Wedding Programs 101: Examples, Ideas, & What to Include

• Your names
• Wedding date
• Location
• Outline of the ceremony proceedings

We’ll share a few examples of how you might outline your ceremony proceedings in the next section, but think about the big items — most couples include the processional, welcome address, readings, vows, and recessional on their programs.

• A brief overview of the wedding-day timeline
• Wedding hashtag
• Photo/illustration of you
• Your monogram
• Your “how we met” story
• Musical selections/lyrics
• Meaningful verse, poem, or reading
• Names of those participating in the ceremony (e.g., family members, attendants, officiant, readers, musicians, etc.)
• Helpful notes to guests (e.g., directions to cocktail hour/reception, notes on an unplugged ceremony, etc.)
• Explanation of any cultural traditions you’re incorporating into the ceremony
• Explanation of the significance of other wedding details (e.g., “The reception will be held at Brooklyn Winery, which is where we had our first date!”)
• A request for audience participation during certain parts of the ceremony (e.g., singing, communion, the affirmation of the marriage, etc.)
• Message of thanks to guests for attending the celebration
• Message in memory of loved ones who could not attend

Because a non-religious ceremony can unfold in many different ways, the wording of secular wedding programs is the most flexible. When creating your program, think about the big pillars that anchor your ceremony, and prioritize including those.

The Wedding Of
Name and Name
Date
City, State

Processional
“Song Title,” Artist

Bride’s Entrance
“Song Title,” Artist

Welcome Address
Officiant's Name

Readings
Title, Author — read by Name
Title, Author — read by Name

Vow and Ring Exchange

First Kiss

Recessional
“Song Title,” Artist

Wedding Party
Maid of Honor
Best Man
Bridesmaids
Groomsmen
Flower Girl
Ring Bearer

Please join us directly after the ceremony for the cocktail hour in the garden.

The exact details you include in a Christian wedding program depend on what denomination you are, but in general, they’ll follow this structure.

The Celebration and Blessing of the Marriage of
Name and Name
Date
Name of Church
City, State

Prelude
“Song Title,” Artist

Seating of the Family
“Song Title,” Artist

Processional
“Song Title,” Artist

Entrance of the Bride
“Song Title,” Artist

Opening Prayer
Led by Pastor’s Name

Scripture Readings
Book of the Bible, Chapter: Verse Number, read by Name
Book of the Bible, Chapter: Verse Number, read by Name
Book of the Bible, Chapter: Verse Number, read by Name

The Homily

Vows and Ring Exchange

Lighting of the Unity Candle

Prayer
Led by Name

Pronouncement of Marriage

Recessional
“Song Title,” Artist

Your wedding program should outline the key members of your wedding party, as well as the order of your ceremony. If you have space on your programs and are expecting many of your guests to be unfamiliar with Jewish wedding traditions, it may also be nice to include a short explanation of the meaning behind each aspect of your ceremony.

The Wedding Ceremony Uniting
Name and Name
Date
Name of Temple/Venue
City, State

Prelude
Seating of the Guests
“Song Title,” Artist

Processional
Entrance of Rabbi Name
Entrance of Name, Best Man
Entrance of the Groom
“Song Title,” Artist

Entrance of Name, Maid of Honor
Entrance of Name, Name, Name, Bridesmaids
“Song Title,” Artist

Entrance of the Bride
“Song Title,” Artist

Ceremony
Opening Blessings
Birkat Erusin (Blessing Over the Wine)
Message from the Rabbi
Exchanges of Vows and Ring Exchange
Sheva Brachot (Seven Blessings)
Breaking of the Glass

Recessional
“Song Title,” Artist

A traditional single-page, 5” x 7” or tall 4” x 9” program is always a great choice. There are plenty of ways to personalize these types of programs—from the details you choose to include to the design elements you incorporate and even the cardstock you print them on.

Minted’s selection of programs makes it easy to find a style that feels like a reflection of you and your soon-to-be spouse. Whether you go with a design that matches the rest of your invitation suite or introduces new design elements, there are plenty of ways to customize your program to make it feel uniquely you.

Double-sided paper fans will keep guests cool if your ceremony is going to be held during warmer temps. This wedding program design serves a dual purpose — beauty and functionality — and is perfect for a beach, summer wedding, or destination weddings, especially when guests will be outdoors and in direct sunlight.

Pro tip: Any traditional single-page wedding program can be turned into a fan. Simply order double the programs you think you’ll need, as well as wooden craft or fan sticks. Assemble each program by gluing the front of one program to the back of another, with the stick in between them.

Print the ceremony details on a snack bag and fill it with something guests can munch on as they wait for the ceremony to begin. And, if you’re going to provide a snack that might require napkins, consider providing some that match the treat bags and include your wedding monogram.

When there is more you want to communicate to guests, a folded program or booklet is always a good option. For instance, you could use the extra space to outline directions to your cocktail hour or reception, if they’ll be held in a different location. Or, if you’re including wedding ceremony traditions or rituals some guests might not be familiar with, your program is the perfect place to provide explanations.

A large, framed mirror displayed at the ceremony entrance doubles as a welcome sign and a program. Make sure to use a frame that matches the theme of your wedding. For instance, if you’re going with a vintage vibe, then you might want something more rustic and funky. If your wedding is minimalist and modern, then look for something with clean lines. In general, programs placed on mirrors are a chic way of featuring your wedding details.

Instead of a paper program, handwrite the ceremony details on an oversized tropical leaf. This natural look can be perfect for a destination wedding or a couple who just happens to love a good tropical theme. Because they’re handwritten, tropical leaf programs come across as really personal to your guests. Depending on the other colors of your theme, consider what color you want to use when writing on your leaves so that it all ties together.

If you’re hosting your wedding at a quirky venue like a school or cafe, a chalkboard sign could be the perfect alternative to classic wedding programs. Think about displaying your chalkboard on an easel or in a tabletop frame near the ceremony entrance, so guests can read it on the way into the venue. For added elegance, consider draping flowers over the top of your chalkboard sign or using an ornate frame to surround your chalkboard.

Perfect for a rustic or mountain wedding, a large wooden sign can easily double as a wedding program. Simply outline the order of events, include a few illustrative details, and find a place to hang or display it near the entrance to your ceremony space.

Handkerchiefs printed with an outline of the wedding ceremony can be used for happy tears and make a lovely keepsake favor. These delicate favors are especially nice for a more classic wedding.

Instead of passing out printed stationery, display a billowy linen panel calligraphed with details of the ceremony. These banners can be hung up using simple framing, or affixed to a wall next to the ceremony space—just be sure to decorate it with a bit of greenery and florals to make it feel like a luxe, well-thought-out addition to your decor.

Featuring a few meaningful illustrations on your wedding program is a nice way to help your guests get to know you a little bit better. If you’re going the custom route, you could commission illustrations of your wedding party, or keep things simple (and more budget-friendly) by picking a program design that features hand-drawn elements.

If you’re news junkies, journalists, or just a couple looking for a different way to get your day-of news across, try a program that resembles a newspaper cover. This can be fun because you can include a photo from your engagement shoot, your wedding monogram, and details about the proposal in addition to details for the day. Use this idea at a modern wedding, like a warehouse or art museum atmosphere, to add an element of playfulness.

Include your names, wedding date, ceremony location, and an outline of the ceremony events, such as processional, readings or prayers, vows, and recessional.

Consider adding the wedding hashtag, a brief timeline, photos, personal stories, musical selections, and messages of thanks to guests.

List the names and roles of your parents, maid/matron of honor, best man, bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girl, ring bearer, and officiant.

Prioritize readability with large, legible fonts, and save the intricate scripts for decorative elements like place cards or signage.

Handkerchiefs printed with ceremony details are a functional item for happy tears and a cherished memento. Double-sided paper fans printed with the program details are another fun — and functional — way to turn your program into a keepsake.