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart." - Eleanor Roosevelt
Memory Tables and Displays
Setting up a memory table or display at your reception is a beautiful and meaningful way to honour your loved ones. You can include framed photos, their favourite flowers, candles, and even a sign with a sentimental quote. If you're not sure what to write, here's an idea: "We know you would be here today if heaven wasn't so far away." This can be a heartfelt space for both you and your guests to reflect and share memories.
Special Moments and Traditions
Incorporate your loved one's favourite things into your wedding reception. You could serve their favourite drinks as signature cocktails, include their favourite family recipe as part of the menu, or even play their favourite song during your first dance. If they loved to cook, consider creating a custom recipe book as a wedding favour, so your guests can carry on their legacy. These small touches can make your loved one's presence felt during your special day.
Donations and Tribute Funds
In lieu of gifts, you could set up a tribute fund or donation in your loved one's name. Consider donating to a charity or cause they cared about or supported. This is a wonderful way to honour their memory and give back at the same time.
Remember, the exact wording and details of your wedding program are up to you. You can include as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. These suggestions are here to guide and inspire you as you find ways to honour your lost loved ones.
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Reception information
The reception is a time for guests to relax and celebrate with the newlyweds, so providing clear and detailed information about it in your wedding program is essential. Here are some key points to include:
Location and Directions
Include the address and, if necessary, directions to the reception venue. If the reception is at a meaningful location, such as where you had your first date, feel free to include a brief explanation. You could also include a map, especially if the venue is in an unfamiliar area or if your guests are travelling from out of town.
Timing
Provide the time the reception will begin. If there are other timings guests should be aware of, such as cocktail hour, dinner, or the first dance, you may include those as well.
Special Instructions
If there are any special instructions or requests, be sure to include them. For example, if you're having an unplugged ceremony, ask guests to refrain from taking photos during certain parts of the event.
Seating Arrangements
It is helpful to include information on seating arrangements or a seating chart. This can be especially useful for guests to find their designated tables or seats, particularly if you have a seated dinner.
Memorial or Remembrance Message
If you wish to honour deceased loved ones, you can include a memorial or remembrance message. This can be a meaningful way to recognise those who are no longer with you on your special day.
Thank-You Notes
It is customary to include a message of appreciation for your guests, also known as a thank-you note. This is usually placed at the back of the program. You may also choose to thank your wedding party, parents, and other participants for their support.
The reception information section of your wedding program is an opportunity to provide your guests with the practical details they need to navigate your special day. It is also a chance to express your gratitude and set the tone for the celebratory events to come.
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Frequently asked questions
Wedding programs are usually divided into 3 or 4 sections: the introduction, order of events, participants, and messages. The cover page should include the couple's names, the date, time, and location of the event. The inside of the program will contain the order of events and participants.
The order of events will include the prelude, processional, readings, vows, exchange of rings, unity ceremony, and pronouncement. If you are having a religious ceremony, include the title, page number, and look-up information for any passages, poems, or musical selections.
List the first and last names of all participants, including the officiant, parents, grandparents, bridal party, and ushers. You can also include a description of each person's relationship to the couple (e.g., "mother of the bride").
This section can include a message of appreciation for your guests, also known as a thank-you note. You may also include a memorial or remembrance message for deceased friends and family members.
You can experiment with different shapes and formats, such as hearts, fans, or booklets. Include helpful notes to guests, such as directions to the reception, a map, or requests for an unplugged ceremony. You can also add a personal touch with poems, scriptures, or meaningful quotes.
