What Should I Include in My Wedding Program?

A traditional wedding program begins with the names of the bride and groom, the wedding date, and generally includes the location of the wedding. Following this basic info are the elements of the ceremony, the names of the participants, and often a thank you or personal message from the couple to the the guests.

How detailed the info is will depend on the couples preference as well as the size of the program. Guests will feel more at ease and find the ceremony easier to follow if the program includes a listing all traditions, rituals, and ethnic customs, with explanations for anything that may be unfamiliar.

Examples may include:

Traditional Jewish components such as the ketuvah, bedekin, and chuppah

Greek traditions such as crowning, circle dance and koufeta

Customary Christian components such as the Processional, Call to Worship, Opening Prayer, Vows, Presentation of the Couple and finally the Recessional March.

Some couples will include the musical selections and occasionally the words to readings, verses or even hymns. Many couples choose to honor family members unable to attend due to illness or military service or deceased loved ones with a listing, quote or poem.