3 elements to create the perfect wedding program
One of the most important item to be included in your stationery project is definitively the Wedding Program: do you know why? But, above all, do you exactly know what a wedding program is?
More detailed than an invitation, it is really a life-saver for your guests!
Typically a cardstock or a booklet (or a more creative item), it is a sort of vademecum for all attendants because it shares information about the ceremony allowing the group to understand what is going to take place and who are the involved people.
Giving a quick overview on the wedding, it is an outline of the proceedings and an introduction of members of the wedding party.
Being a short rundown of the event, there are some details that cannot be left out in it.
Which are the elements of a wedding program?
The folded booklet is usually made up by three main parts, which can be fully customized in terms of content and design.
1) Front cover
Generally printed with a cardboard matching the whole stationery design guidelines, it includes:
- Names of the spouses, date and place of the ceremony
- A picture reminding to the couple or to the venue and a welcome message or a blessing
2) Order of proceedings
Really short and straightforward or full of detailed information, it lists all the events that will be performed in the right order, so that participants know exactly what is happening in that moment. In this section you can include information about poems and readings, and the music selection.
- Processional
- Welcome by the celebrant
- Readings (list here the title, the author and the name of the reader)
- Exchange of vows and rings
- Symbolic rituals included in the ceremony
- Pronouncement
- Recessional
3) Wedding Party naming
A full list of the people having a specific role in the ceremony. This is the traditional order:
- Parents of the bride
- Parents of the groom
- Maid of Honor
- Best Man
- Bridesmaids
- Groomsmen
- Flower girl
- Ring bearer
- Usher and readers
- Officiant
To make your wedding program standing out, include also personal elements.
Besides the formal details, the wedding program offer you the chance to tell the guests additional information with a personal touch.
This is the case of religious, family or cultural traditions which will be included to customize the ceremony; or tributes to loved ones who have passed; or a short sentence about each member of the wedding party explaining their relationship with you.
Helpful notes could guide guests during the day: the reception venue address, a brief timeline of the day, notes about the tone of the ceremony or special requests of participation at a certain moment of the ceremony and many others.
Even design elements could add a special twist to your wedding program: i.g. let’s think about a personalized wedding logo or monogram, or a photo of the couple.
In the end, do not forget to thank all attendants: this little but significant sign will be so much appreciated!
There are a lot of great ways to customize your wedding programs, ask me how to do it
Photo credit @MagnetStreet
