The 411 on Wedding Programs

By Rebecca Padgett Frett 

You sent out save the date cards months ago and invitations are in the mail. The next print job to consider are wedding programs. 

A wedding program provides guests with information about the ceremony. This typically includes an outline of the ceremony proceedings and the names of those involved in the ceremony. Programs are ideal for those who have religious observances, music acts, readings and any moment of note. 

You may decide you don’t need a program, especially if your ceremony is fairly straightforward. But programs can make for a special keepsake. 

Most couples select a program design in style with save the dates and invitations. Traditionally, programs are a single page, much like an invitation, but can also be booklets or crafted to double as a fan or other creative ideas. This dual-purpose program will be especially appreciated in the Florida heat. 

Once you’ve selected your design, you’ll need to come up with the content. Be sure to include your names, the date, location of the ceremony, a word of welcome, an outline of the proceedings and the names of those who took part in the ceremony. 

The welcome could be a heartfelt message from the couple, a blessing, a scripture or even favorite lyrics or meaningful passages reflecting on love. 

The ceremony proceedings can be brief — welcome, readings, vows — or they can be as detailed as you would like. It’s best to include titles of any passages, poems or songs that might be read aloud during the ceremony. 

If you’re having a religious or multicultural ceremony with traditions every guest might not be familiar with, it’s a good idea to explain what will occur and the symbolism behind the tradition. 

When listing participants this is the suggested order: parents of the bride, parents of the groom, maid of honor, best man, the bridesmaids and groomsmen, flower girl, ring bearer, ushers, readers and the officiant. 

Should you wish, other titles can be added in parentheses such as if your maid of honor is your sister or your ring bearer is your nephew. 

Other details that could be included are wishes for an unplugged ceremony and the address for the reception if it’s at another location. 

Photo courtesy of Jessica Winkler Photography