The Back Of Your Wedding Program: A Creative Guide

Wedding programs are a great way to give your guests insight into the performance of your ceremony and can also serve as a thoughtful keepsake. While there is no right or wrong approach, here are some ideas on what to write on the back of your wedding program:

The Wedding Party

The third section of your wedding program should feature participants other than the couple, otherwise known as the wedding party. This can include parents, grandparents, the maid or matron of honour, and any other special guests. You can also include a brief note about how you know each person.

Appreciation Messages

The last section of your wedding program should feature a message of appreciation for your guests. You can also include a memorial or remembrance message dedicated to deceased friends and family members who couldn't be there.

Reception Reminder

If your ceremony and reception are in different locations, include the name and address of your reception venue, as well as the start time. You can also include directions, especially if your reception is at a different venue.

Names, Date and Location

The first section of your wedding program should include the names of the couple getting married, the date of the wedding, and the location of the ceremony. This is often referred to as the "cover page" and serves as a sweet reminder of the occasion's specifics for the couple and their guests. Here are some examples of how you can format this section:

Traditional/Formal Wedding Introduction:

• "Welcome to the Wedding of Ashley Lynn Carter & Thomas Brooklyn Sawyer, East Brooke Lutheran Church, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma."
• "Kelly Jo Holcomb And Bradley Michael Janis, Nineteenth of May Two Thousand and Eighteen, One O'clock in the Afternoon, Valley Church."

Minimalist Wedding Introduction:

• "Celebrating Caitlin Hemseth and Sarah Colebright"
• "Kelly and Brad 5.19.2018 1 p.m. Valley Church"

Modern Wedding Introduction:

• "Welcome as Carley Lee Strong and Thomas Richard Perrin begin their lives together."
• "The Nuptials of Iris Georgina Fritz and Joshua Turlington Smith III, The 2nd of June 2022, At Five O'Clock in the Evening, The Grand Hotel Tremezzo."

Outline of the Ceremony Proceedings

The wedding ceremony is a special moment for the couple and their guests. The wedding program is a useful guide to the proceedings and can be a wonderful keepsake. Here is a suggested outline of the ceremony proceedings for the back of a wedding program:

Prelude

The prelude music is played as guests are being seated. This is a lovely moment as guests arrive and take their seats, with anticipation building for the ceremony to begin.

Processional

The processional music signals the entrance of the bridal party. The music creates a memorable atmosphere as the bridal party proceeds down the aisle.

Greeting and Opening Prayer

A warm greeting and blessing are offered to set the tone for the ceremony. This can be a meaningful way to welcome and unite everyone present.

Readings

There may be one or two readings, with a mix of secular and religious selections. These readings could be from literature, poetry, or sacred texts, offering wisdom and reflection for the couple's new journey.

Exchange of Vows and Rings

The moment we've all been waiting for—the exchange of heartfelt vows and the symbol of commitment, the exchanging of rings. This is the heart of the ceremony.

Unity Ceremony

A unity candle, sand ceremony, or another symbolic ritual may be included to represent the couple's union. This is a beautiful way to involve family members or honour a cultural tradition.

Presentation of the Couple

The officiant announces the newlyweds, and the celebration truly begins! This is a joyous moment as the couple is presented to the world as a married pair.

Recessional

The recessional music marks the conclusion of the ceremony as the newlyweds and wedding party exit. This music selection is a festive way to close the ceremony and lead into the celebration ahead.

Additional Notes

The wedding program can be tailored to include various details, such as the names of the wedding party, a message of appreciation to guests, and any unique elements of the ceremony. Religious ceremonies may include specific prayers, songs, or rituals, with references for guests to follow along.

Names of Ceremony Participants

The wedding program is a great way to acknowledge and thank those who have played a role in your wedding and supported you through the planning process. Here are some ideas for what to include when writing about the names of ceremony participants:

Officiant

Begin by listing the officiant, the person who will be officiating the ceremony and guiding you through your vows. This could be a religious figure, such as a priest, rabbi, or cantor, or it could be a close friend or family member who has been registered online.

Parents

Next, include the names of both sets of parents, starting with the parents of the bride, followed by the parents of the groom. Traditionally, the bride's parents are listed first, but you can also opt for alphabetical order. It is common for parents to give speeches and even share a dance with their children during the reception.

Wedding Party

The wedding party typically includes the maid/matron of honor, best man, bridesmaids, and groomsmen. These are the people who stand by your side during the ceremony and offer emotional support. They often have additional responsibilities, such as planning the bachelorette/bachelor party and helping with wedding preparations.

Flower Girl and Ring Bearer

Include the names of the flower girl(s) and/or ring bearer(s), who are usually young family members or friends' children. They have the important role of scattering petals down the aisle and carrying the rings.

Readers

If you have guests reading passages or poems during the ceremony, be sure to list their names. These are often family members or friends whom you admire and want to honour on your special day.

Ushers and Other Helpers

Don't forget to mention the ushers, who greet and seat your guests. You may also want to acknowledge other helpers, such as guest book attendants or those passing out programs.

Grandparents and Other Family Members

While not always included, you may want to list the names of grandparents, step-parents, or other family members who have played a special role in your life and wedding.

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to wedding programs. You can customise the content and format to fit your unique wedding and the people who matter most to you.

A Memorial Tribute

A wedding is a time of celebration, but it can also be a time of remembrance for those who have passed away. Here are four paragraphs that can be used as a memorial tribute on the back of a wedding program:

In Loving Memory

Regretfully, some of our family are no longer with us to celebrate this special day. We feel their presence in spirit, and they will always be in our thoughts and hearts. We would like to honour the memory of:

• [Name], grandfather of the bride
• [Name], grandmother of the bride
• [Name], father of the groom
• [Name], mother of the groom

Remembering Our Loved Ones

Today, as we celebrate this joyous occasion, we remember our loved ones who are no longer with us. Their guidance, love, and wisdom remain with us, and we know they are looking over us on this special day. We hold them close to our hearts, now and forever.

In Our Hearts

Although they are not physically with us, we know that our loved ones who have passed away are here in spirit. We feel their love and support as we celebrate this union. We would like to honour their memory and the impact they had on our lives.

Memorial Tribute

We remember with love those who are no longer with us and wish they could be here to share in this special day. Their absence is felt, but we find comfort in knowing they are always with us in our hearts and memories. We honour their legacy and the love they brought into our lives.

Some other ways to include a memorial tribute in your wedding program could be to include a symbolic quote, a simple "In Loving Memory Of" tribute, or a saying or poem that captures the feelings of the couple. You could also mention the deceased during the ceremony, leave an empty seat for them, or incorporate family heirlooms into the ceremony.

Wedding Party Introductions

A wedding program is a great way to introduce your wedding party to your guests. It can be a simple one-pager or a multi-sided pamphlet, depending on your preference. Here are some ideas on how to introduce your wedding party:

Names and Relationships

A straightforward way to introduce your wedding party is to list their names and their relationship to the couple. For example:

• "Matron of Honor: Kim Dummermuth, Friend of the Couple"
• "Best Man: Jason Wander, Friend of the Couple"
• "Flower Girl: Bailey Michaels, Niece of the Bride"

Bios and Fun Facts

If you want to make it more personal, you can include a brief bio or fun fact about each member of the wedding party. For instance:

• "Matron of Honor: Kim Dummermuth, the bride's childhood best friend. They've been inseparable since kindergarten!"
• "Best Man: Jason Wander, the groom's brother. He's always up for a good prank!"
• "Flower Girl: Bailey Michaels, the bride's niece. She loves princesses and all things sparkly!"

Hierarchy and Order

Another option is to list the wedding party in a hierarchical order, following a traditional format:

• "Parents of the Bride: Jenny and Joshua Amundson"
• "Parents of the Groom: Chris and John Armstrong"
• "Grandparents of the Bride: Georgia Hudson"
• "Maid/Matron of Honor"
• "Best Man"

Illustrations and Photos

You can also add a creative touch by including illustrations or photos of your wedding party. This idea is not only helpful but also colourful and fun:

• "Kim Dummermuth, Friend of the Couple [Illustration of Kim]"
• "Jason Wander, Brother of the Groom [Photo of Jason]"
• "Bailey Michaels, Niece of the Bride [Illustration of a flower girl]"

Creative Titles

Instead of using traditional titles like "Maid of Honor" or "Best Man", you can get creative and use unique titles that reflect the personalities or roles of your wedding party:

• "Master of Ceremonies: Jason Wander, the groom's brother and self-proclaimed party starter!"
• "Fairy Godmother: Kim Dummermuth, the bride's fairy godmother and trusted confidant"
• "Prince Charming: Thomas Brooks, the groom's best man and partner-in-crime"

Remember, there is no right or wrong way to introduce your wedding party. Feel free to personalise it and make it reflect your wedding style and theme!

Frequently asked questions