Developing an Effective Program for Your Wedding

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"get all the right stuff in there" program text}}

The wedding program, ceremony bag, wedding memory book....whatever you want to call it....typically accomplishes two major goals:

1. Tells guests who is getting married & who the people standing at the front of the ceremony are.

Many couples find distant cousins, once removed aunts and so-and-so's new boyfriend as wedding guests. Not only does the couple not know their guest - the guest does not know them! By listing the couple's name, their parents and some key players, like the wedding party, you are giving all of your guests a fighting chance to "fit in". When they sit at dinner and strike up a conversation about how big Emily's (the Bride's sister) smile was as she gave the closing remarks - they feel included and knowledgeable. We have all been to a party where we did not know anyone...you would not want your wedding guests to feel uncomfortable on your 

happy day. 

A second reason....heaven forbid an important name is forgotten (like the Mother of Bride's) - guests can quickly scan the program before greeting her after the ceremony. 

2. Helps walk guests through the ceremony. 

Your Uncle has to use the restroom....should he quietly get up and leave or wait until the end?

The microphone goes out half way through the ceremony - what is going on? Let's check the program!
....all great reasons (and I know there are more out there) to list your Order of Ceremony in a program. 

Ways to have a program:

- Piece of paper that is handed out- Printed on a bag, box, etc.
- Framed at the entrance of the ceremony- Written on a huge chalkboard at the entrance of the ceremony
- Projected on the wall of the ceremony location (preferably a side wall)- App on a cell phone
...the list goes on....

You wedding program:

• reflects the individual tastes & creativity of the Bride & Groom
• should be given to all teenagers & older – occasionally little ones will want to hold a program too
• Make enough copies for your entire guest list - just in case some families take more then one 
• Want one to go to each family in attendance? Assign the responsibility to a (special) guest to ensure all goes smoothly 
• can be distributed by ushers, Mothers, Grandparents, children who would like to be involved, or placed in a basket at the entrance to the ceremony
• may be saved by some as a keepsake of the event
• should be proofread by multiple people before it is printed - double-check all your details. This is a great time to ask a bridesmaid or family member to lend a second set of eyes.

Consider including:

A wedding program (in some shape or form) often consists of four parts.

1) The Introduction (top or cover) - Details of the event, date & location

2) The Ceremony Order - including musical pieces, prayers, etc.3) The Wedding Party (consider including Bride & Groom’s parents & grandparents..see below for the full list)

4) The Finale (the place for a special note, favorite quote or other ceremony information)       

• Parents of the Bride

• Parents of the Groom

• Grandparents of the Bride

• Grandparents of the Groom

• Maid of Honor

• Matron of Honor

• Bridesmaids

• Junior Bridesmaid

• Parents of the Bride

• Parents of the Groom

• Grandparents of the Bride

• Grandparents of the Groom

• Maid of Honor

• Matron of Honor

• Bridesmaids

• Junior Bridesmaid

• Honorary Bridesmaid

• Flower Girl

• Best Men

• Groomsmen

• Ring Bearer

• Officiate

• Pianist

• Soloist

• A Special Note from the couple - which often centers around "thank you for coming" or "this day means to us..."

           FURTHER CONSIDERATIONS....

• Include a short sentence about each of your bridesmaids and groomsmen, describing why they are important to you.
• Honor a deceased friend or member of the family. 
• Consider adding pictures.
• Incorporate the theme & color scheme of your wedding
• Add information about reception - directions, time, etc. 
• Consider makes personalized Wedding memory books for your guests
• Have your program printed on a bag or box and including a treat (like popcorn) or something to throw after the ceremony like dried lavender, sprinkles, rice, a horn to blow, or bubbles
• Print your program in the shape of a fan for a warm-weather, outdoor ceremony
• Reminding guests to turn off their cell phones (another way to do this is have the officiant remind guests verbally)
• Would you prefer guests not take photos during the ceremony...here is a good place to mention it!

The ULTIMATE 

cut & paste-delete what you don't want-&-

"get all the right stuff in there"

program text

Enjoy!

 Names of the bride and groom

Day, date and time of the ceremony

Wedding venue, city, and state


Ceremony Order: 
Prelude (include name of song)
Seating (parents and grandparents)
Lighting of Candles
Processional (include name of song(s)
Reading (title & name of reader)
Songs (title &name of musician(s)
Officiates Message
Exchange of Vows & Rings
Prayer
Lighting of Unity Candle
Pronouncement of Marriage
Recessional (include name of song)

{tell your guests what they are suppose to do next..stay seated? exit left? Etc.}


The Wedding Party :

For a formal wedding use full names rather than nicknames and titles such as Mr., Ms., and Miss. Consider adding a personal touch by noting who the person is: "Maid of Honor – Jenna Smith (sister of the bride)"

Parents of the Bride
Parents of the Groom
Grandparents of the Bride
Grandparents of the Groom
Maid of Honor
Matron of Honor
Bridesmaids
Junior Bridesmaid
Parents of the Bride
Parents of the Groom
Grandparents of the Bride
Grandparents of the Groom
Maid of Honor
Matron of Honor
Bridesmaids
Junior Bridesmaid
Honorary Bridesmaid
Flower Girl
Best Men
Groomsmen
Ring Bearer
Officiate
Pianist
Soloist
Other names/roles of wedding volunteers, such as guest book attendant

 A special not to anyone you may want to remember at your ceremony

Details of any traditions or rituals you will be performing during the ceremony 

(we all love to know what is going on!)

Expressions of thanks to your guests and those hosting the wedding

A poem or quote that speaks to you as a Couple

Reception Info: Directions/time, if it is held at a different location

Share your creative ideas below!