Ceremony Programs: What You Need to Include and Helpful Wording Templates
Including an illustration adds a lovely, personal touch!
Wedding programs are an important part of a ceremony, and always appreciated by your guests! They love knowing who’s who in the wedding party and what to expect during the ceremony. They are also the perfect way to remember your day, thank people who made it possible, and even include a heartfelt memorial to loved ones who have passed away. So as you plan your wedding, don’t forget to consider a program!
Oftentimes, planning the ceremony and writing the program happen at the same time, as the wedding is approaching, things are getting busy and the stress level is probably a bit higher. I’m here to help! Depending on the amount of information and details you’d like to include, we will discuss the program style that will work best for you- whether it be a simple, flat card for a shorter ceremony or a folding program or booklet for a traditional mass. No matter what you choose, here are the essentials to make your wedding program a wonderful souvenir for your guests and personal keepsake for you.
1. Your Names, Wedding Date, and Ceremony Location
Think of this as the title of the program. It should be on the front of a flat program or the front cover. It can be as elaborate or simple as you’d like. You can also include your officiant’s name here, or later in the Wedding Party section.
Example:
Welcome to the
Wedding Ceremony of
Sarah Blackwell & James Smith
Saturday, October 17th, 2020
St. Patrick’s Church
Allentown, Pennsylvania
2. The Order of Ceremony of Course!
This is the part of the program that will lead your guests through the ceremony. There are a variety of options, so take your time in planning these details. If you are getting married in a church, make sure to check with your officiant if you need any certain elements listed in the order of ceremony. If you’re non-traditional, you can keep it short and sweet and just list what is going to happen.
No matter your style, here a few items you’ll want to consider:
• Processional & Recessional Music. A listing of your music not only gives guests insight into your choices, but also helps them identify songs that they love.
• The Officiant’s Greeting. This doesn’t need to be included in every program, but is a lovely idea when the officiant has a special connection with the couple.
• Special Readings. Be sure to cite your readings (your guests might like to read more from the author later) and to also include the name of the reader.
• Prayers. Not all prayers need to be included, but if one is particularly meaningful to you, this is a great place to share it.
• Exchanging of Vows & Ring Ceremony. You can simply list these in the schedule without any clarifying statements. Some couples choose to print out their vows in their wedding programs, but it’s really not necessary.
• Communion, Lighting of the Unity Candle, or Special Song. If your ceremony has specific religious or spiritual elements that some guests may be unfamiliar with, write an explanatory line or two about the ritual’s significance.
• Pronouncement of Marriage. This is why we’re here! It also lets guests know that party time is right around the corner.
We can design your programs to coordinate with your invitation style and colors for a cohesive look.
3. The Wedding Party
When you bring two families together, there will be plenty of guests who don’t know each other. Including a list of the bridal party (and even their relation to the bride and groom) will make the reception an easier transition for all guests. It is also a way to acknowledge those hand-picked people personally for choosing to be a part of your special day. If you would like to include grandparents or step-parents, this is the place to honor them as well.
Example:
Officiant: Pastor Dennis Lewis
Parents of the Bride: James and Mary Moore
Parents of the Groom: Paul and Joann Willow
Grandmother of the Bride: Miriam Maisel
Grandparents of the Groom: Joel and Susie Myerson
Maid of Honor: Sarah Avett, Sister of the Bride
Best Man: Daniel Hilliard, Brother of the Groom
Bridesmaids: Lisa Brown, Amy Franklin, Jessica McKenna [list in alphabetical order]
Groomsmen: John Axel, Mark Carmel, Liam Webb [list in alphabetical order]
A Program Fan is unique and appreciated during warmer months!
You can keep your program information as simple as you’d like.
4. Thank You and in memory
Many couples choose to include a short note of appreciation to family and friends for attending their big day.
Infographics, icons and images are also fun ways to personalize.
Example:
Thank you for being a part of our lives and supporting us through our journey. We were so blessed to have you celebrate and be a part of our Wedding day.
If the bride or groom has lost loved ones, these losses can be recognized in a respectful, significant way by listing the names of the deceased.
Examples:
• We would like to remember those who are not with us today…
• We remember our dearly loved….
• In honor of those who couldn’t be with us today….
5. Anything Else You Might like
Other common elements I see on programs include the couple’s new address and information about the reception, if there is one after the ceremony. Of course those who want to have a bit more fun can add anything! I’ve done timelines of the couples’ lives together, infographics about the couple and fun facts as well. Let me know what you have in mind, and we’ll make it happen!
You can make your program full of personal details or very streamlined and traditional. The choice is entirely up to you. We’re also an extra set of eyes to help catch any typos. (Fun fact: The most commonly misspelled words on a program we’ve seen are “altar”, “ring bearer” and “Officiant”.) Laurel Cove Creative can help design and organize your program if you need. We’re here to help, especially during this time, which is so close to your wedding date. Let’s have fun with your design and carry your wedding invitation design theme through to your ceremony programs with a traditional style, booklet, fan, or something completely unique!
