Wedding ceremony programs don’t only give your guests something to peruse while waiting for the processional. These items also give them a preview of what’s going to happen during the ceremony. They also make nice keepsakes that guests can take home and remember your special day by. Obviously, these are important in your wedding celebration so it’s must to exert extra effort in putting these together.
Content
The purpose of the wedding program is to explain the order of the events, list down the songs and readings, and enumerate the names of the wedding party members so basically, these are what you’ll need to include in there. Now, if you want to make it a little more personal, you may include songs or poems that hold special meaning to you.
You may also use the program to list down your “something old, something new and something blue” or give a tribute to a special person who can’t be with you during this momentous celebration. Details to be included in the program are the introduction, ceremony order, names of officiant, musicians and wedding planners, names of wedding party, list of readings, list of songs. Optional details are memorials, short biographies, quotations, song lyrics, explanation of rituals, story of how you first met, and so on.
Format
Wedding ceremony program can come in different formats. It can be printed on a single card, a multi-page booklet or a tri-fold brochure-like card. See to it that the program matches or complements not only the wedding theme but also the rest of the wedding stationery. The cover should be detailed with the couple’s names, date, location and time of ceremony, and a photograph, image or design element.
Recipients
The rule of the thumb is to allot one program per couple and one per single guest. Sharing is not taboo, after all, this would minimize cost and waste. Eco-friendly ways overshadow etiquette rules so do not think of it as improper to attempt to minimize the use of paper. Also remember that not everyone attending the reception will be present in the ceremony.
Distribution
You and your groom don’t have to be the ones to hand out the wedding programs to the guests. This task can be designated to the ushers or some of your friends. Be sure to give them clear instructions on how you want the ceremony programs to be distributed. They can be given at the door of the wedding ceremony venue as each guests come in or they can be placed in the rows of the seats.
Purchase
A good advice to follow is to order the wedding program at the same time you purchase the invitations and other stationery sets. It’s not a bad idea to make your own too. All you need is to have a computer template and printer, and you can easily create your own.
Following etiquette rules on the wedding ceremony program will certainly save you from headaches and stress.