Wedding programs are one of the little details that add that extra special something
to your big day. They are not only a record of your ceremony; wedding programs help
guests feel included and understand what is happening, and they introduce your bridal
party. And of course, they'll look beautiful in your scrapbook!

Do you need a wedding program?

No etiquette book will tell you that you must have a wedding program, but
for certain ceremonies they are more necessary than others. For instance:

• If you are having a religious or traditional wedding, with many guests who
  are of another faith or culture
• If you are having a large wedding, where guests are unlikely to know the
  bridal party
• If you are having a particularly long ceremony where guests will want to
  be prepared to wait a while
• If you have many people who you need to thank

Those who are short on time or money may wish to forgo this option, but remember
that a simple wedding program needn't use much time or money. I recommend that you
provide them for your guests, as a thoughtful gesture and souvenir.

Elements of a wedding program

• The cover Typically includes the date and/or the names
  of the couple. It may also include the location and time of the ceremony, a
  picture, or design element (such as a flower, scroll, etc.)
• The order of events If you haven't already included your
  names, wedding date, location, and time on the front cover, consider listing
  that information on the inside just before the order of events. Then list what
  will happen during the ceremony, including processional music, greeting, readings,
  prayers, exchange of vows, ring ceremony, unity candle ceremony, pronouncement
  of marriage, recessional music, and any other ceremony music. Your list may
  not include all of these elements, and it may include some traditions not listed
  here. Be sure to list the events in the order they will occur.
• Members of the bridal party This is a simple list of the
  names and roles of your bridal party. For example: Officiant: Justice Ruth Bader
  Ginsberg Parents of the bride: Mary and John Smith Parents of the groom: Elizabeth
  Jones and Thomas Wilson, Jr. Stepparents of the groom: Robert Jones and Lisa
  Marist-Wilson Grandparents: Sarah Smith, Margaret Blackwood, Thomas Wilson Sr.
  Maid of Honour: Maria Gellert Best Man: William Harris Bridesmaids: Rebecca
  Brown, Juanita Ramirez Groomsmen: Calvin Aremu, Jonathan Goldstein Readers:
  McGuire Johnson, Alexander Wilson

Other things you may wish to include in your wedding program

• An explanation of traditions or rituals used in your ceremony
• A request for audience participation in certain parts of the ceremony (e.g.
  affirmation of the marriage, communion, singing, offering of the peace, standing
  or kneeling)
• Thank yous
• Memorials (for example: The memorial candle is lit in honour of the bride's
  mother, Shirley Fielding. OR On this day of happiness, we would like to remember
  those who are no longer with us, especially Derrick Peterson, grandfather of
  the bride, and Samantha Wilson, mother of the groom.)
• A short sentence about each of your bridesmaids and groomsmen, describing
  why they are important to you.
• An explanation of the significance of the location, theme, first dance song,
  etc. (For example: the reception will be held at Coldwater Restaurant, the site
  of the bride and groom's first date.)
• Quotes or poems about love or marriage
• Directions to the reception

Information gathered from about.com