photo credit: invitationcrush.com

Though optional, a wedding program can provide the perfect way to highlight and thank friends and family who contributed to the big day. Couples who are short on time or money may wish to forego this option, but remember that a simple wedding program doesn’t need to use many resources and many times, can be a simple DIY project for a member of the bridal party.  If you’re unsure of whether or not you should include it as part of your wedding stationery, ask yourself the following questions:

• Am I having a religious or traditional wedding, with many guests who are of another faith or culture?
• Am I having a large wedding, where guests are unlikely to know the bridal party?
• Am I having a particularly long ceremony where guests will want to be prepared to wait a while?
• Do I have many people to thank for their contributions to our wedding day?

If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, then I would most likely recommend providing a wedding program for your guests.

There is no “one size fits all” template for creating your wedding program but typically, the cover or header will include the date and/or names of the couple.  It may also include the location and time of the ceremony, a picture, or design element.

Next, you’ll want to outline the Order of Events for your ceremony in the order they will include.  This includes processional music, greeting, readings, prayers, exchange of vows, ring ceremony, unity candle ceremony, pronouncement of marriage, recessional music, and any other ceremony music.

You may also want to use your wedding program to explain the meaning of traditions or rituals used in your ceremony; acknowledge loved ones who are in spirit, highlight the bridal party; or ask for audience participation in certain parts of the ceremony.  Remember, you can customize your program to your desires so get creative – add a quote, throw in a fun fact! – and make it your own!