Create Your Own Ceremony Programs

Creating your own wedding programs can be a lot of fun.  Homemade programs are also a big help to tight budgets, not to mention much more meaningful to your guests.  The primary purpose of a wedding program is to provide your guests with a schedule of events for your big day, but programs can also bring sentimental value and are often treasured keepsakes long after the ceremony - especially when you take the time to make them yourself.

See Project Wedding's own programs here!

Ingredients for the Perfect Program

There are a few basic essentials that your guests expect to see within your ceremony program:

• Introduction. A memento would be pretty useless if it didn't include some info about the event! The date, time, and location of the ceremony should be on the program, along with your full name and the name of your husband-to-be.
• Ceremony schedule. Everything that takes place during your wedding should be listed - greetings, prayers, readings, the vow exchange, etc. Note musical arrangements and speakers as well.
• The wedding party. Each member of the wedding party should be named along with their role in the event.
• Thank you. Remember a special thank you to friends and family that helped make your special day happen and thank the guests for attending.

Once you have these basics covered, you can get creative and make your ceremony programs more personal.  You can include pictures, personal stories, song lyrics, remembrance messages for lost loved ones, wishes from family and friends, or anything else that is meaningful to you and your fiancé.  Childhood pictures of you and the groom add a sentimental touch.

Putting it All Together

After you've decided on all the components to include in your program, there are two options for completing and publishing it - hire someone or do it yourself.  If you have access to a good publishing program, like MS Publisher or Quark, you can do the layout yourself.  This is also a good task for creative friends or relatives to work on. 

When you're ready to print, consider a professional printer or an online printing service unless you can use a very high-quality personal printer, especially if your program includes photographs.  Select stationary that complements your wedding theme and pay close attention to font styles and ink colors.  Some printers may also offer layout and design services if you need help making your ceremony programs.