Program Wording Tips The following is a list of possible information that may be included in your program. Your program should be a reflection of the two of you, so include what you prefer and make it truly your own.

The Title Page:
The title page usually lists the couple’s names, the wedding date, ceremony location, city and state.

The Wedding Party:
Include the names of your bridal party, your parents, your officiant, and any other participants such as ushers, readers, greeters, and guestbook attendants. You may also include the names of soloists and musicians if they are friends or family members. You may wish to simply list these names, or also include their relationship to you and your fiancé. Another idea is to include a few sentences about the people and why they mean so much to you.

The Ceremony:
Think of this section of the program as an outline or itinerary of what will happen during the ceremony. This outline will enable your guests to follow along and feel involved during the ceremony. Start with the prelude music and end with the recessional. You may include information about readings, prayers, poems and musical selections. You may also want to print a reading, prayer, poems, or song in its entirety. Your officiant should be able to supply you with this outline.

Meanings Behind Traditions:
If your ceremony includes any religious or ethnic rituals that some of your guests may not recognize, think about explaining those customs in your program. You may wish to write a brief history behind the tradition and the significance of it. This is a particularly good idea if you are having an interfaith ceremony or if the bride and groom are from different cultures. Discuss the parts of ceremony, why you’ve chosen to include them, and what they symbolize.

Thank You:
Including some sentences of gratitude is a nice way to ensure that you have personally thanked all the guests who are attending your wedding. Your program is also a great opportunity to send a specific thank you to your parents and other family members.

Memorials:
Your program is the perfect place to honor the memory of a loved one. This can be done by including a passage about a loved one and how much they meant to you. You may also choose to include a quote, poem or lyrics from a meaningful song. You may have decided to incorporate a symbolic gesture in your ceremony in memory of this person. Perhaps you have a floral arrangement dedicated to them or a song played in their honor. Make note of this your program as well.

New Home:
Instead of mailing cards out to inform others of your new home address, put your new address inside of your wedding program.

Extras:
Including something untraditional in your program can be fun and whimsical! Perhaps the story of how you met, or how he proposed. If you are writing your own vows you might include those in your program. Including a short “love letter” written by the bride to the groom (and vice versa) is very sweet and romantic.

Program Wording Sample:

The Wedding Ceremony Uniting

Linda A. Thompson

and

Jason T. Miller

Saturday, the twentieth of August
Two thousand and three

Saint Peters Church
Lyons, Colorado

Second Page:

The Wedding Party

Parents of the Bride:
Henry and Beth Thompson
Parents of the Groom:
Terry and Jillian Miller
Maid of Honor:
Erica Trapp, sister of Bride
Bridesmaids:
Melody Holt, friend of Bride
Kara Cunningham, friend of Bride
Autumn Slifka, friend of Bride
Bestman:
Doug Bastien, friend of Groom
Groomsmen:
Greg Holt, friend of Groom
Jason Hurley, friend of Groom
Landis Scholes, friend of Groom
Ushers:
John LeCompte, brother-in-law of Groom
Dax DeRop, friend of Groom
Charles Jones, friend of Groom
Greeters:
Heather Jarvis, sister of Groom
Kelsie Higgins, stepsister of Bride
Reader:
Chris Semmens, friend of Groom

Third Page:
The Wedding Ceremony
Celebrated by Pastor Jeff Crabtree

Prelude
Seating of Family and Friends
Processional
Presentation of the Bride
Welcome and Greeting
Prayer
Commitments
Bible Reading by Chris Smith
The Vows
Unity Candle
Exchanging of Rings
Signing of the Marriage License
Closing Remarks
The Kiss
Introduction of Couple
Recessional

Fourth page:
In Loving Memory:
The flowers are dedicated in remembrance of the bride’s mother,
Kelly Greene
She is here with us today in spirit and in our hearts.

Thank You
We are very thankful to all our friends and family who have gathered here today to share in our marriage and celebrate this special day. Our love is a reflection of the love that we have been given throughout our lives by all of you.
We would like to give a special thanks to our parents…
their guidance, inspiration, encouragement, and unconditional love have made us into who we are today.
Love, Linda and Jason

The best and most beautiful things in the world can not be seen or even touched.
They must be felt with the heart. -Helen Keller