Wedding Programs: why have them, what to include, and where to put them

Wedding Programs are becoming increasingly popular at today's weddings.  Programs are certainly not a wedding necessity, but they add a nice touch.  They inform the guests of what to expect throughout the day and also serve as a keepsake.  You can have program attendants or ushers hand out the programs to your guests.  Alternatively, you can simply place the programs in decorative baskets for guests to pick up as they enter the ceremony.  Here are some examples and ideas of what to include in your wedding programs.

When and Where ~ The front of the program typically has the names of the bride and groom, the date, time, and location of the wedding.

Participants ~ On the inside of the program, recognize all of the participants in your wedding.  List parents, grandparents, everyone in the wedding party, guestbook/program attendants, readers, and the officiant.

Ceremony & Traditions ~ It is also common to provide the order of the ceremony within the program.  I recommend including explanations of any religious or ethnic customs that you'll be performing.  Your guests may be unfamiliar with the traditions and will feel more connected if they understand what is going on during the ceremony.  For example, at a Jewish wedding, you could include a short paragraph about the symbolism of having the ceremony under the chuppah and breaking the glass.

Memoriam ~ If there are deceased family members whom you would like to recognize, acknowledge them within the program with some thoughtful words.

Special Instructions ~ Provide any information your guests may need to know about the wedding day in the program.  For example, if they will be blowing bubbles as the newlyweds walk back down the aisle at the end of the ceremony, put a note in the program.  Or, if it's not intuitive where the guests will go next after the ceremony, let them know in the program.

Poems, Songs, & Writings ~ Some programs include a poem or other writing that is special to the couple. 

Message from the Bride & Groom ~ Give your program a personal touch by including a message to your guests from the bride and groom.  Thanking your friends and family for sharing in your big day will make them feel welcome and show them how much you appreciate them.

Photo by Caroline Eller LLC

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