Crafting The Perfect Wedding Timeline: A Guide To Writing The Time On Your Program

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. The cover of the wedding program should list the time, date, and location of the wedding ceremony, along with the full names of the happy couple. This can be done in a variety of styles, from traditional and formal to minimalist and modern. For example, a traditional introduction might include a short welcoming message, whereas a minimalist approach might simply feature the wedding date and the couple's names. The time is usually written out in full, with no numerals, for more traditional wedding invitations.

Introduction: Include the time, date, location, and names of the couple

The wedding program is a document that serves as a guide for your guests, outlining the key details of your wedding ceremony. Here are some tips and suggestions for crafting the introduction section, which sets the tone for your special day:

Traditional or Formal Introduction:

Write a warm and welcoming message to your guests, expressing your joy in having them share this momentous occasion with you. Be sure to include the full names of the happy couple, followed by the time, date, and location of the ceremony. Here's an example:

"Welcome to the Wedding of Ashley Lynn Carter & Thomas Brooklyn Sawyer, East Brooke Lutheran Church, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Saturday, the twenty-sixth of October two thousand twenty-four, at half past three o'clock in the afternoon."

Minimalist Introduction:

For a more understated approach, you may opt for a simpler format that includes just the wedding date and the couple's names. If you wish, you can add a brief message of one to three words for your guests. Here's an example:

"Celebrating Caitlin Hemseth and Sarah Colebright, 17th of May 2025."

Modern Introduction:

If your wedding has a contemporary vibe, you can write a unique and creative welcome message. If your venue holds cultural significance, be sure to include its name. Here's an example:

"Welcome as Carley Lee Strong and Thomas Richard Perrin begin their lives together, 14th of February 2026."

Casual Introduction:

For an informal wedding, you can go with a light-hearted and casual tone. You may choose to include just the couple's first names and the wedding date, or add a fun message. Here's an example:

"Kelly and Brad, 19th of May 2018. Let's celebrate love!"

Time and Date Format:

When it comes to formatting, there are a few options. For a formal wedding, you might write out the time in words, such as "half past three o'clock." Alternatively, for a casual wedding, you could use numerals, such as "3:30 p.m." As for the date, the traditional approach is to spell it out completely, including the day of the week, date, month, and year. However, for a casual wedding, you can use a more concise format, such as "Saturday, May 17th, 2025."

Order of ceremony events: Outline the ceremony proceedings

The wedding ceremony is a crucial aspect of the wedding day, marking the transition from betrothed to married. The ceremony proceedings typically include the following elements:

Processional

The processional marks the beginning of the ceremony, with the wedding party and couple making their entrance. The specific order may vary, but it often includes the couple's parents, the wedding party (groomsmen and bridesmaids), flower girl, ring bearer, and finally, the couple. The couple may choose to walk down the aisle together or separately, with the groom/partner entering first, followed by the bride/partner escorted by a parent.

Officiant's Welcome and Address

Once everyone is in place, the officiant, who leads the proceedings, offers a welcome and introductory remarks. This may include a brief recounting of the couple's love story, words on the significance of marriage, or a general introduction to the ceremony.

Readings and Unity Rituals

If included, readings are typically done by family members or friends, and can be selected from religious texts, poems, or meaningful passages. Unity rituals, such as lighting a unity candle, pouring sand, or handfasting, are often performed after the readings.

Exchange of Vows and Rings

The exchange of vows is a pivotal moment in the ceremony, where the couple recites their promises to each other. This is followed by the exchange of rings, which symbolises their marriage.

Pronouncement and First Kiss

After the vows and rings, the officiant pronounces the couple as newlyweds, and they seal their marriage with their first kiss.

Recessional

The recessional marks the end of the ceremony, with the couple leading the way out, followed by the wedding party and guests. The order is usually the reverse of the processional.

Customisations and Variations

It is important to note that the order of proceedings may vary depending on cultural and religious traditions. For instance, in a Catholic wedding, the ceremony is held in a church, and the priest and ministers often walk to the altar as part of the processional. In a Jewish wedding, the bride's side sits on the right, and the groom's side sits on the left. Additionally, the breaking of the glass and shouting of "Mazel Tov!" are unique elements. Hindu weddings are elaborate affairs, lasting multiple days, with rituals like the baraat (groom's procession) and jai mala (garland exchange).

The ceremony can also be customised to reflect the couple's personalities and beliefs. Same-sex couples may choose to process together, and non-religious ceremonies offer more flexibility in terms of structure and rituals. Ultimately, the wedding ceremony is a reflection of the couple's love and commitment, and the proceedings can be tailored to make it unique and meaningful.

Wedding party: List the names of the wedding party and their relationship to the couple

A wedding program is a document that serves as a guide for guests throughout the wedding ceremony. It typically includes an outline of the ceremony proceedings, a brief overview of the wedding-day timeline, and the names of those participating in the ceremony.

The Wedding Party

• Officiant: [Name], [Relationship to Couple]
• Parents of the Bride: [Names], [Relationship to Bride]
• Parents of the Groom: [Names], [Relationship to Groom]
• Grandparents of the Bride: [Names], [Relationship to Bride]
• Grandparents of the Groom: [Names], [Relationship to Groom]
• Maid/Matron of Honor: [Name], [Relationship to Bride]
• Best Man: [Name], [Relationship to Groom]
• Bridesmaids: [Names], [Relationship to Bride]
• Groomsmen: [Names], [Relationship to Groom]
• Flower Girl: [Name], [Relationship to Couple/Bride]
• Ring Bearer: [Name], [Relationship to Couple/Groom]
• Ushers: [Names], [Relationship to Couple]

You can include as many or as few roles as you like and customise the format to match your wedding theme and style. For instance, you could include the couple's siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews, or even pets if they have a special role in the wedding.

Some couples also choose to add a brief description of each person's relationship to the couple, which can be a fun conversation starter for guests. For example, "Matron of Honor: Kim Dummermuth, Friend of the Couple" or "Ring Bearer: Christopher Mathwick, Nephew of the Bride".

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to wedding programs, so feel free to personalise and adapt this outline to suit your unique wedding party and dynamics.

Religious elements: Include songs, prayers, and Bible verses

Religious elements are a key part of a wedding program, and there are many ways to incorporate them. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Songs

Music is a beautiful way to enhance the ceremony and can be chosen to reflect the couple's Christian faith and their love for each other. For the processional, consider "Ode to Joy" by Beethoven, "Hallelujah Chorus" by Händel, "Tennessee Theme" by Hans Zimmer, or "Pachelbel's Canon in D Major" by Johann Sebastian Bach. During the signing of the marriage register, songs such as "The Prayer" by Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion, "I Promise (Wedding Song)" by CeCe Winans, or "Because You Loved Me" by Céline Dion can be played.

For the recessional, celebratory music like "Ode to Joy" or the "Hallelujah Chorus" is a fitting choice, along with songs like "Love Never Fails" by Brandon Heath, "The Prayer" by Josh Groban and Charlotte Church, or "God Gave Me You" by Dave Barnes.

Prayers

Prayers are an integral part of a religious wedding ceremony. A few options to consider include:

• "Marriage Prayer for Bride and Groom" by Dr. Louis H. Evans: This prayer asks for God's blessing on the couple, their love, and their life together.
• "The Blessing of the Marriage" from The Book of Common Prayer: This prayer gives thanks to God for sending Jesus and consecrating the union of man and woman. It asks for God's abundance, defence, and guidance in all aspects of the couple's life together.
• "The Blessing of the Marriage" from The Church of England: This prayer gives thanks to God for joy, gladness, and love, and asks for His blessing on the couple's new life together, their work, companionship, joys, and sorrows.
• "Blessings of the Hands" by Rev. Daniel L. Harris: This prayer reflects on the many ways the couple's hands will support, comfort, and strengthen each other throughout their marriage.

Bible Verses

Incorporating Bible verses into your wedding program can add a meaningful touch. Here are some suggestions:

• 1 Corinthians 13:4-8: "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends."
• Colossians 3:12-17: "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."
• Song of Solomon 8:6-7: "Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the Lord. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it."
• Ecclesiastes 4:9-12: "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone?"
• Ephesians 5:25-31: "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her... In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself."

Thank you notes: Express gratitude to guests for attending

When it comes to wedding programs, there is no "right" or "wrong" approach. You can design it as a simple one-pager or a multi-sided pamphlet with added details. Here are some ideas for including the time on your wedding program:

Classic Wedding Program

You can opt for a traditional single-page program, using thicker card stock, coloured paper, or a pattern that matches your wedding theme. The time, date, and location of the wedding ceremony can be listed at the top or on the front cover.

Ceremony Program Booklets

If you have more details to share, a multi-page booklet can be a great option. Include directions to the reception venue, especially if it's in a different location. You can also provide explanations of any wedding traditions or rituals that guests might be unfamiliar with.

Ceremony Program Fans

For an outdoor wedding, consider double-sided paper fans that serve a dual purpose: keeping guests cool and informing them of the wedding details. The time, date, and location can be included on one side, with a fun design or message on the other.

Mirror Ceremony Program

Display a large, framed mirror at the entrance of the venue, doubling as a welcome sign and a program. The time, date, and location can be written in a stylish font, with decorative elements that match your wedding theme.

Chalkboard Sign Ceremony Program

Chalkboard signs are a popular choice and can be easily customised. Include illustrations such as an outline of the chapel, a sketch of a cocktail glass, or your wedding hashtag. The time and date can be listed at the top, with the order of events and other details below.

Now, let's move on to the topic of thank-you notes. It's essential to express gratitude to your guests for attending your wedding and sharing your special day with you. Here are some tips and examples to help you craft thoughtful and heartfelt messages:

Plan Ahead

Set aside time after your wedding to write your thank-you cards. It's best to send them out within two to three months. Create a list of all the guests who attended and the gifts they gave, so you can keep track of your progress.

Start with a Greeting

Begin your thank-you card with a simple "Dear" followed by the guest's name. If you're writing to a family, address the card to the entire family. For closer relationships, you can use their first name.

Express Gratitude for Attendance and Gifts

Thank your guests for coming to your wedding and sharing in the joyous occasion. Let them know how much their presence meant to you and your partner. If they gave you a gift, mention it specifically and express your appreciation for their thoughtfulness.

Personalise Your Message

Include something special about the guest, such as a shared memory or a particular moment during the wedding that stood out to them. This shows that you reflected on their presence and that it was meaningful to you.

Look to the Future

Express excitement for future events and how you plan to use their gift. This gives the guest a sense of connection and anticipation. For example, "We plan to use the crystal wine glasses for our next dinner party and can't wait to share a drink with you."

End with a Warm Closing

Use phrases like "Warm regards," "With love," or "Sincerely." Sign your name and your partner's name at the bottom of the card, adding a personal touch that reflects your appreciation.

"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."

"Your presence at our wedding has added so much love to our special day. Your gift has brought us joy and will help us build our life together."

"Thank you for your generous gift. We plan to use it to create new memories together in our future."

"We can't wait to see you again soon and share more happy moments. Thank you for being a part of our lives."

Frequently asked questions