Wedding Ceremony Programs

With just 15 days to go, it's time to do some finalizing, and one of those bits is the creation of the wedding ceremony program. Is it necessary? No, but it's certainly helpful to the guests to know what's coming next, a great memento of the occasion and gives the couple a chance to give out a thank you to all those who came to the celebration. But what exactly should be included in the program?

1) The order of the ceremony: processional, Scripture readings, hominy, vows, rings, pronouncement of marriage, kiss and recessional.
2) Details: What is the music? What are the Scriptures? What is the title of the message? If there are specific religious traditions, it might help to explain these for guests of a different denomination or faith. Same goes for cultural traditions.
3) Wedding Party: Who are the maid of honor, best man, bridesmaids, groomsmen, parents, flower girl, ring bearer, master/mistress of ceremonies, officiant and ushers.
4) Personal thank you: This gives the couple a chance to thank their family, friends and co-workers for sharing in their day.
5) New address: Where will the couple be living?
6) Hashtag: To officially tell the guests how to tag all things wedding so the couple can see photos and posts on social media after the wedding.
7) Invitation to the Reception: Sometimes directions, a map and times are here.
8) Photos and bios: Sometimes couples will have information about how they met and their engagement photo.

Sometimes memoriams of deceased family members, poems, Bible verses, song lyrics and the like are also included in the program.

There are also clever presentations for programs. Some people turn their wedding programs into a fan. I even saw one with triangular pieces attached by a grommet at the point that spread into a fan. For outdoor and potentially warm weddings this is clever and helpful. Some are rolled like a scroll, trifold, several layers, or different shapes and colors. Mix fonts and colored printing. Just like the ceremony itself, you can make the program likewise.

As for the number, you can print out one for everyone, or one per family. The second is more cost efficient, of course.

So finalize those ceremony details and get ready to put it together. Make it uniquely you!

Discussion: What do you feel is necessary for the wedding program? What is unnecessary to you?

Prayer: Lord, you have told us to do things decently in and in order and the wedding program helps keep everyone on the same page, literally. We thank you, Father, that you are a God of order. May your presence be all over these programs. In Christ, Amen.