Do You Need Wedding Programs? What Should You Include?

Although a wedding program is not essential, your guests may be grateful if you have one. With a guide to your wedding ceremony, your guests’ questions about who’s who and what’s happening will be answered, so they can relax and feel the full impact of your ceremony. A wedding program can be exactly what you want it to be, whether it’s a thick booklet, or a single sheet of paper with only the most important details. (Just try to create a program that coincides with the style of your wedding.)

Title Your names will serve as the title, whether on the front cover or inside as the first page, and the date and location of the ceremony should follow.

Events Next, list the order of events at the ceremony, including songs and readings as they will occur. You can include the words of the readings in their entirety if you want, but it isn’t necessary. You can also include a brief explanation of any religious rituals that will occur during the ceremony for guests who may be unfamiliar with what will occur.

Wedding Party You can also list the people who will make your wedding ceremony special -- the officiant, your parents, the wedding party, ushers, musicians, and others who have a significant role. Some programs include a brief description of each person’s relationship to the couple as well.

Personalization You can include poetry, scripture, or song lyrics that express your feelings about your wedding day even if it won’t be read at the ceremony. The program is your opportunity to impart a special message and tone directly to your guests.

Memorial If someone important to you has passed on you can pay homage to him or her in your program. "We remember our grandparents, Harry and Betsy Matthews and Sylvia and Paul Shultz. Although they are not here to share in our special day, they will be in our hearts always."

Giving Thanks The final passage in the program can be a thank-you to those who gave you support throughout your relationship, the wedding-planning process, or in your lives.