A Wedding program is one of those important items that can add much to your big day. Wedding programs serve a variety of purposes: they are a record of your ceremony, they help guests to feel included, understanding what is happening, and they can introduce your bridal party. And of course, they'll look beautiful in your photo album or scrapbook, which are so popular these days.

Will a wedding program really be needed?

No etiquette book will tell you that you must have a wedding program, but for certain ceremonies they are more necessary than for If you are having a religious or traditional wedding, with many guests who are of another faith or culture. A wedding others. For instance: program is especially important if you are having a large wedding, where guests are unlikely to know the bridal party. The wedding program will really show the order of things.

Perhaps you are having a particularly long ceremony where guests will want to be prepared to wait a while or if you have many people who you need to thank.This is where a wedding program is needed.

One could also recommend that you provide the program for your guests, as a thoughtful gesture and souvenir.

Elements of a wedding program

On the cover of the program include the date and the names of the couple. It may also include the location and time of the ceremony, a picture, with or without a design element such as a scroll.

Next the order of events

If you haven't already included your name, 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. Your list might not include all of these elements, and it may include some traditions not listed here. Be sure to list the events in the order they will occur.

The members of the bridal party

This is a simple list of the names and roles of your bridal party. For example:

Officiant: Justice Linda Smith Parents of the bride: Sue and John Brown Parents of the groom: Mary Elizabeth Smith and James Long, Jr. Stepparents of the groom: Larry Jones and Cindy Marist-Long Grandparents: Jane Smith, Margaret Williams, and James Wilson Sr. Maid of Honor: Margaret Phillips Best Man: Richard Harris Bridesmaids: Marsha Brown, Lucy Ramirez Groomsmen: Calvin Patrick, Jonathan Green Readers: Melvin Johnson, Michael Wilson

Other things you may wish to include in your wedding program.

An explanation of traditions or rituals used in your ceremony. A request for audience participation in certain parts of the ceremony an example is the affirmation of the marriage, communion, singing, offering of the peace, standing or kneeling.

The thank you Memorials

An example: The memorial candle is lit in honor of the bride's father, James Hampton or on this day of happiness, we would like to remember those who are no longer with us, especially Walter Wortham, grandfather of the bride, and Sherrie Campbell, mother of the groom.

A short sentence about each of your bridesmaids and groomsmen, describing why they are important to you.

An explanation of the significance of the location, theme, and first dance song, etc. An example: the reception will be held at the Southgate Restaurant, the site of the bride and groom's first date.

Quotes or poems about love or marriage

Directions to the reception

Make your wedding program unique

Remember wedding programs are becoming increasingly popular, and brides are thinking up different ways to personalize them and make them unique for their guests' enjoyment. Programs typically contain the bride and groom's names, the date, location, names of the wedding party, order and elements of the ceremony, which could include unity candle, vows, music, any other principals in the wedding, and thanks.

There are a number of other ways you can personalize your programs:

Rather than including only the names of your bridesmaids or grooms, also include how you met them and their role in your relationship an example, if you met your husband to be through one of your groomsmen.

Include what the bride's something old, new, borrowed and blue will be. For instance, if a bride is wearing a necklace her grandmother gave to her, or if the wedding gown was her mother's.

If you are getting married in a significant location, explain it in the program. Maybe you and your groom met there. Even if the location isn't directly significant to your relationship, but has an interesting history that can also be included.

One might include the lyrics to your first dance song and why it was chosen.

Explain the meaning and symbolism of parts of the ceremony, such as a jumping over the broom or breaking of the glass in a Jewish ceremony, or the veil and cord in a Catholic ceremony. You don’t have to stick to a traditional two program. You can make it a few pages, or even a small booklet! .

Include a wedding blessing significant to your heritage, such as a Jewish blessing, or one in French and translated.

Some programs now contain a photo of the bride and groom, sometimes drawn by an artistic friend. Perhaps a color version of a photo can be printed on a vellum overlay to the program.

Type out the text of readings or song lyrics.

If you have a theme, let the program play out in it also. If you have a fairytale theme, put a horse and carriage on the front. If you are having a butterfly theme and release, explain its significance.

One could scatter love quotes throughout the program.

Include a poem from the bride to the groom and vice versa.

Lastly, it is always nice to thank all the people who helped you in the wedding, and don't forget to thank the guests for sharing this special day with you!

By using a program this is another way to personalize your wedding, guests will be sure to appreciate your personal touch.

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