Franklin Dean
A wedding program is a great way to give your guests a rundown of the day's proceedings. It can also be a fun keepsake from the event. While there are no hard and fast rules on what to include, there are several common elements. The cover page should include the couple's names, the date, the venue, and sometimes the ceremony start time. The order of services is also important, so guests can follow along and know what to expect. This can include the processional, songs or prayers, vow exchange, and recessional. If there are any readings, you can include the titles and the names of the readers. You might also want to include a welcome message or note of thanks, and details about the wedding party and officiant. Finally, you can get creative with the design, using different shapes, maps, or even turning it into a crossword puzzle!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Names of the couple | Names of the couple getting married |
| Date | Date of the wedding |
| Venue | Name and address of the venue |
| Timeline of the day | A schedule of the day's proceedings |
| Order of events | A list of events, e.g. processional, songs, prayers, vow exchange, recessional |
| Readings | Titles of poems or religious passages, and names of readers |
| Music | Names of singers or musicians |
| Wedding party | Names of the wedding party and their roles |
| Officiant | Name of the officiant |
| Acknowledgements | Thanks to guests, financial contributors, and loved ones who have passed away |
| Additional information | Maps, monograms, engagement photos, crosswords, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Names, date, venue, wedding party, officiant, and procession members
The wedding program is an excellent way to give your guests a rundown of the day's events and express gratitude to your loved ones. Here are some ideas for including names, dates, venues, wedding parties, officiants, and procession members:
Names and Date
Start with the cover page, which should include the couple's names, the full date of the wedding, and the city and state. It is also a nice touch to include the ceremony start time on the cover as a reminder for guests.
Venue
The name of the venue and its address should be included. However, if your guests will already have this information, you may choose to leave out the address.
Wedding Party and Officiant
List everyone in your wedding party, including the officiant, parents, and wedding party members such as the maid of honour, best man, bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girl, and ring bearer. You can also include a few sentences about how you know each person, adding a personal touch for your guests.
Procession Members
List the names of those who will be part of the processional and their roles. This can include the order of procession, which readings and songs are included, and any additional formalities. If you have readers during the ceremony, you can add their names and any relevant details about them.
Remember, the wedding program is a great opportunity to express your creativity and personality, so feel free to add your own unique touches!
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Order of services, e.g. processional, songs, prayers, vow exchange, recessional
The order of your wedding ceremony will depend on the type of ceremony you are having. Traditional, Jewish, Catholic, and non-denominational weddings usually include a ring exchange, while Hindu weddings exchange garlands of flowers. A Christian ceremony will differ from a civil ceremony, and an interfaith wedding will include elements of both.
Processional
The processional order will depend on the type of ceremony. In a traditional wedding, the processional begins with the bride's mother, followed by the groom, best man, wedding party, flower girl, and ring bearer. The bride, escorted by her father, is the last to walk down the aisle. In a Jewish ceremony, the rabbi and cantor lead the processional, followed by the bride's and groom's grandparents, groomsmen, best man, groom (with parents), bridesmaids, maid of honour, and ring bearer and flower girl (optional). For a non-denominational wedding, the groom may choose to lead the processional, followed by the best man, groomsmen, bridesmaids, maid of honour, ring bearer, flower girl, and the bride with one or both parents.
Songs/Prayers/Readings
The wedding ceremony will require three to four songs. The processional and recessional will each need one song, in addition to prelude music. If you are having a faith-based wedding, you may want to include prayers and readings from religious texts. You may also choose to include poems, hymns, or other meaningful readings.
Vow Exchange
The couple will exchange vows, which can be traditional or personally written.
Recessional
The newlyweds lead the way back up the aisle, followed by the wedding party and guests. This is the reverse of the processional.
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Readings, music, and titles of poems or passages
Wedding readings are customarily included in a wedding ceremony. They are a great way to personalise the ceremony and bring in additional voices. Readings can be chosen from poems, literature, songs, films, religious works, or anything else that is meaningful to you and your partner.
If you are having a religious ceremony, you may want to provide explanations of the proceedings, such as the Greek weaving of the crowns or the traditional Hindu seven steps. You can also include hymn lyrics or religious passages in your wedding program. If your ceremony includes a song, religious excerpt, or poem reading, you can also include those details in the program. For example, you can list the song title, composer, and performer.
If you are having readings during your ceremony, it is a good idea to print the words to the readings in your wedding program so that guests can follow along. You can ask anyone to deliver a reading during your wedding ceremony, such as a beloved family member or friend who is not in the wedding party.
> "You know all those things that we've promised, and hoped, and dreamed – well, I meant it all, every word."
> "Before this moment you have been many things to one another – acquaintance, friend, companion, lover, dancing partner, even teacher, for you have learned much from one another these past few years."
> "I promise, my darling, to be your best friend / To settle the quarrels before the day ends / To teach you new things and learn in return / Halve debts, colds and baths, and share laughs and concerns."
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Acknowledgements, dedications, and thanks
A wedding is a significant event in a couple's life, and it is only fitting to express gratitude to those who have supported and contributed to the occasion. Here are some ideas for "Acknowledgements, Dedications, and Thanks" section of your wedding program:
Thanking Friends and Family
Welcome and thank your guests for their presence and well-wishes. You can include a brief message expressing your gratitude for their support and participation in your special day. This can be a general note to all your guests or personalised for each guest, if you are creating DIY printable templates.
Honouring Loved Ones
If you have a family member or friend who has passed away and would have wanted them to be a part of your wedding, consider adding a tribute to commemorate their memory. This section can also be used to thank those who could not attend due to unforeseen circumstances or travel complications.
Recognising Wedding Party Members
It is essential to acknowledge the people who have played a significant role in your wedding planning and the ceremony itself. Start by listing the officiant, followed by both sets of parents, and then the wedding party members, including flower girls, ring bearers, bridesmaids, groomsmen, maid of honour, and best man. You can also include a few sentences about how you know each person, giving your guests a fun insight into your special crew.
Thanking Financial Contributors
If you have people who have generously contributed financially to your wedding, be sure to thank them by name. This acknowledgement is a thoughtful way to show your appreciation for their support in making your dream wedding a reality.
Remember, there are no hard and fast rules for this section, and you can personalise it to fit your wedding style and dynamics.
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After-party and reception details
After the ceremony, the celebrations continue with the reception and after-party. It is important to include details about these events in your wedding program so that your guests know what to expect and can follow along. Here are some ideas for what to include:
Directions and Transportation
If the reception and after-party are at a different venue, be sure to include the address and directions for guests to find their way. This can be done in a creative way, such as incorporating a map of the surrounding area or an illustrated map of the venue itself. You could also include information about transportation options, such as a shuttle service or designated drivers, if applicable.
Timing of Events
Provide a timeline of events for the reception and after-party, including the start time of cocktail hour, dinner, speeches, first dance, and any other special moments. This will help guests stay informed and excited about the upcoming festivities. You can also include a general schedule of the day to give guests an overview of the entire celebration.
Food and Beverage Information
Let your guests know what type of food and beverages will be served. This can be a simple overview or a more detailed description of each course or food station. If you are having a cocktail hour, you can mention the types of cocktails that will be served. It is also a good idea to include information about any late-night snacks or food trucks that may arrive later in the evening.
Entertainment and Activities
If you have planned any special entertainment or activities for the reception or after-party, be sure to mention them. This could include a photo booth, live band or DJ, lawn games, or even a surprise performance. By including this information, guests will be excited and engaged throughout the celebrations.
Dress Code and Comfort
If the reception and after-party have a different dress code or comfort considerations, be sure to mention them. For example, if the after-party is outdoors, you may want to suggest that guests bring a wrap or light jacket. You can also include any other relevant information, such as a reminder to wear comfortable shoes for dancing!
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Frequently asked questions
Instead of printed stationery, you could display your wedding program on a mirror, window, chalkboard, or wooden sign. You could also turn your timeline into a chart or diagram, or even a crossword puzzle.
The names of the couple, the date, the venue, the wedding party, the officiant, and anyone else in the procession, like parents and grandparents.
A list of the order of events, a timeline of the day, a welcome message, a note thanking your guests, and a tribute to loved ones who have passed away.
If your wedding has religious elements, include explanations of the various proceedings for people who may not be familiar with them. You can also include practical information like the address of the venue and driving directions if the reception is at a different location.
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