Wedding programs are not necessities, but they are a detail that all your guests will appreciate. They allow your guests to get in the know about
What to include:
To make your wedding programs all that your guests need them to be and more, be sure to include the following:
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Timeline of events
You don’t have to give an exact timeline, with the ceremony at 2:44 p.m. and the cutting of the cake at 7:13 p.m. The later in the evening, the more difficult it will be for you to estimate what time each aspect of the wedding will take place. You can give your guests time estimates, or simply give them the order of events.
Members of the bridal party
Let your guests know the identities of the individuals standing beside you at the altar! At the very least, provide their names in the order in which they are standing. Additionally, you could include a picture or drawing of them along with how they know you.
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Other important figures
Don’t forget to honor the other important people in your life who aren’t members of your bridal party. Definitely mention your parents in your program. You could also acknowledge other members probably sitting in the front row, such as grandparents, siblings, and other relatives.
Basic information
Wedding programs make great keepsakes, both for the couple and for the guests. Include the basic information of the wedding to make it the most effective memento. Think information such as time, date, location, and of course, the bride and groom names.
How to display:
You have two options for giving your wedding programs to your guests. Either display one large program or hand out individual programs to each of your guests.
One public program
One common public display that all the guests share may be a better option than you would initially think. Making or purchasing one program rather than hundreds saves money. This one program can be more elaborate because you are only investing in one program. Place this program in an easily accessible location with large lettering and a clear font.
Chalkboard Program
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A chalkboard program is a great option for the wanna-be artists (and the actual artists). Chalk allows for lots of trial and effort, letting you experiment until you find the perfect style, font, and size. For additional artsy assistance, look up designs online to spark ideas about decorative aspects and purchase stencils for a consistent font.
Book program
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Create a program that your guests will love and you will be able to enjoy for years to come! Make a book with all the necessary wedding program information, also incorporating engagement photos and your love story. Place the book on a table so that guests can take turns looking through it and signing it — if you want it to double as a guest book.
Individual programs
While your individual programs will need to be either more simple or more expensive, they do allow each guest to receive a keepsake for the wedding. Your grandparents, aunts, and mother will be particularly appreciate of this style of program, but keep in mind that many guests will forget, drop, or discard of it.
Leaf Program
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Does it get any more unique than a leaf wedding program? Purchase large leaves from plants such as elephant ears, and then write the information on it with a marker of a contrasting color. Metallic colors will work best against the green color — choose between golds, silvers, bronzes, and more to find which matches your color theme.
Fan program
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Depending on the time of year your wedding is taking place, your guests may be very appreciate of having a wedding program that is also helpful in keeping them cool. You can either feature the information on multiple leaves that can be spread out into a fan, or place a sturdy sheet of paper on a popsicle stick.
Like many aspects of weddings, the possibilities with programs are endless. At least now you have an understanding of what you should include in a program, and your options for displaying that information to your guests. Be creative, have fun, and happy wedding planning!
