Wedding Programs
Wedding programs are typically printed documents that outline the order of events and provide information about the wedding ceremony for guests. They can include details such as the names of the wedding party, the order of the ceremony, the music selections, and any readings or special traditions that will be incorporated into the ceremony.
Some common elements that you may want to include in a wedding program are:
- Cover: The cover of the wedding program should include the names of the bride and groom, the date, and the location of the ceremony.
- Order of Events: This section outlines the order of events for the ceremony. It can include details such as the processional, the exchange of vows and rings, the pronouncement of marriage, and the recessional.
- Wedding Party: This section provides a list of the members of the wedding party, including the parents of the bride and groom, the maid of honor, the best man, bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, and ring bearers. You can include a brief bio of each person or just their names.
- Special Thanks: This section can be used to thank guests for attending the wedding and any family members or friends who helped with the planning or preparation for the ceremony.
- Program Notes: This section can include information about any special music selections, readings, or other elements that are unique to the ceremony.
- Reception Information: If the reception is being held at a different location than the ceremony, you may want to include a brief note with the reception details.
Remember to keep your wedding program concise and easy to read, with a design that matches the theme and style of your wedding.
Wedding Program Examples By Themes
So you have chosen a wedding theme and now you wonder how may your stationary look. We collected several wedding program examples arranged by some of the most popular themes to give you a clue what your guest will get in hands.
Remember, these are not only pieces of paper with vital information about the ceremony, they can serve as memorabilia as well.
As you probably already know, a wedding program can come in many sizes and colors to fit the theme or style of the wedding. They can range from simple, one-page designs to more elaborate booklets with multiple pages. Some may even create unique booklets with many interesting facts about the attendants, the place of the ceremony, or detailed instructions helping guests to participate.
The colors used in the design can also vary based on the couple’s preferences or the wedding’s color scheme. Some couples may choose to incorporate their wedding colors into the program design, while others may opt for neutral or classic colors such as white, cream, or black.
Ultimately, the size and color of the wedding program will depend on the couple’s preferences and the overall aesthetic they are trying to achieve for their special day.
We discuss pros and cons of different approaches in other articles about wedding ceremony programs, but in this one we’ll focus only in presentation of the themes which are in highest demand at the moment.
Rustic Wedding Programs
Everybody can immediately recognize signature colors of vintage or rustic theme, which is known by earthy and washed out, pastel tones. There is a lot of symbolism behind this theme. It’s sentimental and nicely connects old, passing times, which should really never be forgotten, with new times, times which are bride and groom looking at.
Did you notice how many tiny details are included? Uneven coloring of borders and vintage typography are already there, you just have to enter right names and your vintage programs will be ready to print!
If you’re planning a rustic-themed wedding, you may want to create wedding programs that fit the overall aesthetic. Here are some ideas for designing rustic wedding programs:
- Use natural materials: Consider using kraft paper or cardstock with a natural, textured finish. You can also incorporate twine or ribbon for a rustic touch.
- Add rustic graphics: Include graphics such as leaves, flowers, or woodsy elements like antlers or pinecones. You can use a muted color palette to enhance the rustic vibe.
- Include a personal touch: Write a heartfelt message to your guests, share your love story, or include a special poem or quote that represents your relationship.
- Keep it simple: Opt for a minimalist design that’s easy to read and straightforward. Avoid clutter and stick to essential details like the wedding party, ceremony order, and any special acknowledgments.
- Use calligraphy or hand-lettering: Consider hiring a calligrapher or learning calligraphy yourself to add a personalized, rustic touch to your programs.
- Incorporate photos: Include engagement photos or photos of you and your partner throughout your relationship to add a sentimental touch to your programs.
The key to designing rustic wedding programs is to keep it simple and natural while adding a personal touch that reflects your relationship and wedding style.
Beach Themed Wedding Program
Beach weddings can be beautiful and romantic events. If you’re planning a beach wedding, you may want to consider creating beach-themed wedding programs that reflect the ambiance of the seaside setting.
This playful and leisure theme is all about freedom, holidays and relief from often too hectic everyday. Elegant combination of blue and white as most traditional colors is easy on the eyes and it is great for more relaxed weddings.
It is not necessary limited to the beaches, although it is very often at destination weddings in tropical islands. Sometimes even a decorated space with posters, hammock and a sandbox can do the trick and transport us to best places without concerns.
Here are some tips to help you create the perfect beach wedding programs:
- Choose the right design: You can use beach-themed motifs such as seashells, starfish, sand dollars, and ocean waves to create a beautiful wedding program. Use colors like blue, green, and beige to add to the beach feel.
- Include important details: Make sure to include important details such as the names of the bride and groom, wedding date, and location. Also, include the order of events, names of the wedding party, and any special instructions or thank you notes.
- Provide information about the location: If you have out-of-town guests attending your beach wedding, include information about the location, such as directions and local attractions.
- Add a personal touch: You can add a personal touch by including a special message to your guests or a favorite quote that reflects your personality or relationship.
- Use high-quality materials: Use high-quality paper and printing to create a lasting impression on your guests. Consider using a heavier weight paper or cardstock to make the program feel more substantial and long-lasting.
Remember, the wedding program is a keepsake for your guests and can help them follow along with the ceremony. By incorporating the above tips, you can create a beautiful and memorable beach-themed wedding program.
Example of Beach Themed Wedding Program
Welcome to the Beach Themed Wedding of (Bride’s Name) and (Groom’s Name)
Date: (Date)
Location: (Beach Name), (City), (State)
Schedule of Events:
4:00 PM – Wedding Ceremony
Location: On the beach
4:30 PM – Cocktail Hour
Location: Beachside Bar
6:00 PM – Reception
Location: Beachside Pavilion
Menu
Appetizers:
Shrimp Cocktail
Ahi Tuna Poke
Grilled Corn and Avocado Salsa with Tortilla Chips
Entrees:
Grilled Mahi Mahi with Pineapple Salsa
Filet Mignon with Cabernet Reduction
Vegetable Skewers with Pesto Sauce (vegetarian/vegan option)
Sides:
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Grilled Asparagus
Mixed Greens Salad with Mango Vinaigrette
Dessert:
Wedding Cake
Beach-themed cupcakes
Fresh fruit platter
Beverages:
Signature Cocktails: Mai Tai and Margarita
Beer and Wine
We kindly ask that you take off your shoes and feel the sand between your toes as you celebrate with us on this special day.
Thank you for joining us and sharing in our joy!
Love,
(Bride’s Name) and (Groom’s Name)
These programs can be part of your stationary or addition to similar theme (preferably in blue and white as dominating colors) and will work great in different creative ways, like with a pair of flip flops as wedding favors or transferred into handy fans (check wedding ideas diy-link for more inspiration).
Don’t forget margaritas and a lot of sunscreen!
Art Deco Wedding Programs
Here we are at Art Deco themed programs or, as they are also known, as Roaring Twenties, time around 1920 in USA, when jazz music was at its peak, when industry started large scale production of many household items, and also time of extravaganza, which is so likely portrayed on the immortal novel The Great Gatsby.
Art Deco style is known for its bold geometric shapes, sharp lines, and intricate designs.
If you’re looking to create Art Deco-inspired wedding programs, here are some ideas to get you started:
- Use a bold font for the heading and subheadings. Choose a font with clean lines and geometric shapes, like Futura, Helvetica, or Gotham.
- Incorporate geometric shapes into the design. Use triangles, diamonds, and other geometric shapes to create an Art Deco-inspired pattern on the cover of the program.
- Choose a color scheme that is reflective of the Art Deco era. Consider using bold, contrasting colors like black and gold, navy blue and silver, or red and black.
- Use metallic accents to add a touch of glamour. Consider adding metallic foil to the cover of the program, or using metallic ink for the text.
- Incorporate Art Deco-inspired illustrations or graphics. Use Art Deco-style illustrations of buildings, automobiles, or other iconic symbols of the era to add a touch of vintage charm to the design.
- Keep the layout simple and clean. Art Deco designs are often characterized by their clean lines and simple layouts, so try to keep the design of the program minimalistic.
The key to creating an Art Deco-inspired wedding program is to incorporate bold geometric shapes, metallic accents, and a color scheme that reflects the era. With these elements in mind, you can create a beautiful and unique program that will be sure to impress your guests.
If you are fond of dramatic combinations these gold Art Deco programs may be just right for you. It’s not hard to imagine a reception party in this style: with foxtrot, large mirrors, shiny lights and maybe even some feathers!
Definitely not for shy couples and impressive experience for guests.
Nautical Wedding Programs
White and navy blue is another theme in demand. It is somehow similar to beach theme, but with much more official, authoritative feel and rigorous etiquette. It is great choice for people who are close to the sea or just like the combination of colors and symbols.
If you’re planning a nautical-themed wedding, here are some ideas for your wedding program:
- Cover: Use a design that incorporates nautical elements such as anchors, compasses, ropes, or waves.
- Introduction: Start with a welcoming message to your guests, thanking them for being a part of your special day.
- Order of Events: Outline the order of events for your ceremony and reception, including the names of your wedding party and the officiant.
- Ceremony Details: Share details about your ceremony, including any readings, prayers, or special traditions you’ll be including.
- Reception Details: Share information about your reception, including any special entertainment, the menu, and any other important details.
- Acknowledgments: Thank your parents, families, and anyone else who helped make your wedding day possible.
- Special Messages: Include special messages to your guests, such as a quote, poem, or personal message.
- Wedding Party Bios: Include brief bios of your wedding party, along with their photos, to help guests get to know them better.
- Thank You: End with a final thank you message to your guests for sharing in your special day.
Remember to keep your nautical theme consistent throughout your program, with graphics and fonts that reflect your theme. Good luck with your nautical wedding!
Nautical Wedding Program Theme Example
Here’s a sample nautical-themed wedding program that you can use as a guide:
Cover:
(Insert the names of the couple)
(Insert the date of the wedding)
(Insert a nautical-themed graphic or image)
Inside Page 1:
Welcome Aboard!
(Insert a brief message welcoming guests to the wedding and thanking them for being there to celebrate with the couple.)
Captain’s Log
(Insert the names of the wedding party, including the bride and groom, maid of honor, best man, bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, and ring bearer.)
The Ceremony
(Insert the order of the ceremony, including any readings, songs, or other special elements.)
Knot Tying Ceremony
(Insert a description of any special ceremony the couple has planned, such as a knot-tying ceremony, and explain its significance.)
Inside Page 2:
Ahoy, Reception!
(Insert a message thanking guests for joining the couple in celebrating their marriage and inviting them to enjoy the reception.)
Smooth Sailing
(Insert a brief description of the reception, including any special activities or events planned.)
The Menu
(Insert a list of the food and beverages that will be served during the reception.)
Set Sail with Us!
(Insert a message thanking guests again and inviting them to enjoy the reception.)
Fair Winds and Following Seas!
(Insert a final message thanking guests for being a part of the couple’s special day and wishing them well.)
Back Cover:
(Insert a nautical-themed graphic or image)
A nautical theme should obviously serve only as a template for your unique wedding program where the main stars are you and your loved ones.
All presented stationary is customizable and can be personalized in just about every possible detail with just few clicks. Even less tech savy brides and grooms can make professional wedding programs with themes of their choices and create lovely memorabilia by the way.
