When referring to wedding etiquette, you will find that while a program is not a must, it can be a wonderful detail to include. Programs allow the guests to follow the events of the wedding, get to know your wedding party, and they are simply beautiful. So….what should you include in this beautiful addition to your wedding? Typically, you have the following items:
The Cover
The cover includes the names of the couple, and the date and location of the ceremony. It may also include a picture of the couple or a beautiful graphic design or image.
Order of Events
After the cover comes the order of events. This tells the guests the events of the ceremony. If you haven’t already included your names, wedding date, location, and time on the front cover, consider listing that information on the inside just before the order of events. Then list what will happen during the ceremony, including processional music, greeting, readings, prayers, exchange of vows, ring ceremony, unity candle ceremony, pronouncement of marriage, recessional music, and any other ceremony music. While your list may not include all of these elements, it may include some traditions not listed here. Be sure to list the events in the order they will occur.
Members of the Bridal Party
This is a simple list of the names and roles of your bridal party. The following is a common way to order the bridal party. The names of each member would follow their title.
Parents of the Bride
Parents of the Groom
Grandparents of the Bride
Grandparents of the Groom
Maid of Honor
Bridesmaids
Junior Bridesmaids
Flower Girl
Best Man
Groomsmen
Ring Bearer
Ushers
Officiate
Readers
Soloists
Personal Extras
You may wish to include some personal extras in your program as well.
• You may explain the religious elements in your ceremony and their significance.
• A personal note to your friends and family
• A special sentence about each member of the wedding party
• Inspirational quotes, and poems
• Memorials are another thing that can be included in the program (for example: The memorial candle is lit in honor of the bride’s mother, Shirley Fielding. OR On this day of happiness, we would like to remember those who are no longer with us, especially Derrick Peterson, grandfather of the bride, and Samantha Wilson, mother of the groom.).
• Directions to the reception
• The new address of the bride and groom (typically on the bottom of the last page)
• Include what the bride’s “something old, new, borrowed and blue” are.
• If you are getting married in a significant location, explain it in the program. Maybe you and your groom met there, or had your first date there, etc. Even if the location isn’t directly significant to your relationship, but has an interesting history, that can also be included.
• Include a short explanation of how the bride and groom met, and the proposal story
• Include the lyrics to your first dance song and why it was chosen.
• Include poem from the bride to the groom and vice versa.
Programs are a wonderful way to personalize your wedding by attending to the small details. They also make a great souvenir for your guests and help them feel included in the ceremony.
Where do you purchase this pink invitation?