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Wedding programs are a great way to enhance your guests' experience and highlight key moments and people on your special day. They are usually placed on each chair before the ceremony or handed out by ushers or anyone who is not in the wedding party. The cover of the wedding program can be personalised with just the couple's names, the date, and an inscription, or it can be customised with a photograph and foil embossing. The most common elements of a wedding program are the couple's names, the date, the venue, the wedding party, the officiant, and anyone else who is part of the procession, like parents and grandparents. The order of events is also included in the wedding program, which can be a simple list or a detailed timeline with timestamps for religious ceremonies. Couples can also add unique details, such as a photo from their engagement shoot, their wedding monogram, and details about the proposal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To highlight key moments, acknowledge important people, and keep guests engaged |
| Contents | Couple's names, date, venue, wedding party, officiant, procession participants, order of events, context for rituals/traditions, after-party info, photos, crossword puzzle, etc. |
| Format | Traditional single-page, bi-fold, booklets, fans, cards, DIY, displayed on a mirror/chalkboard, etc. |
| Distribution | Placed on chairs, handed out by ushers/groomsmen, in a basket at the entrance, or displayed on an easel |
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What You'll Learn
Order of events
The wedding ceremony is a solemn occasion that marks the union of two people. While different cultures, religions, and families may have their own unique rituals, here is a general guide to the order of events for a traditional, non-denominational wedding.
Processional
The ceremony begins with the officiant taking their place at the altar. The groom then enters, either alone or accompanied by their parents, followed by the best man and maid of honour. The rest of the wedding party can take their positions in pairs, with the flower girl and ring bearer following. Finally, the bride walks down the aisle, often escorted by her father.
Opening Remarks
Once everyone is in place, the officiant welcomes the guests and shares a few personal words about the couple, their love story, and the significance of the day.
Readings and Special Performances
This is an opportunity for friends and family to share readings, poems, or musical performances. The officiant will announce each person so that everyone can see and hear them.
Exchange of Vows
The couple exchanges their wedding vows, which they may write themselves or opt for traditional vows from their faith or culture.
Exchange of Rings
The couple exchanges wedding bands, often accompanied by the words, "With this ring, I thee wed."
Unity Ceremony
If desired, the couple can include a unity candle, sand ceremony, or another symbolic ritual.
Pronouncement
The officiant officially declares the couple married, and the newlyweds share their first kiss.
Recessional
To the sound of upbeat, celebratory music, the newlyweds lead the way back up the aisle, followed by the wedding party and then the guests.
Reception
After the ceremony, the guests are invited to the reception, where they can enjoy food, drinks, music, and dancing. The newlyweds may choose to include traditions such as the bouquet and garter toss, as well as the father/daughter and mother/son dances. The reception is a time for celebration and offers an opportunity for the couple to savour their special day.
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Names of the couple, wedding party and guests
The wedding program is an important element of the ceremony, enhancing the experience for the couple and guests. It should acknowledge the essential people in the couple's lives and keep guests engaged.
The first part of the program should include the names of the couple, the wedding date, and the location. A welcome message can be added, such as:
> "Welcome to the wedding ceremony of [Name] and [Name]. We are so delighted to have you here celebrating this special day with us!"
The names of the wedding party should also be included, such as the maid of honour, best man, bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girl, and page boy. For a more formal ceremony, the names of parents and the officiant can be added.
The program can also be used to express gratitude to loved ones, including those who have travelled far to attend, and to honour any loved ones who have passed away, including their names and a heartfelt message.
The couple can also choose to add a photo from their engagement shoot, their wedding monogram, and details about the proposal.
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Venue and date
The wedding date, names of the couple, and venue are essential details to include in a wedding programme. This information is typically displayed on the cover page, along with the ceremony time and any theme details or colours.
The date, venue, and names can be presented simply, or you can add creative flair by incorporating a watercolour illustration of your venue or a map of the surrounding landscape. You could also include a condensed version of your relationship story, such as how you met and any special connection to the venue. For example, you might write: "We're so happy to be saying 'I do' in our favourite place, where we first confessed our love for each other under the stars."
If you have a special theme, you can introduce this on the cover, which is especially useful if the reception venue has restrictions on decor. A themed programme gives guests a hint of what's in store. For instance, if you met while travelling, you could incorporate this into your programme with a luggage tag printed with all the ceremony information.
In addition to the cover, you can include a more detailed rundown of times for each part of the celebration inside the programme. This is helpful for guests to know where to be and when, and it can assist your wedding planner in organising the day.
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Photos and personal touches
- Incorporate photos: Include personal photos of you and your partner to give your guests a glimpse into your relationship and love story. This could be a timeline of your "firsts," such as your first message, first selfie, first family photo, and so on. You can also display engagement photos or include photos from old home movies.
- Share your story: Give your guests insight into your journey as a couple, especially if there's a special connection to your chosen venue. Share key moments, such as how you met, significant dates, and the proposal story.
- Get creative with design: Use unique shapes, such as hearts or seashells, or opt for a multi-fold fan program, especially for a summer wedding. You can also incorporate your wedding colours or a pattern that ties into your theme (e.g., botanical, tropical, under the stars).
- Add personal mementos: Include items that hold personal significance. For example, if you both attended the same university, play the school song and display the school flag during the reception. If you love Lego, incorporate Lego bouquets or decorations at the reception.
- Custom crests and monograms: Design a custom crest or monogram and use it throughout your wedding stationery, including the programs.
- Personalise the drinks: Offer signature mocktails with a cheeky note offering the option to add alcohol. This adds a unique touch and lets your guests sip on a piece of your love story.
- Ribbon ceremony: Include a ribbon ceremony, also known as handfasting, where your hands are tied together with a ribbon or fabric during the ceremony. It adds a visual element to your photos and symbolises the joining of two families.
- Photobooth guest book: Set up a photobooth, either professionally hired or DIY with Polaroid cameras, and provide props and backdrops for guests to take fun photos. They can then stick these photos into a guest book and leave messages beside them, creating a memorable keepsake.
- Live artist or painter: Arrange for a live artist or painter to sketch your wedding day, capturing special moments like your first kiss or first dance. These sketches can then be given to guests as unique favours or compiled into a scrapbook.
- Music and entertainment: Choose music that reflects your personalities, even if it's not traditionally "wedding-y." Opt for a Spotify playlist instead of a DJ, or include your favourite anime intro or a fun pop song for your entrance.
These ideas will help you add personal touches to your wedding programs and create a memorable experience for both you and your guests.
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After-party information
A wedding program is an important element at any event, enhancing your guests' experience and keeping them engaged. It is a thoughtful keepsake for your loved ones, allowing them to reminisce about your special day long after it's over.
The after-party is a chance to let loose and celebrate with your guests. Here are some ideas for including after-party details in your wedding program:
Location, Location, Location
Provide clear details about the after-party venue, including the address and any relevant landmarks or directions. If the after-party is at a different location from the wedding, consider including a small map or directions for guests to reference.
Timing is Everything
Include a timeline for the after-party, especially if there are specific activities or performances you want guests to enjoy. A simple timestamp for each event will help guests know where to be and when, ensuring they don't miss out on any fun.
Set the Tone
Give your guests an idea of the after-party vibe. Is it a casual gathering or a more formal affair? Will there be a specific dress code or theme? This information will help your guests feel prepared and ready to party.
Special Details
If there are unique elements to your after-party, be sure to mention them. For example, if you're providing a photo booth with fun props, a live band, or a special performance, include these details to build excitement.
Social Media Savvy
Create a custom hashtag for your wedding and encourage guests to use it during the after-party. This way, you can easily find and cherish all the candid moments captured by your loved ones.
Spread the Word
Don't forget to promote your after-party in advance! Include a note in your wedding program reminding guests to save some energy for the post-reception celebrations. This will ensure a smooth transition and keep the party going strong.
Your wedding program is a chance to showcase your creativity and personal touch. Whether it's a traditional program or a unique fan design, your guests will appreciate the thought and effort put into it.
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Frequently asked questions
The cover of your wedding program can be simple, with just the couple's names, the date, and an inscription. You can also add a photograph and foil embossing. For themed weddings, the cover is a great way to introduce the day's motif, especially in church settings where you may not be able to alter the decor.
Wedding programs are traditionally printed on elongated rectangular cards, made with heavy cardstock. However, you can also use paper fans, vellum envelopes, or even wooden signs. If you want to include more information, consider a booklet.
Wedding programs typically include the couple's names, the date, the venue, the wedding party, the officiant, and anyone else who is part of the procession. You should also include an order of events, with timings for each part of the ceremony. You can also add a welcome note, a thank you, and details about the proposal.
Choose your fonts wisely. Block lettering is easy to read, but swirly cursive looks pretty and feels romantic. You can also ask a design professional for help. If you want to include a lot of information, a bi-fold design will give you more space.
You can place the programs on each ceremony chair, ask ushers to hand them out, or put them in a self-serve basket at the entrance. If you want to display the program, you can use a mirror, window, chalkboard, or wooden sign.
