When planning a wedding, there are lots of rules of etiquette to remember. Read on for some tips on the wedding program, and find out whether you need one and what to do if you are making one yourself.
Do you need a program?
- Not every wedding needs a program. If you're planning a very small wedding, a brief ceremony or a wedding where a judge will lead the ceremony, a program isn't necessary. Those trying to save additional wedding costs will also probably want to forgo the program.
However, in some cases, a program is a helpful guide for guests. A few examples of weddings that might benefit from programs:
Traditional weddings
Weddings where the bride and groom are a different culture from many of their guests
Weddings with many attendants that guests will not know
Longer ceremonies that have songs and readings that require guest participation
Weddings where the bride and groom want to use a program to thank people
If a wedding fits into one of the above categories, a program is probably a good idea. It also serves as a lovely souvenir for your guests.
Program guidelines
- Hand out your programs at the beginning of the wedding, when the guests are being seated. If ushers seat guests, give them the job of handing out programs. In this case, purchase one program for each guest. If programs will sit in a basket, allowing guests to take one, plan to have programs for about three-fourths of the guests.
It is acceptable to put memorials in the program and is common to honor grandparents and other relatives that are not at the ceremony. A verse that reflects the bride and groom is also a nice way to close the program.
The ceremony
- The bulk of any wedding program describes what will happen in the ceremony. Work with your officiant to figure out the wording of the program. Be sure to include all the elements of the ceremony in the order they will occur and the names of all the members of the wedding party.
