What to Include in Your Wedding Program

A wedding program is more than just a formality. It’s a meaningful keepsake, a guide for your guests, and a way to make your ceremony feel polished and personal. Whether you’re planning a traditional wedding or a celebration that breaks the mold, your program helps guests feel informed, welcomed, and connected to your day.

Let’s walk through exactly what to include in a wedding program and how to make it feel like a natural extension of your wedding design.

Do You Need Programs for a Wedding?

While not every couple chooses to have one, a wedding program can add a thoughtful touch to your ceremony. Here’s why it’s worth including:

• It helps guests follow along with the ceremony, especially if it includes unfamiliar traditions.
• It introduces your wedding party and explains who’s who.
• It adds a cohesive design element that ties into your other stationery pieces.
• It becomes a keepsake guests can take home—or you can save one for your wedding album.

If you’re investing in custom or semi-custom paper goods, a beautifully designed program is a small detail that makes a big impact.

Want to make even more of an impact on your wedding day? Here are some ways to wow your wedding guests, as well as ideas for signs that help improve the guest experience.

What is Included in a Wedding Program

There’s no one right way to structure your wedding program, but most include these key elements:

The Essentials

1. Names, Date, and Location

Your program should begin with the basics:

• Full names of the couple
• Wedding date
• Ceremony location (the name of the venue is sufficient)

These details usually go on the front cover, often paired with your custom crest, monogram, or floral motif to match the rest of your stationery.

2. The Ceremony Order

Guests appreciate knowing what’s happening next, especially during longer or more traditional ceremonies. A typical wedding ceremony program outline might include:

• Processional
• Welcome or officiant remarks
• Readings or songs
• Exchange of vows and rings
• Pronouncement of marriage
• Recessional

If you’re including any special traditions or rituals, you can briefly explain them so your guests feel included and engaged.

3. Wedding Party Introductions

Your wedding program is the perfect place to list your wedding party members. This helps guests understand who’s standing by your side and what their roles are.

Consider including:

• Officiant
• Parents of the couple
• Maid or Matron of Honor
• Best Man
• Bridesmaids and groomsmen
• Flower girl and ring bearer

You can keep it simple with names and titles or add short notes about your relationship with each person if space allows.

4. Acknowledgments or Thank You Notes

A section for thank-yous adds a personal touch. Many couples use their wedding program to thank their families, wedding party, or guests. You might also include a tribute to loved ones who have passed.

Some examples:

• “We are so thankful to our families for their support, love, and encouragement.”
• “In memory of those who are no longer with us but remain forever in our hearts.”

Optional Program Additions

If you want to make your ceremony program feel even more special, consider adding one or two of these optional sections.

A Welcome Message

Start with a short note to greet guests and express your excitement.

Example:
“Thank you for joining us on this joyful day. We are so happy to celebrate with you!”

A Mini Love Story or Timeline

Give guests a peek into your story—how you met, got engaged, or planned the big day. A simple timeline with key dates is also a sweet and fun option.

Song Lyrics or Readings

If your ceremony includes meaningful readings, songs, or scripture, include the titles and authors so guests can appreciate them fully.

What Makes a Wedding Program Stand Out

Beyond the content, the design of your wedding program plays a big role. A few things to keep in mind:

• Choose a legible font, especially for older guests.
• Keep the layout clean and organized.
• Use high-quality paper that feels as good as it looks.
• Match your colors and design style to your invitation suite for a cohesive branded wedding.

Your program can be a folded booklet, a flat card, or something custom like a fan or tag. If you’re unsure what style fits your wedding best, we’re happy to guide you.

Ready to Create a Beautiful Wedding Program?

Whether you’re designing your own or working with a stationer, your wedding program should reflect your personality and style. At Heather Paperie, we help couples create elegant, timeless programs that are as meaningful as they are beautiful.

Already a client? We’ll walk you through exactly what to include and how to format it. Still in the planning stage? Contact us today—we’d love to help you bring your wedding vision to life.

Now that you know exactly what your wedding program needs to include, find out what every wedding invitation needs to include!