Couples frequently ask me if they need to provide programs at the ceremony. The easy answer is "no" since they don't technically need anything except themselves, a valid marriage license, and an officiant. Programs, like wedding favors, are a nice touch but no one should feel obligated to use them if it puts a pinch on the budget. Guests will glance through the program, use it as a fan perhaps (if it isn't one already), and then throw it away after the ceremony. Let's be perfectly honest here, very few people collect and save the programs from the weddings they have attended.
Programs are generally unnecessary for the purpose of following the flow of a wedding ceremony since it is pretty darned easy for guests to figure out what is going on. The only time programs would specifically come in handy as an Order of Service is when the guests are asked to participate in some way, such as singing a hymn or engaging in a responsive reading. Then it would not only be appropriate, but very considerate to provide programs that include the music or words.
Programs are certainly not an obligation, but they can be a great way to share information with the guests. There is no set guidelines for how to prepare a program or what type of information should be included. Couples can distribute 8 1/2 x 11 sheets of paper (a flyer), a standard bi-fold program, or affix printed material to a fan or other object. Really any sort of format that fits in nicely with the overall wedding plans. Couples can make their own programs or have them professionally designed and printed. That usually depends upon the degree of formality of the occasion and the couple's skills as graphic artist and printer.
Here are some of the types of information that can be included in a program:
Programs are generally unnecessary for the purpose of following the flow of a wedding ceremony since it is pretty darned easy for guests to figure out what is going on. The only time programs would specifically come in handy as an Order of Service is when the guests are asked to participate in some way, such as singing a hymn or engaging in a responsive reading. Then it would not only be appropriate, but very considerate to provide programs that include the music or words.
Programs are certainly not an obligation, but they can be a great way to share information with the guests. There is no set guidelines for how to prepare a program or what type of information should be included. Couples can distribute 8 1/2 x 11 sheets of paper (a flyer), a standard bi-fold program, or affix printed material to a fan or other object. Really any sort of format that fits in nicely with the overall wedding plans. Couples can make their own programs or have them professionally designed and printed. That usually depends upon the degree of formality of the occasion and the couple's skills as graphic artist and printer.
Here are some of the types of information that can be included in a program:
~ Couples name and wedding date | ~ Memorial Statement | ~ Engagement Story |
Programs are an opportunity to tie in another element to a wedding's theme or express the couple's personalities and interests. I have seen wedding programs written on beach balls and printed to look like a Broadway playbill. Get creative!
But...do not give one more moment's thought to providing programs if it is not in your budget or just doesn't particularly appeal to you. Have fun with them if you do decide you want to distribute programs at your ceremony, they should never be an odious chore. It shouldn't evoke memories of angst and tedium when you see one on your wedding day.
Photo Attributes
Above: Shannon Perez of Simply In Love Photography
Below: Haley Borneman
But...do not give one more moment's thought to providing programs if it is not in your budget or just doesn't particularly appeal to you. Have fun with them if you do decide you want to distribute programs at your ceremony, they should never be an odious chore. It shouldn't evoke memories of angst and tedium when you see one on your wedding day.
Photo Attributes
Above: Shannon Perez of Simply In Love Photography
Below: Haley Borneman
Haley, an amazing DIY bride, used programs that tied in her theme colors and identified her wedding party.
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