How To Craft The Perfect Wedding Party Bios

A wedding program is a document that outlines the wedding ceremony proceedings and includes the names of everyone participating in the ceremony. It serves as a keepsake for the happy couple and helps guide guests through the ceremony, especially those travelling from out of town. The wedding party section of the program can include the names of each person involved in the day, from the bridal party to the flower girl and ring bearer. Some couples also choose to include a one- or two-word description of each person's relationship to the couple (e.g. mother of the bride). Others opt for a brief bio of each person, including how they met, shared experiences, personality traits and their role in the wedding.

A brief word of welcome, a blessing or prayer

A wedding program is a document that guides guests through the wedding ceremony. It traditionally outlines the proceedings and includes the names of everyone participating in the ceremony. It can also include a brief word of welcome, a blessing, or a prayer. Here are some ideas for what to include in this section:

A Brief Word of Welcome

You can welcome guests to the wedding and thank them for their presence. You can also mention that their attendance is the greatest gift of all. If you wish, you can add that guests can find more information about wedding gifts on your wedding website.

A Blessing

You can include blessings from different cultures, such as Irish, German, Italian, or Apache. Here is an example of an Irish blessing:

> May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Or you can write your own blessing. Here is an example:

> May your marriage always bring glory to God, joy to one another, and blessings to your family for many generations to come. May love and laughter fill your hearts and your home for all the days of your lives.

A Prayer

You can include a prayer to God, asking for blessings and guidance for the couple. Here is an example:

> Lord God Almighty, Creator of the heavens and earth. Thank you for the gift of marriage and all the joy and love that it brings us. We thank you for [bride's name] and [groom's name]. Thank you that you have brought them together for this special day and that you hold them safely in Your hands. We pray that you would richly bless them as they exchange their vows and their wedding rings. And from this day forward, may they walk hand in hand into everything that You have destined them to be. We give our hearts and lives to You now in adoration, and we welcome Your Holy Spirit among us. Amen.

The names of everyone participating in the ceremony

The wedding party is made up of those closest to the happy couple, so it's only right that they get a special mention in the ceremony programme. This is a great way to introduce your nearest and dearest to guests who may not know them and to explain their role in the ceremony.

The traditional format for naming those participating in the ceremony is as follows: the parents of the bride, the parents of the groom, the bridesmaids and groomsmen (with the maid of honour and best man listed first), the flower girl and ring bearer, ushers and readers, and the officiant.

If the officiant is a religious figure or someone with a title, such as a judge, be sure to include this. For example, "Father Michael Smith, Rabbi Andrew Zimmerman or The Honourable Samuel Brown".

You can also list the wedding party members in the order they will walk down the aisle, so guests can follow along as each person appears.

For a formal or religious wedding, you will list the first and last names of each person involved in the ceremony. This includes the priest or pastor, acolytes, and others with a role in the service.

Officiate: Father Timothy Olson

Parents of the Bride: Jenny and Joshua Amundson

Parents of the Groom: Chris and John Armstrong

Grandparents of the Bride: Georgia Hudson

Grandparents of the Groom: Thomas Watershed and Elizabeth Collard

Matron of Honour: Kim Dummermuth, Friend of the Couple

Best Man: Jason Wander, Friend of the Couple

For a modern or minimalist ceremony, you might choose to only write the names of family and friends involved in the ceremony, and their relationship to you. For example:

Officiate: Tim Wood, Friend of the Couple

Parents of the Bride: Jenn and Samantha Adams-Foster

Parents of the Groom: Tiffany and Seth Howard

Man of Honour: Zeke Mitchell, Brother of the Bride

Best Woman: Kara Cortez, Sister of the Groom

If you want to add a more personal touch, you could include a short bio for each member of the wedding party on your wedding website. This can include how you met, shared experiences, personality traits and why you chose them to be part of the wedding.

For example: "Saskia is my older sister, best friend and all-around amazing human. She’s also one of the smartest people on the planet, recently graduating top of her class with Honours in Engineering. Sally loves to debate about anything and everything, so be sure to find her on the day if you’re up for a good conversation (that’s if you can keep up)!".

A short bio of each person in the wedding party

Brief Bio Example

This example provides a short sentence or two about each member of the wedding party, mentioning their relation to the couple and including an anecdotal detail that illustrates their bond.

• Maid of Honor: She's only two years older than us, but she's the mama bear of the group.
• Best Man: Rec frisbee teammate in college. Friz for life!
• Bridesmaid: We shared a cubby in preschool; neat freaks then and now!
• Groomsman: He introduced us. 'Nuff said.

Poetry Bio Example

These bios put a twist on the first example with added humor and details.

• Maid of Honor: She's two years older than the bride, but they might as well have been twins.
• Best Man: Lacrosse teammate in high school and college. It's a bromance, and Kate's trying not to be jealous!
• Bridesmaid: We shared a cubby in preschool and were neat freaks then and now. Just look at our spotless apartment!
• Groomsman: He introduced us, and we're forever grateful. He gets a seat at the table.

How Long You've Known Each Other Bio Example

This example focuses on how long you've known each member of the wedding party and how your relationships developed.

• Maid of Honor: She's my sister, so I've known her my whole life, and I can't imagine having anyone else by my side on my wedding day.
• Best Man: Mark and I have been friends since kindergarten, sharing many of life's big moments. I'm so happy he's here on my wedding day.
• Bridesmaid: Whitney and I were neighbors growing up, and our parents are good friends. She's like family.
• Groomsman: Matt and I were college roommates, and our annual fishing trip is still going strong 10 years later.

Why You've Decided to Include Them Bio Example

This example explains why each member of the wedding party is important to you and why you chose them to stand by your side on your big day.

• Maid of Honor: Candice is my loving and spirited sister, always having my back. Of course, I want her to hold my bouquet and be my Maid of Honor.
• Best Man: Mark and I are "thick as thieves," as our parents used to say. We fought like brothers, but he's my best friend and the obvious choice for Best Man.
• Bridesmaid: Rachel is a longtime family neighbor, and we've known each other since birth. She's been with me through all my big life moments.
• Groomsman: John and I haven't lived in the same city since college, but we always pick up right where we left off. He's a great friend.

A thank-you note to family members

Dear [family member's name],

Thank you for your unwavering support and love throughout the years. We are so grateful to have had you by our side on our wedding day, and we couldn't have imagined it any other way. Thank you for playing such a significant role in making our special day run smoothly and ensuring everything went according to plan. It truly was the happiest day of our lives, and we wouldn't have been able to do it without you.

We are also incredibly thankful for your generous contribution to our wedding. Your gift of [amount/item] is something we will always cherish and appreciate. It will be put to good use as we explain how you plan to use the gift. We are truly blessed to have you in our lives, and we are forever grateful for your presence and support during this memorable milestone in our journey as a married couple.

Thank you again for everything. We love you and feel so lucky to have you in our family.

Love,

[Your names]

Another option:

Dear [family member's name],

We want to express our deepest gratitude for your love, support, and presence at our wedding. Our wedding day was made even more special because of your participation and the important role you played in making it a dream come true. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being a part of our celebration and sharing in our joy.

We are also touched by your thoughtful wedding gift. The [item/amount] is something we will truly cherish and appreciate as we begin our new life together. We plan to put it towards [explain how you will use the gift], and we will think of you every time we use it. Thank you for your generosity and for always thinking of us.

We feel so blessed to have you in our lives, and we are forever grateful for all the ways you have supported us throughout the years. Thank you for being a part of our special day and helping to create memories that we will always treasure.

With love and gratitude,

[Your names]

Details of the wedding reception

The wedding reception is a chance for the newlyweds to celebrate their union with their loved ones. It is a time for joy, laughter, and the creation of new memories. Here are some ideas on what to include under the "Details of the Wedding Reception" section of your wedding programme:

Location, Date, and Time

Provide clear information about the location of the reception venue, including the address and, if necessary, directions or a map. Also, mention the date and time of the reception, ensuring it aligns with the timing of the overall wedding day timeline.

Theme and Decor

Describe the theme and decor of the reception venue to give guests a glimpse of what to expect. This could include colour schemes, centrepiece designs, lighting, and any unique touches you plan to incorporate.

Food and Beverages

Give guests a sneak peek of the culinary delights they can look forward to. Mention whether it will be a seated dinner, a buffet, or food stations. Highlight any special dishes, signature cocktails, or late-night snacks that will be served.

Entertainment and Activities

Keep your guests entertained by sharing details of the planned activities and entertainment. This could include a live band or DJ, dancing, games, photo booths, or any other unique surprises you have in store.

Special Moments

If you have any special moments planned during the reception, such as the first dance, parent dances, cake cutting, toasts, or cultural traditions, give guests a heads-up so they don't miss out.

Guest Interaction

Encourage guest interaction and participation by mentioning any activities or traditions that involve them. This could include things like a guest book, a polaroid camera for photos, a wish tree, or any games or contests that require their involvement.

After-Party

If you're planning an after-party, be sure to include the details! Let guests know the location, time, and any other relevant information. This will ensure that those who want to continue the celebration know where to go and when.

Remember, the details you include will help your guests feel informed and excited about the reception. Keep the descriptions concise, and feel free to add a touch of your personality and style to the wording.

Frequently asked questions