The wedding program is a welcome addition to your wedding ceremony. It gives your guests an overview of how the ceremony will proceed, and is a chance to introduce your wedding party. The program is often printed as close to the wedding date as possible, to allow for any changes that might occur.
Wedding programs are also a great place to include personal comments and information about the history of the couple, or to explain any specific religious or cultural aspects of the ceremony. The program can be as simple or as detailed as you wish. It can be a single page, or an entire brochure, it’s up to you. The program is a great place to express your personality and have some fun.
Programs can include a list of the music that will be played before, during and after the ceremony, and even the lyrics to songs played. It’s a good place to share a poem that has special meaning to the couple, or a favorite quotation or bible verse. A good general guideline to follow is to start with the introduction, then list the ceremony order and the wedding party and their relationship to the couple, and close with a note of thanks or a special note.
Following are some examples of wording and layouts to get you started.
The full names of the bride and groom
The wedding date
The time of the ceremony (optional)
The location, city and state of the wedding
Ceremony order – schedule
The wedding party
Memorials and tributes
Thank you
Example of a simple, contemporary program:
The Marriage Ceremony Uniting
Jennifer Smithson & Robert Worthington
six o’clock in the evening
June twenty-ninth, 2009
Carrillo Golf Club
Sacramento, CA
Parents of the Bride and Groom
Rachel Smithson
Edward Smithson
Janet Worthington
Roger Worthington
Matron of Honor
Melissa Edwards – sister
Bridesmaids
Sharon Reed – college friend
Grace Dunham – childhood friend
Flower Girl
Maggie Anderson
Best Man
Derek Worthington – brother
Groomsmen
Michael Smithson – brother of the bride
Hugh Anderson – college friend
Ring Bearer
Jackson Porter
In Remembrance of Those Who Are With Us in Spirit
Margaret Worthington – grandmother of the groom
Lawrence Smithson – grandfather of the bride
Thank you to all our family and friends for being with us on this special day.
Your presence and support mean so much to us, and we love you all.
