Honoring Your Heritage: Including Parents' Names On Your Wedding Program

Wedding programs are a great way to give guests information about the wedding ceremony, as well as introduce them to the people involved. It's a keepsake for the happy couple and a helpful guide for guests. When it comes to the parents' names, there are a few ways to include them. The traditional format is to list the parents of the bride, followed by the parents of the groom. Full names are usually included, and sometimes their relationship to the couple is added, for example, Mother of the Bride. If a parent has passed away, it's respectful to include their name, with the late before their name, or to include a dedicated section to honour them. This can be placed at the end of the program, with a heading such as In Memory Of.

Include parents' names in the wedding party section

The wedding program is a document that guides your guests through the wedding ceremony, and it can be as detailed or as simple as you like. Here are some ideas on how to include your parents' names in the wedding party section:

Traditional Wedding Program

For a traditional or formal wedding, the wedding program can follow a standard format, listing the first and last names of each person involved in the ceremony. This includes the wedding party, the officiant, and the parents of the happy couple. Here is an example:

• Officiate: Father Timothy Olson
• Parents of the Bride: Jenny and Joshua Amundson
• Parents of the Groom: Chris and John Armstrong
• Grandparents of the Bride: Georgia Hudson
• Grandparents of the Groom: Thomas Watershed and Elizabeth Collard

Modern or Minimalist Wedding Program

If you're having a modern or minimalist ceremony, you may want to keep the wedding program simple and concise. You can list just the parents and other family members involved in the ceremony, without including their full names or titles. Here is an example:

• Officiate: Tim Wood, Friend of the Couple
• Parents of the Bride: Jenn and Samantha Adams-Foster
• Parents of the Groom: Tiffany and Seth Howard

Creative Approach

If you want to get creative, you can include a short description of each person's relationship to the couple. For example:

• Parents of the Bride: Jane Smith, Mother of the Bride, escorted by her husband John Smith
• Parents of the Groom: Bruce and Milly Jankins, Father of the Groom and Stepmother of the Groom

Alphabetical Order

Another option is to list the parents' names in alphabetical order, especially if you want to avoid any potential issues with listing the bride's parents first. This approach can be especially useful when trying to navigate complex family dynamics or when honouring both biological and step-parents.

• Parents of the Bride: Chris and Mary Taylor
• Parents of the Groom: Amanda and Robert Johnson

Remember, there is no "right" or "wrong" way to include your parents' names in the wedding program. You can customise it to fit your personality, the style of your wedding, and the dynamics of your family.

Honour deceased parents with a memorial tribute

Honouring deceased parents with a memorial tribute is an important part of the grieving process. It can help you process your emotions and overcome your grief. Here are some ways to include a memorial tribute to your deceased parents in your wedding program:

Write a Memorial Tribute

Write a formal document that publicly proclaims your gratitude for what your parents did for you and the positive qualities and values they passed on. You can include this tribute in your wedding program, or frame it and give it to your parents as a gift. If your parents have passed away, you can still write the tribute and display it at the wedding venue.

Leave a Chair Open

Leave a chair open at the wedding ceremony to symbolise that your loved one is still with you in spirit and looking down on you.

Light a Memorial Candle

In many cultures, lighting a candle is a symbol of unity. You can light a candle to represent your loved ones who have passed away.

Write a Message in the Programs

If you're printing a program for your wedding, you can include a short tribute to your parents. It can be as simple as mentioning their names with the words "remembering" or "in remembrance".

Carry a Memento

Consider wearing a memento of your parent's or carrying one in your bouquet. This could be anything from their cufflinks and handkerchief to an heirloom necklace.

Include Their Memory in Your Wedding Speech

Incorporate your parent's memory into your wedding speech. You could read a memorial poem, offer a toast, read a letter from or to your parent, or share a prayer or quote.

Other Ways to Honour Deceased Parents

• Hold a time of silence
• Visit their grave
• Play their favourite song
• Create a commemorative presentation with photos and memories

List parents' names in the order of service

There are several ways to list parents' names in the order of service for a wedding program. Here are four approaches:

Traditional Approach

The traditional way to list parents' names is to include both sets of parents under the heading "Parents". The groom's parents are listed first, followed by the bride's parents. An example of this format is:

Parents of the Groom: The Late CE and Mr. and Mrs. WE

Parents of the Bride: Mrs. GQ and Mr. and Mrs. AQ

Alphabetical Order

If you prefer, you can list the parents' names in alphabetical order by last name. This approach can be helpful if you have a large number of parents or step-parents to include. The format would look like this:

Parents of the Bride: Mr. and Mrs. AQ

Parents of the Groom: The Late CE and Mr. and Mrs. WE

Formal Wedding Details

For a more formal wedding, you may want to include the first and last names of each person involved, including the parents. This can be especially meaningful if you have close relationships with your parents. The format could be:

Parents of the Bride: Mrs. GQ and Mr. AQ

Parents of the Groom: The Late CE and Mr. WE

Minimalist Approach

If you prefer a simpler style, you can just include the first and last names of the parents, without any additional details. This approach can be effective if you have a large wedding party or want to keep your program concise. The format would be as follows:

Parents of the Bride: Mrs. GQ and Mr. AQ

Parents of the Groom: Mr. and Mrs. WE

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to writing a wedding program. You can customise it to fit your personality and the style of your wedding.

Include parents' names in the introduction

There are many ways to include the names of the parents of the happy couple in the introduction of a wedding program. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Traditional and Formal Weddings

For a traditional or formal wedding, the wedding program can follow a standard format, with a focus on etiquette and formality. Here's an example:

"It is with great joy that we, the parents of [name of bride/groom], [name of father of the bride/groom] and [name of mother of the bride/groom], welcome you to the wedding of our beloved child to their partner. Today, as we celebrate this union, we are grateful for the love and support of our family and friends."

Modern and Casual Weddings

If the couple is opting for a more modern or casual wedding, the wedding program can be less formal and more creative. Here's an idea:

"We, [name of father of the bride/groom] and [name of mother of the bride/groom], are thrilled to be here today, witnessing the union of our [son/daughter], [name of bride/groom], with their partner. This day is a celebration of love, and we are grateful to have each of you here with us."

Cultural and Themed Weddings

In the case of a cultural or themed wedding, the wedding program can incorporate traditions and themes into the introduction. For example:

"In the spirit of [cultural tradition or theme], we, [name of father of the bride/groom] and [name of mother of the bride/groom], invite you to join us in celebrating the marriage of our [son/daughter], [name of bride/groom]. May this day be filled with love, joy, and the richness of our [culture or theme]."

Honoring Deceased Parents

If a parent of the bride or groom has passed away, there are thoughtful ways to include them in the wedding program. Here's an example:

"On this special day, we hold in our hearts those who are no longer with us, especially [name of deceased parent], whose love and memory continue to guide us. We, [name of living parent], along with [name of deceased parent], welcome you to the wedding of our beloved [son/daughter], [name of bride/groom]."

Remember, these are just a few examples, and you can customize the wording to fit your style and tone. The key is to express gratitude, set the tone for the celebration, and make the parents of the happy couple feel honored and included.

Thank parents in the appreciation message

A wedding program is a great way to thank your parents for their support and presence at your wedding. Here are some ideas and examples to help you craft a meaningful message:

Express Gratitude and Appreciation

Thank your parents for their unconditional love, support, and guidance throughout your life. Let them know how much you value their hard work and dedication in raising you. You can mention specific things they did, such as cooking meals, spending family time together, or helping with homework. Here's an example:

"Mum, Dad, thank you for your unwavering love and support over the years. You've gone above and beyond to give us a memorable childhood and have always guided and encouraged us to pursue our dreams. From you, we learned valuable lessons about kindness, perseverance, and forgiveness. We are forever grateful for the example you set as a loving married couple, and we aspire to emulate your relationship as we start our new chapter together."

Acknowledge Their Role in Your Wedding

If your parents contributed financially or provided logistical support for your wedding, be sure to acknowledge their efforts. Express your appreciation for their help in making your special day a reality. For example:

"We are deeply grateful for your incredible love, support, and guidance on our wedding day. Your contributions have provided us with a solid foundation as we begin our life together. Thank you for all you've done to make this day, and our entire lives, so wonderful. We love you with all our hearts."

Highlight Their Positive Traits

Talk about their positive characteristics and how they have influenced you as a person. Mention any values, morals, or life lessons they have instilled in you. For instance:

"Your unconditional love and guidance have shaped us into the people we are today. The values you've taught us, such as faith, hope, love, and respect, will forever guide us in our marriage. We are forever thankful for your example and the inspiration you have given us."

Share Childhood Memories

Recall cherished childhood memories and reflect on how your parents' presence has impacted your life. Sharing a specific anecdote or two can add a touching personal touch to your message. Here's an example:

"I want to thank you for everything you've done for me. I cherish the weekend family outings, the home-cooked meals, and the countless other ways you've shown your love and support. As I celebrate this milestone, I am deeply grateful for the love and guidance that have brought me to this point."

Compliment Them as a Couple

If you are addressing both your parents, acknowledge their relationship and the example they set for you. You can express your hope to follow in their footsteps and build a strong marriage like theirs. For instance:

"Thank you for showing us what a great marriage looks like. Your commitment, love, and respect for each other have inspired us, and we hope to emulate your relationship as we begin our married life together."

Remember, your message can be as long or as short as you like, depending on the overall length of your wedding speech. These paragraphs can be combined or modified to fit your unique situation and relationship with your parents.

Frequently asked questions