Wedding Programs

Programs are an optional item at a wedding.  There is no right or wrong.  You may want to have them, you may not.  You may want them to be very formal; you may want to have fun with them.  I have seen so many interesting and beautiful programs.  Some in the shape of fans or flowers for outdoor weddings, some with beautiful ribbons and scrolls, some with photos.  This is a great place to really show off your personalities.

 The following is an outline of a program and some tips for content:

THE COVER
The typical cover will include the date of the wedding and the name of the couple.  You may also want to include the location and time of the ceremony, a picture of the couple or a design that is meaningful to you.

INSIDE
This is where you will list the order of the ceremony. Ask your officiant to assist with this.  You will want to include the processional music, greeting, readings, prayers, exchange of vows, ring ceremony, sand ceremony or unity candle ceremony, pronouncement of marriage, recessional music, and any other ceremony music. Be sure to list the events in the order they will occur.

Members of the bridal party
This can simply be a listing of names and roles of your bridal party or you may want to include their relationship to you such as:

Officiant: Deborah Walker

Parents of the bride: Rita and Joe Donavan

Parents of the groom: Roberta and John Engle.
Stepparents of the groom: Edith and Robert Evens
Grandparents: Elsie Tilley, Roger and Jean Wright
Maid of Honor: Sharon Marshel, the bride’s sister
Best Man: Morgan McCarthy, the groom’s friend since they were 5 years old.
Bridesmaids: Brenda Rogan, the bride’s roommate from college Carmen Aybar, the groom’s sister
Groomsmen: Justin Coogan, the Grooms friend since the age of 10.  Josh Jones, the Grooms best friend
Readers: Claire Pufson, Debbie Wilson

 Other items you may wish to add:

An explanation of traditions or rituals used in your ceremony

A request for audience participation in certain parts of the ceremony (e.g. affirmation of the marriage, communion, singing, offering of the peace, standing or kneeling)

Message of special thank you

Memorials (for example: The memorial candle is lit in honor of the bride’s mother,  OR On this day of happiness, we would like to remember those who are with us in spirit, especially Robert Donavan grandfather of the bride, and Roberta Brown, mother of the groom.)

An explanation of the significance of the location, theme, first dance song, etc. (for example: the reception will be held at Aqua Knox, the site of the bride and groom’s first date.)

Quotes or poems about love or marriage

Directions to the reception

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