As you’ve already checked off critical wedding to-dos, it’s now time to focus your attention on the rest of the details, like your wedding ceremony programs. Ceremony programs contain important information that your guests will want to be know such as the agenda, who’s in your wedding party and when the cocktail reception and dinner will begin. To make it easy for you, we’ve pulled together everything you need to know about creating wedding ceremony programs.
What Is a Wedding Ceremony Program? Do I Have to Have One?
A traditional wedding program is a printed paper that outlines the details of your wedding. This includes your wedding schedule, order of events, ceremony readings and any additional information about the wedding party. Having a program is not mandatory; you don’t have to hand out anything at all. But if you want to give people more information about what’s going on, this can be a simple way to accomplish that.
Using wedding programs, you can share the significance of the reading and why you chose to include them, explain the format of your multi-heritage wedding ceremony, and even call attention to the members of your wedding party. Ultimately, it is up to you and your partner to decide whether to print wedding programs for everyone in attendance – either way, they’ll have all of the information about your special day.
What Details Should I Have In My Wedding Ceremony Program?
After you’ve decided on the style of the wedding program, then you get to decide what goes into the program itself. Likely, there will be some key details that will be handy for your guests to know, such as the names of the couple, where the wedding ceremony will be held and an overview of the wedding ceremony. Beyond that, you can include anything else you’d like. Consider things such as the names of your bridal party, the marriage officiant, both sets of parents, special guests who will be doing readings and hired musicians, if you have them. This is also the most appropriate place to provide background information on any rituals or traditions that you’ll be including in the ceremony.
You may want to including the following helpful details as well – an outline of the order of events to take place throughout the day, a narrative about you as a couple and/or your wedding hashtag and logo, a note of appreciation for your guests and family members who are there to support you, memory of loved ones who couldn’t be there, your request to not have photos taken and details about the reception.
To make your wedding program extra memorable, consider adding pictures or illustrations of you and your partner, your wedding party, families, and pets.
What is the Correct Order to List a Wedding Party?
Want to honor your wedding party in a fun way? Using a wedding program is the perfect solution. Not only will it entertain guests before the ceremony, but it will also provide them with some great tips on who your friends and loved ones are so they can get to know them better during the reception.
There is no strict protocol as to how you should mention your close friends and family that will be in the wedding party. Generally, the maid of honor and best man will be listed first and the others are listed after. Add as much or as little information on the program as you’d like – the choice is yours!
Can I Print Something on the Back?
Absolutely! Fully make use of the real estate space that you have on the back of the program. If you have included all of the really important information on the inside of the program, consider adding something cute and sentimental on the back side. Perhaps you can share a brief version of your love story-from the moment you first met all the day to your wedding day – your wedding guests will enjoy knowing the back story. As well, you can use the back of the program to add a work of thanks for all who could be part of your special day. There’s tons of ideas so tap into your creativity!
Wedding Ceremony Template To Follow
If you need help creating a ceremony program, feel free to use this template as a starting point and customize it to meet your needs.
Simple Version
- Our Wedding Ceremony
- Processional*
- Welcome & Introduction
- Readings
- Exchange of Vows
- Ring Ceremony
- Pronouncement of Marriage
- Presentation of Couple
- Recessional
*If you choose to present your VIPs (listed below), they usually follow the processional section.
Extended Version
- Introducing the Wedding Party
- The Parents of Each Couple
- Maid/Matron of Honor
- Best Man
- Bridesmaids
- Groomsmen
- Flower Girl
- Ring Bearer
- Wedding Officiant
Where To Get Wedding Programs?
With a number of online wedding resources like Joy, Zola, WeddingWire and The Knot, you can likely find and or design custom invitations and ceremony programs to match your wedding theme. Otherwise, you can check out other resources such as Vistaprint, Zazzle, Shutterfly or Etsy.
If you’re looking for a more streamlined option, consider ordering your wedding programs from the same stationer who made your save-the-dates and invitations. Doing this will not only save you time, but it will also ensure your wedding stationery has a consistent and uniform look.
As for ordering wedding ceremony programs, you can do one of two things: 1) get them at the same time as your wedding invitations or 2) wait up to two months before the wedding before getting them printed. If choosing the latter, this will ensure that the stationer has enough time to print and deliver them to you just in time for your wedding day.
What’s the Rule of Thumb When Ordering Programs?
Since you’ve made the decision to have wedding ceremony programs, you’re probably wondering next how many you should order. The small issue is that you need to get your wedding programs printed before your final headcount comes in. So, we suggest that you combine the amount of invitations circulated plus additional guests and add onto that number another 15 to 25 extra programs just in case there are last minutes additions. It may seem a waste to order such a large amount, but consider that every guest should have their own program so that they feel included in your wedding day.
How Much Will Programs Cost?
As you’re calculating your wedding ceremony program budget, keep in mind certain aspects. A single sheet of paper will be cheaper than a full brochure with numerous pages. Extra add-ons such as ribbon markers, embossing or foil printing will add to the overall cost. Remember that the more you order, you’ll likely get a volume discount. But in general, you can expect your wedding program to cost about $1 to $6 each.
Program Ideas
Whatever your style goals and ceremony details, designing the perfect wedding program is a chance to make your ceremony even more special. You have complete freedom when it comes to how you present the key ceremony details to your guests. If you have just a few elements for them to know, staying classic with a single-page program will work perfectly. However, if there’s more that needs to be communicated, consider going dramatic with a multi-page booklet. No matter what option you choose, designing the perfect wedding program is an incredible opportunity for you to make your ceremony truly remarkable.
To find inspiration, we have compiled 5 ceremony program ideas ranging from classic and traditional to creative and unique.
A Traditional Program
Opting for a classic single-page wedding program is always an excellent choice. You can give it a personalized touch by selecting thicker card stock, bright-colored paper, or incorporating a pattern that aligns with your wedding theme.
Pre-place them on each chair, ask ushers to hand them out, or set up a self-service basket at the entrance. For an extra touch, consider using ribbon or twine to bind the program together and hanging it on the chairs.
Booklets
If there’s more that needs to be conveyed to your guests, a longer more comprehensive booklet can be a great idea. For example, if the cocktail hour and reception are taking place in a different venue, including directions is a considerate gesture. Additionally, if you’re including traditional wedding ceremony practices or rituals that some guests may not be familiar with, your program can provide helpful explanations.
Position the ceremony booklets upright at the entrance of the wedding venue in a nice way. Complement the setup with flowers or personalized decorations that tie in with your wedding theme.
Fans
For a hot beach or summer wedding day, double-sided paper fans are an ideal way to keep guests cool. Not only do they look beautiful but they also serve a practical purpose. This wedding program design is the perfect combination of aesthetics and function to make sure your ceremony runs smoothly even when temperatures rise.
To create a pleasant atmosphere and build anticipation, give a fan to each guest as they enter the venue or provide them on their seats before the ceremony begins.
Treat Bag Packages
Print the ceremony details on a personalized bag, add some snacks inside, and tie it together with monogrammed napkins for an extra special touch.
Provide a surprise and delight for your guests as they enter with treat baskets and a sign with a cute phrase. To make it extra special, you can have the snacks personally served at the entrance to your wedding venue.
A Sign or Chalkboard
Using illustrations, your wedding hashtag or monogram, and other key details can help your chalkboard or sign stand out. Consider adding an outline of the chapel, a sketch of a cocktail glass, or an illustration of the venue to bring different parts of the day to life.
Having your board near the entrance to the ceremony is a great idea! To give it an air of elegance, you can adorn it with flowers or put it in a stylish frame.
Last Few Tips To Keep In Mind
Choose Appropriate Size Font
When planning for your event, consider those with limited vision, such as older people or grandparents. While selecting the font style, pick one that is easy to read since complex fonts may be difficult for some to make out.
Know When To Use Which Type of Font
For wedding ceremony programs, make sure your words can be easily read. Save the fancy cursive and scripts for place cards or wedding signage.
Check the Spelling… And Then Check Again
It’s essential to proofread everything before printing to ensure accuracy, such as the correct spelling of the wedding party. You may also want to have someone else review them with a fresh pair of eyes… just in case!
