how to create a memorable wedding program

A wedding program is something that is either overlooked or sometimes over-complicated. As a graphic designer, I knew that I wanted to make something that people would want to keep. But as the days grew closer to my wedding, I had to cut the ideal to-do list down to a more realistic one. One of the first things to go was a beautiful yet complicated handcrafted program. I have a great affinity for small handmade books, but an even greater love for sharing stories. I decided to opt for a simpler and less expensive route and spent more time thinking about what I would like to include in the program. I do not regret my decision. In fact, I still have a copy in the side pocket of my door in my car. Sometimes when I am waiting in the car, I will pull it out and read through my favorite hymns and psalms. It remains to be a great record of the day and provides detailed information that I hope others also enjoyed.

I began with a brief history of the place our guests were visiting. The small church that I was married in is twenty minutes north of Winston-Salem. For those who had never been there before, it seemed like an eternity from civilization. I knew that it was a long drive for many of our family and friends. I wanted to share why Friendship, the community I grew up in, was so special to me. Living in Chapel Hill, I find very few native North Carolinians around me. As member of the eighth generation to live in my community, Friendship means more than just my childhood home and the church across the street; I explained why in the introduction. After the ceremony, one of my cousin's came up to me and told me how much he appreciated reading my story.

What story can you share about the location of your wedding or special family traditions? Even if it is not part of a long history, is there something that you can share that generates a new tradition for your new family? A simple story can really add a special touch to your event and set the tone for how you would like people to remember your day. It is a great introduction that people can read while waiting for the wedding march. Your story also serves as way to share something that even the ones closest to you may not know about you. Now on to the basics...

The program should always include basic information, including your full names, the wedding date, location, wedding party, outline of the ceremony, and your new contact information. The level of detail included in the program is up to you. I wanted to include information as much as possible. I knew that I wanted the congregation to sing during the ceremony. By including the words in the program, the need for hymnals was eliminated. Several of our guests were from all over the country and of different faiths. I was not certain how many would know the words to the songs. I also included the words to Psalms 19, which I had my friend Lauren read as part of the ceremony. I loved this version and wanted to share it with everyone. It is easier for people to retain readings when they are able to read along with whatever is being read aloud to them.

The wedding program is also a great place to demonstrate your names. Are you changing your name? Hyphenating it? Or keeping it the same? Do you go by a name different from your given birth name? My husband's proper name is Enrique, but family and friends know him as Henry. By carefully formatting your program, you can include how you two are to be addressed in formal and informal situations. Under the announcement of the couple, I included our formal names. Then I included our informal names under our contact information. Your new contact information is a great way to provide all of your friends and family with the best way to contact you, while demonstrating how you should be addressed as the new couple in a casual context.

The program sets the tone for your wedding, which is expressed in the formality of the ceremony, the story or information you share, and how it ties into the visual identity of the day. Create something memorable, hopefully without tying 300 tiny ribbons. Your guests will appreciate this simple presentation of the beginning of your new life together.

sample wedding program
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