Getting with the program — wedding programs, that is!

Frequently asked questions I’ve overheard at wedding ceremonies:

“What song are they singing? Should I sing along?”

“What was the name of the recessional music? I want it at my wedding!”

“Should I read this prayer out loud with the officiant?”

“Who IS that cute groomsman?”

 

Obviously, the brides at these weddings didn’t provide their guests with wedding programs

 

       

 

Wedding programs have an important job to do. They welcome guests to your wedding, allow them to follow along with and participate in your ceremony, introduce the parents and bridal party, list the important elements of the service (music, prayers, etc.) and even provide you with an opportunity to  send a message of thanks to your guests.

 

Creating personalized programs is fun and easy!

• First, find the style that will work best for your wedding. You can opt for one-piece programs

if your ceremony is short and your bridal party is small, or you can choose two-piece programs for large wedding parties, complex ceremonies and lots of information. You can even have your programs printed on fun and handy fans perfect for warm-weather or outdoor ceremonies.

• Next, choose your paper color or colors, and decide on the monogram or design element you’d like to incorporate.

• Then, determine your wording. You can go very simple and just give a basic list of the order of service and names of the bridal party. Or you can tell a story by mentioning how you know your wedding party members, listing the texts of the prayers and words to the hymns, and explaining unique rituals or symbols you are incorporating into your ceremony.

 

• Also think about any extra wording you’d like included on your programs, like a thank you to your family and your guests for celebrating with you or a note about the person for whom you’ve lit a memorial candle.

 

• Finally, embellish! Use rhinestone or pearl embellishments,  stamps or ribbons to add the perfect finishing touch to your programs.

 

Important Note! If you are ordering printed programs, be sure to place your order at least 4 weeks before your ceremony to allow for printing, delivering and assembly / embellishing, if necessary.

 

Enjoy!

 

Comments

[Bride]

Wedding programs can be a bit expensive if you embellish them. Even if you make them yourself. I was planning on only giving one per couple. Do you think thats a bad idea?

[Jean M]

Well, unfortunately I think it will be really difficult to provide 1 per couple unless your usher or attendant manages this upon entry, and well - and, they will have to express that there should be 1 per couple when the other half requests a program (so you may need to plan to have more anyway...). While it may save you some money, your guests may be wondering what the big deal is and talk about it at the reception - which you don't want either. Unfortunately, it's a catch-22. Providing 1 person would be "etiquettely correct."