Whether you’re a wedding planner or a hands-on bride and groom, at some point, you’ll need to come up with the right wording for your wedding program.
We’ve talked about the format for your wedding invitation wording, so let’s take a closer look at what you need to do when writing the wedding program. This doesn’t have to be complicated or even require a lot of time. Just follow these general rules on what to include and you should be good to go.
What to Include in Your Wedding Program?
- List the names of the bride and groom. This may be a no-brainer but occasionally, some people forget to include it.
- Place the wedding date and location.
- List down the order of your wedding ceremony. It’s up to you if you want to include detailed information like special readings, musical selections and other items. Make sure to add the names of speakers, performers, composers or authors.
- If there’s a religious or traditional custom you want to include, it would benefit your guests to have a brief description of what it’s about, so they understand the meaning and significance it has to you.
- If there’s a loved one who has passed away that you want to honor in your wedding, the wedding program is the best place to pay tribute to them. Share a poem, a photo, a quote or any loving memory you have of them.
Having a Creative Wedding Program
Your wedding program can set the tone for your wedding so take advantage of it. Get creative with your design and personalize it to echo your personality as a couple. For example, adding a poem, a song lyric, a short story can add to the flair of the program.
Sample Wedding Program Wording
First, decide on what type of wedding you will have. There are different wedding styles such as Classic, Contemporary, Casual or Whimsy. Depending on the couple’s wishes, the wedding program, along with the invitations and wedding decor, can reflect it.
One thing to note, aside from the words, also remember to use colors, fonts as well as language to reflects the chosen wedding style.
Here are four of the sample wedding program wordings you can use:
Classic / Traditional Wedding Program Wording
For a timeless wedding, you want to showcase elegance.
Sample Bride, Groom and Date Introduction:
“Welcome to the Marriage
of Jennifer Healy to Robert Johns on this Saturday afternoon,
August Fifteenth, Two-Thousand Twenty One
at 5 O’clock in the Red Ivy Pavilion in Sacramento, California. “
Classic Ceremony Order:
Seating of Grandparents
Seating of the Mothers
Bridal Procession
Bridal Entrance
Opening Message
First Reading
Second Reading
Marriage Ceremony
Marriage Pronouncement
Presentation of the Couple
Recessional
Wedding Party Introductions:
Officiant
Bride’s Parents
Groom’s Parents
Bride’s Grandparents
Groom’s Grandparents
Maid of Honor
Bridesmaids
Best Man
Groomsmen
Readers
Contemporary / Modern Wedding Program Wording
Creative and unique wedding programs go well with a contemporary or modern wedding. Again, take note of the fonts and colors used so it reflects the style of the wedding.
Sample Bride, Groom and Date Introduction:
“The Marriage Celebration of
Jennifer Healy & Robert Johns
August 15, 2021
5:30 in the Afternoon
Red Air Pavilion
Sacramento, California”
Modern Ceremony Order:
Processional
Welcoming Guests
Exchanging of Rings and Vows
Marriage Pronouncement
Bride and Groom Presentation
Recessional
Wedding Party Introductions:
Bride’s Parents
Groom’s Parents
Maid of Honor
Best Man
Bridesmaids
Groomsmen
Flower Girl
Ring Bearer
Wedding Officiant
Casual / Informal Wedding Program Wording
Some couples like to keep things laid back. A no-frills wedding should also reflect in the wedding program, echoing simplicity but still with a lot of charm. For wedding programs like this, keep it simple, short and sweet.
Sample Bride, Groom and Date Introduction:
“08 – 15 – 21
Jennifer & John
Are Getting Married Today
At the Red Air Pavilion”
Casual Ceremony Order:
“The Party Starts Off With…
The Best Man and Maid of Honor dancing to a Jennifer and John’s favorite track. Next, the Bride makes a stunning entrance! Jennifer’s Aunt Lynn, the Officiant, will take the mic for a greeting and reading. Finally, Jennifer and John will exchange vows, saying “I do’s” and becoming husband and wife!”
Wedding Party Introductions:
Bride’s Parents
Groom’s Parents
Maid of Honor
Best Man
Wedding Officiant
Whimsical / Fun Wedding Program Wording
Showcase the couple’s whimsical personality by also creating wedding program wording that highlights their playful nature. Whether it’s rustic or romantic, quirky or downright funny, you can do a lot with your wedding program wording.
Sample Bride, Groom and Date Introduction:
“Jennifer and John are getting married!
Friday, August 15, 2021
At 5:30 PM in the Red Air Pavilion of Sacramento, California”
Whimsical Ceremony Order:
Processional
Gratitude Message
Reading
Exchanging of Vows
Exchanging of Rings
Marriage Pronouncement
Presenting the Couple
Recessional
Wedding Party Introductions:
Wedding Officiant
Bride’s Parents
Groom’s Parents
Maid of Honor
Best Man
Bridesmaids
Groomsmen
Reader
Other Things to Include in Your Wedding Program
- Couple Love Story
Sharing the couple’s love story, of how they met or how their relationship unfolded, is a great way to invite guests into their relationship. You don’t need to make it formal or long, but the gist of how the two came together should be enough.
These are a few samples of wedding program wording you can use, no matter what type of wedding you will be having or working in.
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