Writing Wedding Directions: A Step-By-Step Guide To Perfecting Your Big Day's Logistics

A wedding program is a document that guides guests through the wedding ceremony, outlining the proceedings and the names of those participating. It can be a simple one-pager or a multi-sided pamphlet with added details. The cover should include the time, date, location, and full names of the happy couple. The inside should include a brief welcome message, a blessing or prayer, an outline of the ceremony proceedings, and the names of those involved in the ceremony.

The wedding program is a great opportunity to get creative and add personal touches. You can include a longer note to guests, explain the meaning of the venue, or request an unplugged ceremony. You might also like to add a note about deceased family members or others who can't be present. If the ceremony and reception are in different locations, it's helpful to include the address and start time of the reception venue.

Introduction: Include the couple's names, the date, and location of the ceremony

The wedding program is a document that guides guests through the wedding ceremony, outlining the proceedings and including the names of those participating in the ceremony. It is a keepsake for the couple and a helpful resource for guests, particularly those travelling from out of town.

The cover of the wedding program should include the time, date, and location of the wedding ceremony, as well as the full names of the happy couple. Here are some examples of introductions in three different styles:

Traditional Wedding Introduction

For a traditional or more formal introduction, include a short welcoming message to your guests, along with the time, date, and location of the ceremony. Be sure to write the dates and addresses in full without using abbreviations.

For example:

> Welcome to the Wedding of Ashley Lynn Carter & Thomas Brooklyn Sawyer

>

> East Brooke Lutheran Church

>

> Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Minimalist Wedding Introduction

For a more minimalist approach, simply include the wedding date and the couple's names. You may also add a one- to three-word message for your guests.

For example:

> Celebrating Caitlin Hemseth and Sarah Colebright

Modern Wedding Introduction

For a modern ceremony, write a unique and concise welcome message to your guests, along with the wedding date. If your wedding has a cultural theme, be sure to include the venue's name.

For example:

> Welcome as Carley Lee Strong and Thomas Richard Perrin begin their lives together

Order of events: Outline the ceremony proceedings, including an overview of the wedding-day timeline

A wedding program is a document that guides guests through the wedding ceremony. It traditionally outlines the proceedings and includes the names of everyone participating in the ceremony. Here is a suggested order of events for a traditional, non-denominational wedding:

The Procession

The officiant takes their place at the altar, followed by the groom, who usually stands to the left. The rest of the wedding party can take their positions in different ways, depending on the couple's preference. The flower girl and ring bearer follow the wedding party, and finally, the bride walks down the aisle, often escorted by her father.

The Officiant's Opening Remarks

Once everyone is in their places, the officiant gives some opening remarks about the couple and the beauty of marriage. The officiant can begin with a well-known opening line such as "We are gathered here today..." or something more personalised and unique.

Exchanging of Vows

After the officiant's opening remarks, the couple recites their vows to each other.

Exchanging of Rings

The couple places their wedding bands on each other's fingers. Traditionally, the groom places the ring on the bride's finger first. Some couples choose to include a declaration of love before the exchange.

Pronouncement of Marriage

With the rings exchanged, the officiant officially declares the couple married.

The Kiss

The newlyweds share their first kiss as a married couple.

Closing Remarks

The officiant says a few final words as the guests prepare for the recessional.

The Recessional

The newlyweds walk away from the altar first, followed by the rest of the wedding party. Once the aisle is clear, the guests can make their way towards the reception area.

Cocktail Hour

Immediately after the ceremony, guests can enjoy drinks, hors d'oeuvres, and conversation. This is also a great opportunity for the wedding photographer to capture some candid moments.

Wedding Party Entrance and Introductions

Once all the guests are seated, the DJ or emcee introduces the wedding party: the couple's parents, bridesmaids, groomsmen, ring bearer, flower girl/boy, best man/woman, and maid/matron of honour.

Dinner

Once the newlyweds take their places, dinner can officially begin.

Toasts and Speeches

After dinner, the best man and maid of honour make their toasts, followed by the newlyweds and their parents.

First Dance

After the speeches, the newlyweds share their first dance as a married couple.

More Dancing

After the first dance, the night can proceed with father/daughter and mother/son dances, or the bridal party can join the newlyweds on the dance floor to kick off the reception.

Bouquet and Garter Toss

The bouquet and garter toss is optional and depends on the couple's preferences.

Cake-cutting

After dinner, the cake-cutting signals that the reception is starting to wrap up.

Last Song

After dessert, there is still time for a few final songs before the last song, which is chosen by the newlyweds, signalling the end of the reception.

End of Reception

Everyone says their goodbyes, and the after-party begins!

Names of participants: List the wedding party and their relationship to the couple

Names of Participants

The Wedding Party

The wedding party is made up of the couple's closest family members and friends. They are there to support the couple throughout the planning process and on the big day itself. The wedding party can be as big or small as the couple chooses, and can include people of any gender.

Maid/Matron/Man of Honour

The maid, matron, or man of honour is the bride's right-hand person and is usually a sibling or best friend. They help the bride with all aspects of the wedding, from planning to selecting attire. On the day, they offer emotional support and hands-on help, such as fixing the bride's veil or train.

Best Man/Woman

The best man or woman has a similar role to the maid of honour, but supports the groom. They are usually a sibling or close friend and are in charge of planning the bachelor party, writing a speech, and holding the rings.

Bridesmaids and Bridesmen

Bridesmaids and bridesmen are close friends or relatives of the bride. They are expected to help plan pre-wedding events and may show guests to their seats or hand out favours on the day.

Groomsmen and Groomswomen

The groomsmen and groomswomen are the counterparts to the bridesmaids and have similar duties, but they support the groom.

Flower Girl/Boy

The flower girl or boy is a charming, but optional, addition to the wedding party. They walk down the aisle ahead of the bride, scattering petals.

Ring Bearer

The ring bearer carries the rings down the aisle and can be a young family member or friend, or even a pet.

Parents of the Couple

The parents of the couple are also considered part of the wedding party. They may give speeches, share a dance with the couple, and help with planning and paying for the wedding.

Ushers

Ushers are often employed in addition to groomsmen. They greet guests and show them to their seats.

Officiant

The officiant performs the ceremony and takes care of the paperwork. They can be a religious figure, a city official, or a friend or family member who has become a registered officiant.

Travel and accommodation: Provide suggestions on transport and lodging for guests

Travel and Accommodation

Transport

If your wedding venue is in a remote location, consider providing a shuttle service to transport your guests to and from their hotels. If not, provide information on local taxi or car rental services, including suggestions on a few specific companies and their addresses. If you manage to secure a discount from a rental company, be sure to include the details and a discount code (if applicable) so your guests can take advantage of it.

If your wedding is in a large venue, provide maps to help your guests visualise the area and find their way around. If the ceremony and reception are in different locations, include the address of the reception venue and the start time so your guests know where to go and when to be there.

Lodging

If you can, book a hotel block for your guests. This involves reserving a block of rooms for your guests, often with an exclusive discount. There are two types of hotel blocks: closed and open. With a closed block, you pay for all or part of the cost of the rooms whether they are used or not. With an open block, you have rooms set aside until a certain date; if guests don't book them by that date, they are released and you aren't responsible for paying anything.

If you are unable to reserve a hotel block, provide your guests with a list of accommodation suggestions in the local area. Include options in different price ranges to suit the various budgets of your guests, such as hotels, resorts, Airbnbs, and other group properties. If you only have a few guests travelling from out of town, you might consider renting a large apartment or house instead of hotel rooms.

Include all transport and accommodation information on your wedding website or app, so your guests can easily access it.

Reception details: Include the name and address of the reception venue, and the start time

Reception Details

The reception is where the real fun begins! It's the first time you and your partner get to let loose and celebrate your union with your nearest and dearest. So, it's important that your guests know where to go and when.

Be sure to include the name and address of your reception venue, as well as the start time. This information will be especially important if your ceremony and reception are in different locations.

Classic Wedding Program

A traditional single-page program is a great way to convey the necessary information. You can make it unique by using thicker card stock, coloured paper, or a pattern that matches your wedding theme. These can be placed on chairs, handed out by groomsmen, or displayed in a basket at the welcome table.

Ceremony Program Booklets

If you have a lot of information to convey, a longer booklet is a good option. This is especially thoughtful if your reception is at a different location and you want to include directions. You can display these booklets upright on tables at the entrance of the ceremony, decorated with flowers or items that match your wedding theme.

Chalkboard Sign

Chalkboard signs are a popular choice and can be made unique with special illustrations or your wedding hashtag/monogram. Display it on an easel or in a tabletop frame near the ceremony entrance.

Wood Sign

For a rustic or outdoor wedding, outline the order of events on a simple wood sign hung near the ceremony entrance. You can also prop it up against a table or hang it with twine, ribbon, silk string, or a shepherd's hook.

Mirror

A large, framed mirror displayed at the ceremony entrance can double as a welcome sign and a program. Choose a frame that matches your wedding theme, and place it in a high-traffic area so guests can easily read it.

Banner

Instead of printed stationery, you can display a billowy linen panel calligraphed with reception details. Add greenery or flowers for contrast, and select a linen that ties in with your wedding decor. Hang it to the side of the entrance or affix it to a wall.

Remember to use legible fonts and order extras in case of spills or wind. Proofread your programs before printing, and don't be afraid to get creative!

Frequently asked questions