Including a wedding program for your guests is optional, but it’s a thoughtful detail that helps your guests follow along with your wedding ceremony, especially if there are traditions they may not be familiar with or if you’re having an interfaith wedding.  Whether they’re curious and want to know the name of your wedding party members, or want to know the name of your readings,  a wedding program will help guests follow along with and feel engaged with your ceremony.

Not sure what to include in your program? No problems!  Here are some helpful suggestions on what you may want to include:

• Select a wedding program that coordinates with your wedding stationery.  Your program should include your names, wedding date, and the city & state you are getting married in.

•  List the order of events of your ceremony.  Be sure to include your Officiants name, any musical selections you’ve chosen along with the composers name/singer (feel free to include lyrics, if it’s meaningful to you!), as well as any readings and the names of anyone who is doing the readings.

 

• A list of the members of your wedding entourage. This would include the Mothers and Fathers of the Bride and Groom, Maid of Honor and Bridesmaids, Best Man and Groomsmen, ring bearers and flower girls.

•  Thank you note to parents, guests and any special intentions or memorials for those who are not able to be present.

If you are having a religious ceremony, your priest may have a helpful booklet that outlines the preferred wording for your program.  It’s possible that your Church may want to approve your program before it is printed, too!

This is your wedding day so always feel free to go a step further and personalize your wedding ceremony programs a little more by adding a photo or special quote.  Programs are always customized with matching fonts and your wedding colors to coordinate with your wedding stationery.

Here are a few examples of wording:

SECULAR WEDDING PROGRAM
Prelude

Processional
“The Way I Am”, Ingrid Michaelson

Welcome and Opening Remarks
Officiant Elizabeth Michaels

“The Amber Spyglass”, Phillip Pullman
Read by Lisa Lach

“I Carry Your Heart With Me”, E.E. Cummings
Read by Desirae Daniels

Exchange of Vows

Exchange of Rings

Pronouncement of Marriage

Closing remarks

Recessional
“All You Need is Love”, The Beatles

CATHOLIC WEDDING PROGRAM
Processional, “Canon in D”

Entrance of the Bride, “Trumpet Voluntary”

Opening Prayer

First Reading, Genesis 2:18-24
Read By Lisa Lach

Responsorial Psalm, “I Have Loved You”

Second Reading, Corinthians 12:31-13.8a
Read By Desirae Daniels

Gospel Acclamation, “Celtic Alleluia”

Gospel Reading, John 15:9-12

Exchange of Consent

Exchange of Wedding Vows

Blessing and Exchange of the Rings

Lighting of the Unity Candle “Ave Maria”

Prayer of the Faithful

Presentation of the Gifts
Gene and Eileen Michaels

The Lords Prayer

Recessional, “Hornpipe from Water Music”

 

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