Wedding Programs: What To Include On Page Three

what to put on wedding programs 3 page

Wedding programs are a great way to communicate the intricate details of your big day to your guests. While they are not a necessary component, they can add a level of elegance and sophistication to your wedding. They can also be a sweet keepsake for both the couple and the guests. The third page of a wedding program is usually where you put your wedding party. This style is great for large wedding parties as you don't need to include anything else on this page. You can also include a list of the wedding party members and their roles, a line thanking financial contributors by name, and a cute his and hers section.

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Basic information: date, time, location, names of the couple, wedding party, and officiant

The cover page of your wedding program should include the who, where and when of the event. This includes the names of the happy couple, the date and the venue name. The full wedding date and ceremony start time can also be included on the cover, serving as a helpful reminder for guests to use the bathroom and find their seats before the ceremony begins.

The next section of the program should list everyone in the wedding party, starting with the officiant, followed by the parents and then the wedding party members, including flower girls and ring bearers. You can list the wedding party in the order they will walk down the aisle, so guests can easily identify each person.

The date, time and location can also be included in the body of the program, along with the names of the couple, officiant and wedding party members. This information can be presented in a timeline of the day, so guests know where to be and when.

Finally, the end of the program should include closing remarks, such as a thank you note to guests, or a favourite quote from a reading or the vows.

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Order of events for the ceremony and reception

The order of events for the ceremony and reception is a crucial part of your wedding program. This section provides your guests with a clear understanding of what to expect and when. Here is a detailed breakdown for your wedding program:

Order of Events for the Ceremony

  • The Procession: The officiant takes their place at the altar, followed by the groom, who traditionally stands to the left. The wedding party then joins them, with the best man, groomsmen, bridesmaids, and maid of honour taking their positions as preferred by the couple.
  • Ceremony Proceedings: This includes any readings, songs, or traditions that are part of the ceremony. Be sure to include the names of those involved in any readings or performances.
  • Exchange of Vows and Rings: This is the heart of the ceremony, where the couple exchanges their vows and wedding rings, solidifying their commitment to each other.
  • Pronouncement: The officiant pronounces the couple as newlyweds, and they may seal the ceremony with a kiss.
  • Recessional: The newlyweds lead the recessional, followed by the wedding party, and finally, the guests. This marks the end of the ceremony and the beginning of the cocktail hour.

Order of Events for the Reception

  • Cocktail Hour: Guests enjoy beverages, hors d'oeuvres, and conversation during the cocktail hour. This is a great time for mingling and taking portraits. It also serves as a buffer if the ceremony and reception are at different locations.
  • Wedding Party Entrances and Introductions: Once guests are seated, the DJ or emcee introduces the wedding party, including the newlyweds' parents, bridesmaids, groomsmen, ring bearer, flower girl/boy, best man, maid/matron of honour, and finally, the newlyweds themselves.
  • First Dance: Some couples choose to perform their first dance immediately after entering the reception, while others wait until after dinner. This is also an opportunity for the couple and their parents to thank the guests for attending.
  • Dinner: It is ideal to serve dinner shortly after guests enter the reception. This can be a plated, family-style, or buffet dinner.
  • Speeches and Toasts: Speeches and toasts typically accompany the dinner, as guests are already seated and attentive.
  • Cake Cutting and Dessert: Cutting the cake is a special moment and is often followed by dessert, which signals the official 'end' of the reception to the older generation.
  • Dancing: The newlyweds can choose to open the dance floor after dinner or at any point during the reception. This includes special dances such as the father-daughter dance and the hora at Jewish weddings.

Remember, while this is a general guide, you can customise the order to fit your preferences and any unique traditions you wish to include. Enjoy crafting your special day!

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Acknowledgements and tributes

Wedding programs are a great way to add personal touches and share heartfelt messages with your guests. Here are some ideas for the "Acknowledgements and Tributes" section of your wedding program:

Thanking Family and Friends

This is an opportunity to express your gratitude and appreciation for the presence and support of your loved ones. Here are some examples of what you could write:

"To our beloved parents, we wish to express our deepest gratitude for your unconditional love, guidance, and the sacrifices you have made for us. We would not be who we are today without your support and example of faith, hope, love, and respect. We are forever thankful."

"To our family and friends, we are so grateful to be surrounded by your love and support on this special day. We feel truly blessed to have each of you here, witnessing the joining of our hearts in the presence of God."

Tribute to Deceased Loved Ones

If you have lost loved ones who you wish to honour and remember during your wedding, here are some ways to do so:

"In loving memory of those who are forever in our hearts. Although they are no longer with us, we feel their presence and know they are watching over us on this joyous day."

"To our grandparents who are unable to be here today, we carry your love and wisdom in our hearts. We honour your memory and cherish the legacy you have left behind."

Thanking the Wedding Party

It's also a nice touch to acknowledge the members of your wedding party for their special contribution:

"To our wedding party, thank you for being an integral part of this day and our journey towards it. We are grateful for your love, support, and friendship. A special thank you to our Koumbari, Marianna and Chris, for their amazing support throughout the wedding planning process."

Feel free to personalise these messages to match your unique story and relationships with your loved ones.

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Illustrations, monogram, and wedding hashtag

Wedding programs are a great way to help your guests understand what's happening and when, and they can also be a sweet keepsake for guests to remember your special day.

The front page of a wedding program is a great place to include a monogram or venue illustration. You can also use your monogram on a focal point of the reception, blending it with your decor. Booklet-style programs are a standard size of 4.25"x5.5" and include a cover page where you can use your monogram, venue illustration, or just your first names.

If you have a wedding hashtag, including it in your wedding program is a great way to ensure all your guests see it. You can also display your hashtag on signs, chalkboards, or other decor at the venue, and even on directional signs to help guests find their way around. A wedding hashtag is a fun and useful way to collect and share photos and memories of your special day, and it can also help to personalize your wedding and make it memorable.

When creating a wedding monogram or logo, you can choose from thousands of free and fully customizable templates to make your wedding printables cohesive and elegant. You can also collaborate with your partner or a trusted friend to customize your wedding logo template. You can choose from hand-drawn florals, stylish calligraphy, and modern frames to set the mood for your upcoming nuptials.

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Additional notes, e.g. 'in memory of' section, reception information, or a thank you note

The third page of your wedding program is a great place to include additional notes, such as a memorial section, reception information, or a thank-you note. Here are some ideas for this section:

In Memory Of

You might want to honour loved ones who have passed away by adding a special tribute to your wedding program. This can be a touching way to commemorate those who would have been a part of your special day. You could also use this section to thank those who were unable to attend the wedding.

Reception Information

Including the address of your reception venue and the start time is a practical addition to your wedding program. This can be helpful for guests to reference as they leave the ceremony. You could also include directions to the reception venue if it is in a different location.

Thank You Notes

Using your wedding program as an opportunity to thank your guests for their presence and support is a thoughtful touch. You could also thank financial contributors by name or acknowledge your wedding party and their roles.

Other Details

Other ideas for this section include a list of songs or readings that will be performed during the ceremony, an explanation of any cultural or ceremony traditions, or a fun "his and hers" section with your interests and favourite parts of wedding planning.

Frequently asked questions

The cover page of your wedding program should include the who, where, and when of the event. This includes your names, the venue name and address, the full date, and the ceremony start time.

The second page of your wedding program should include the order of the ceremony proceedings. This could include the order of the prelude and processional, which readings and songs are included, and any additional formalities.

The third page of your wedding program can include your wedding party, family, and any other notes you may want to add. You can also include a list of wedding party members and their roles, a line thanking financial contributors, or a cute "his and hers" section with interests and favourite parts of wedding planning.

There are many different styles of wedding programs to choose from. Some popular options include booklets, newspapers, fans, and chalkboard signs. The style you choose will depend on the length of your program and the amount of detail you want to include.

You may also want to include a request to participate in singing or taking communion, a note asking guests to put their phones and cameras away, and a message of gratitude to your guests. You can also add explanations for any cultural or ceremony traditions and the significance of other wedding details.

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