Wedding Programs

Most programs include the basics: 

• names of the couple getting married

• date and location

• members of the wedding party

• ceremony timeline

Programs can also include: 

• photos 

• a brief story of how the wedding couple met

• a thank-you note to their families and friends

• a map to the reception or other important locations

• words to readings or songs

• descriptions of cultural or religious traditions

• Dimensions: 

  • Programs are available in 5” x 7”, 4” x 9” and 5.25” x 5.25” size formats.
    (4” x 9” is the most common)

• Paper: 

  • All paper types (except for triple thick)

• Prelude: The music played while guests are being seated.

• Attendants’ Processional: The music played while the bridal party walks down the aisle.

• Bride’s Processional: The music played while the bride walks down the aisle.

• Opening Prayer or Greeting: Usually delivered by the ceremony officiant.

• Readings: The couple chooses readings that are important to them and decides where they are placed in the ceremony. 

• Wedding Message: The officiant will often give a message honoring the couple and the wedding vows about to be exchanged.

• Exchange of Vows: The exchange of vows and rings.

• Unity Ceremony: Involves the lighting of a unity candle or sand.

• Presentation of the Couple:
  The couple kisses and the officiant announces the couple as officially married.

• Recessional: The music played while the couple and the bridal party walk back down the aisle.

Participants:

(often listed on the back of the program)

• Officiant: Person presiding over the ceremony. Titles include Father, Pastor, Reverend, Judge, etc.

• Parents of the Bride/Groom: Always include first and last names.

• Maid and/or Matron of Honor: Principal bridesmaid at the wedding.

• Bridesmaids: Members of the bridal party. Some couples choose to include their relationship to the individual, such as friend, sister, cousin, etc.

• Best Man: Principle groomsman at the wedding.

• Groomsmen: Male attendants to the groom.

• Flower Girl(s) and/or Ring Bearer(s): In a wedding procession, the Ring Bearer(s) walks down the aisle, followed by the Flower Girl(s).

• Personal Attendant(s): Special assistant(s) to the bride.

• Usher: A person who shows guests to their seats.

Consistency:

Remember, consistency is key. Be sure to check any related orders for wedding suite items with styling and customizations that should be carried over to the programs or menus. If there isn’t a related order in the blue line at the top of the proofing page, it’s best practice to search for previous orders using the customer’s email address.

Custom Color:

Customers will most likely want their wedding color theme implemented in their program or menu card design. If the customer ordered invitations or other wedding items, be sure to match these CMYK values.

Typography:

If the customer ordered other wedding items, be sure to match the typography to those items, including tracking, leading, fonts and stroke weight. 

Hierarchy:

Hierarchy is extremely important for Day-of products, especially wedding programs and menus. Since there’s so much text, be sure to utilize hierarchy to make the program easy to read.

Casing:

Casing is key. Be sure to follow casing consistency carefully.

Do the Best With the Space You Have (continued):

• If the text on a program is especially hard to fit, you can always try making 2 columns of text

• This is best for similar text content, like the bridesmaids and groomsmen listed in the wedding party