Having a wedding ceremony program is a beautiful way to enhance your special day. These are a great help to your guests, to guide them through what’s happening — and it’s a lovely keepsake of what matters most, for you to cherish in years to come. This blog post will explain what to include in yours, common layouts and formats, and when you definitely do or don’t need a wedding ceremony program.
What to include in your wedding ceremony program
In your wedding ceremony program, you’ll need to include at least:
1. Order of ceremony: This is pretty straightforward, but you should include the order everything is taking place. This can be a simple heading for each element of the ceremony, or a more involved explanation for each one. Your chosen format (and thus amount of space) will determine the appropriate level of detail to include.
2. VIPs: All of the crucial people involved in your ceremony should be included. Anyone who walks down the aisle, and anyone who has a key involvement. This includes your wedding party, parents, flower girl/ring bearer, and your officiant. If space allows, you should also include readers or anyone else participating in your ceremony (singing a song, presenter of the gifts etc). These people should ideally be listed in the order they walk down the aisle.
3. Note of remembrance, if applicable: If you or your significant other have lost anyone close to you, this is the perfect place to acknowledge a deceased loved one. This is especially poignant for a parent, sibling, or grandparent.
If space allows, it’s helpful to also include more fleshed-out details throughout the wedding ceremony program. For example, the order of ceremony doesn’t just need headings. You can add in explanation of religious traditions or customs you’ll be incorporating into your ceremony.
It’s also nice to include a note of thanks from the couple! This is a great place to show your gratitude to guests who have traveled to be with you, parents who helped host the day, or anyone else who has played a key role in the growth of your relationship.
Regardless, list all items with headings and relevant info clearly. Examples here:
Maid of Honor
Sally Smith
Bridesmaids
Jane Doe
Betty Boop
Taylor Swift
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First Reading: Name of passage
Read by Cher, Aunt of the Groom
Layouts and Formats
Your wedding ceremony program could take on a variety of layouts. This depends on how simple or complex you want them to be.
I’ve had clients opt for the most basic versions, and others do full booklets. I’ve included the sheet music for the hymns to be sung, bound with the same silk ribbon that wrapped around their invitation. You get to decide what you want to prioritize for the big day — your wedding ceremony program is no exception!
Double-sided card
Most basic information
Least expensive
Could work in a fan shape for outdoor weddings
4-panel folded card
Includes more information
Doesn’t break the bank
More flexibility for design options
More elaborate booklet
As much detailed information as you want to include
Biggest investment
Sky’s the limit!
When you definitely do (or don't) need one!
You do need a wedding ceremony program if…
💒 You’re getting married in a house of worship, or having a religious ceremony. There’s a good chance not all of your guests share the same faith! You want to make sure your guests all understand what’s coming next. Even better if you can provide a bit of context and explanation about the traditions.
📣 Anything in your ceremony won’t be in your primary language. A multilingual component likely means someone won’t be able to follow along, without a bit of guidance.
👯♀️ Your squad is huge! If you’ve got a ton of people in your wedding party (or others walking down the aisle), it’s helpful for everyone seated to be able to keep track of who’s who.
❤️ You’ve lost a loved one and don’t have plans to honor their memory in another way. If you want to include them in your day, your wedding ceremony program is a perfect place to have a note of remembrance.
You don’t need a wedding ceremony program if…
🌴 You’re getting married in a civil ceremony without a religious component. Everything is in one language and it’s straightforward.
⏰ You’re planning for a very simple, short and sweet ceremony. Like… 15 minutes or less!
👯♀️ Only immediate family (or nobody) plans to walk down the aisle.
🥂 You’ve had a private ceremony and guests are only with you for a reception!
So there you have it! I hope this was a helpful roundup with some tips on your wedding ceremony program. I walk through all of these options in great detail (and then of course design them) for each of my clients.
If you want to work with an expert for your wedding stationery, I’d be honored to join your vendor team.
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