Wedding Programs And Invites: What To Include

Wedding programs and invitations are essential components of any wedding. They provide guests with important information and help them understand the day's proceedings and events. While the invitation suite refers to the components of the wedding invitation itself, including the invite, RSVP card, and envelope, the wedding stationery suite comprises other paper items such as menus, thank-you cards, and save-the-dates. This paragraph will discuss the key details to include in wedding programs and invitations to ensure a well-informed and engaged guest list.

Names, date, location, and time

The names, date, location, and time are essential components of a wedding invitation. Here are some tips and guidelines to consider when including this information:

Names

The names of the couple are a crucial element of the invitation. For heterosexual couples, the woman's name is typically listed first, but you can order the names however you prefer. For LGBTQIA+ couples, the names can be ordered alphabetically, by age, or in any other way that feels right. You can include first and middle names, first and last names, or full legal names. If the parents' names are mentioned, the couple usually uses their first and middle names. However, you can also use the formality level of the wedding as a guide. For a very formal wedding invitation, consider including full names, while for a casual beach ceremony, first names may be more appropriate.

Date and Time

Including the date and time of the ceremony is essential to ensure your guests' attendance. Avoid latecomers by clearly stating the start time. For formal invitations, write out the time rather than using numerals, for example, "four o'clock in the afternoon." It is also important to specify the time of day, such as "in the afternoon" or "in the evening," to eliminate any confusion.

Location

Provide the name and address of the ceremony and reception venues to guide your guests to the right location. If the ceremony and reception are at the same place, you can simply add "Reception to Follow" or "Dinner and Dancing to Follow." If the reception is at a separate venue, include a separate reception card with the start time and address.

In addition to the essential components mentioned above, you may also want to include extra information about the venue, such as parking instructions or a custom map, especially if your wedding is at a unique location or one that your guests may be unfamiliar with.

Outline of the ceremony proceedings

The ceremony proceedings are the heart of your wedding, where you and your partner will be pronounced newlyweds. Here is a detailed outline of how the ceremony proceedings will look:

Procession

The entrance music will play to signal the start of the ceremony, with the guests standing to welcome the bridal party. The flower girl and ring bearer will lead the procession, followed by the maid of honour and bridesmaids. The bride will enter last, escorted by her father or a male representative.

Bridal Entrance

The bridal party will march down the aisle, followed by the bride.

Welcome/Introduction

The minister or officiant will give a short speech to welcome the guests and introduce the couple. They will also say a few words about marriage and ask the congregation if anyone objects to the wedding.

Vows Exchange

The couple will exchange their vows, usually repeating after the minister.

Exchange of Rings

The ring bearer will give the rings to the couple, who will exchange rings and say more vows, repeating after the minister.

Pronouncement

The minister will make a short speech to pronounce the couple as husband and wife, or husband and husband/wife and wife, depending on the couple. The couple will then seal their marriage with a kiss.

Exit

The couple will sign the marriage register, and the officiant will give closing remarks and offer instructions to the wedding guests. The couple will then lead the recessional, exiting the ceremony with their wedding party.

Alternative Ceremony Proceedings

There are many ways to structure your ceremony proceedings, and you can customise them to fit your preferences and cultural traditions. Here is an alternative outline:

Processional

The couple enters together, or each partner enters separately, escorted by their parents or alone.

Welcome/Greeting

The officiant welcomes the guests and acknowledges the purpose of the gathering.

Readings/Music

Incorporate readings, poems, or musical performances that are meaningful to the couple.

Personal Vows

The couple shares personalised vows they have written for each other.

Exchange of Rings

The couple exchanges wedding rings as a symbol of their commitment.

Unity Ritual

Perform a unity ritual, such as a sand ceremony or tree planting, to symbolise the merging of your lives.

Pronouncement of Marriage

The officiant declares the couple married and introduces them as a married couple.

Recessional

The couple and the wedding party exit together, usually in the reverse order of the processional.

Names of ceremony participants

The wedding program is a great way to acknowledge and thank those who have supported you through the wedding planning process and beyond. Here are some ideas on how to include the names of your ceremony participants:

• Officiant: Begin by listing your officiant, who is usually first in the processional.
• Parents: Traditionally, the bride's parents are listed first, followed by the groom's parents. However, you can also go in alphabetical order or mention both sets of parents together.
• Wedding Party: List the wedding party members, including the maid/matron of honour, best man, bridesmaids, and groomsmen. Flower girls and ring bearers can also be included. Try to keep the list in the same order as the processional to help guests understand who is who.
• Readers and Ushers: If you have readers during the ceremony or ushers who are handing out programs, add their names as well.
• Personal Connection: If there is room, consider adding a sentence or two about how you know each person. This gives your guests a fun insight into your special connection with each VIP.
• Order of Services: Instead of a simple list, you can opt for a more detailed outline by mentioning the order of services. For example, mention the officiant's welcome speech, religious proceedings, ring and vow exchange, and the processional. This helps your guests follow along with the ceremony.
• Special Roles: If any of your ceremony participants have a special role, such as a reading or performance, be sure to mention that as well.

Remember, the wedding program is a great way to express your gratitude and make your guests feel welcomed and appreciated.

Reception information

The reception is a party that usually follows a wedding ceremony, and it's the first time the couple meets family and friends as a married duo. It's important to include reception information on your wedding invitations, so your guests know what to expect.

If your ceremony and reception are at the same venue, you can simply write "Reception to follow," "Dinner and dancing to follow," or "Cocktails, dinner, and dancing to follow." If the reception is at a different venue, you should include the name and address of the venue, as well as the start and end times. It's also helpful to include directions or transportation information for guests.

If your reception is at a different venue or on a different day, you may want to include more details such as:

• The name and address of the reception venue
• Start and end times
• Directions or transportation information
• Dress code or attire suggestions
• After-party details

If your ceremony and reception are on the same day, you can include a small card with the invitation that includes the ceremony details, such as the time, date, and location. This card can also mention that the reception will follow.

• "Join us following the ceremony for a reception."
• "Please join us for drinks, dinner, and dancing immediately following the ceremony."
• "Let's Party! Join us for a reception of cocktails, dinner, and dancing following the ceremony."

It's also important to include an RSVP card or provide an online RSVP option, so you can get an accurate headcount for the reception.

RSVP and deadline

When it comes to RSVPs, there are a few key details you'll want to include in your wedding invitations. Firstly, it's important to set a deadline for your guests to respond by. This deadline should be about three to four weeks before the wedding date. This will give you enough time to finalise numbers with your caterer and put the finishing touches on your seating chart.

To make it easy for your guests to respond, include a paper RSVP card within the invitation suite. This card should be placed inside a stamped and addressed envelope, making it convenient for your guests to send back their responses. On the RSVP card, be sure to include a line for your guests to write their names and checkboxes for accepting or declining the invitation.

If you're collecting RSVPs online through your wedding website, it's still a good idea to include the physical RSVP card. This caters to guests who may not be comfortable responding digitally. You can also include your wedding website link on a separate details card within the invitation suite.

For a more traditional approach, the RSVP card can use wording such as "the favour of a reply" or "kindly reply by". If you're opting for a less formal tone, you can go with "kindly respond by" or a similar phrase.

Remember to keep track of your RSVPs and follow up with any guests who haven't responded by your deadline. This will help you finalise your guest list and ensure an accurate headcount for your special day.

Frequently asked questions