How to Make a Wedding Program

Wedding programs are wonderful keepsakes for your guests, and they fulfill practical needs as well. They show the order of your service and songs, introduce the participants in the wedding, and thank your guests for celebrating with you.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Acid-free Papers
• Kraft Papers
• Decorative Paper
• Laser Printers
• Paper-edger Scissors
• Tulle Ribbon

1. Select the design you want to use. Consider preprinted paper, scrolls, folders, single cards, etc.

2. Make sure your design is in keeping with the style of your other wedding stationery, in terms of formality, paper, embellishments and font.

3. Include the following elements: full name of bride, full name of groom, name of officiant, date, time, place, introduction (optional), order of ceremony, words to hymns or songs (optional), titles and composers of musical selections, names of performers (singers, musicians, readers), names of the wedding party.

4. Add an expression of gratitude to your ceremony participants, reception hosts and helpers, and family or friends who performed special services.

5. Add a recognition of or dedication to deceased or absent family members, if you wish.

6. Finish with a heartfelt thank-you to your guests.

7. Use a template to make sure your layout conforms to the limitations of your preprinted paper.

8. Create a master sheet - either typed or handwritten - and use a copy machine to produce the programs, if you're creating a large number.

9. If you opt to print the wedding programs on your computer printer, make sure the paper you've chosen is compatible with your printer so you'll get crisp, elegant results.

10. If you decide to handwrite each program using a fountain pen, make sure your paper is not too absorbent, nor too slick.

11. Make a prototype before investing in large amounts of paper and embellishments.

Tips & Warnings

• Make use of scrapbooking materials and tools when creating your programs, such as acid-free papers, decorative punches, decorative-edge scissors, etc. The use of archival-grade materials will ensure that your programs last through the years.
• Don't worry if your handmade programs have slight differences. The handcrafting makes them even better keepsakes.
• Avoid listing paid vendors and service providers.
• Avoid all references to gifts, money trees, etc.
• Be careful not to overdecorate your programs, as that can raise the cost per program, as well as being too labor-intensive to be practical.
• Handmade papers and vellum may not be acid-free, and may deteriorate over the years.

[birthinghope]

on 10/24/2008 My friend got her programs from www.programsandbulletins.com
They were classy, stylish, and the service was excellent.

[shondee816]

on 7/30/2008 Hobby Lobby has 40% off coupons pretty much every other week and sometimes even a Bridal Spectacular where the entire bridal section is 50% off. We purchased all of our baskets and pillows and even guestbook and pen and didnt pay more than $8 each. They all coordinate together already but we embellished them with small peacock feathers. You can use up to one coupon per day (or just go to a different register :) and basically use as many as you can get away with. We would go to to Hobby Lobby in groups and everyone would bring their coupons and slowly just accumulated everything we needed. Hobby Lobby saved us so much money and they have great products and really allow you to personalize everything. It made our large wedding affordable.

[ward987]

on 5/22/2007 how do you know if you are readly?

on 5/22/2007 My friend had almost a $0 budget, so we decided to go Western. The girls are wearing white shirts (that I am adding fringe to) with black jeans and boots and black hats. They will carry a mason jar with bird seed to steady a small candle inside. I've added raffia and fall colored flowers to the outside of the jar. Since the wedding is at 6 PM, the candle light will give a beautiful glow to the affair. They men are similarly dressed. We scoured Goodwills and Salvation Army stores for baskets. We found Target donates to Goodwill and we purchased a guest book for $.99, a ring bearer's pillow for $1.99, and flower candle rings for the tables at $.49 each! She even found her dress at Goodwill!

on 5/22/2007 To ensure that you will have the ceremony that you have always dreamed of, you will want to plan carefully. You will want to decide exactly what type of ceremony you want. You may want the ceremony to be laced with tradition; to be filled with the personal touches that show the qualities and individualities of the two of you.

Your selection of a ceremony site will be influenced by the formality of your wedding, the season of the year, the number of guests expected and your religious affiliation. The ceremony location is the place where you make those lifelong promises and commitments. The memories forever etched of that one spot, wearing the most beautiful dress, with your friends and family fondly observing. Begin your search for a ceremony site as soon as you have selected the date for your wedding.

The following are just a few options on the types of ceremony locations: Church, cathedral, chapel, temple, synagogue, a private home, garden, courthouse, hotel, country club, hall, park, museum, yacht, winery, a field, the beach, casino, hot air balloon, art gallery, bed and breakfast, college/university chapel, anywhere! The ceremony site usually charges a fee to rent the facility.

In a place of worship, this fee may include the use of the sanctuary, wedding coordinator, organist, custodian, changing room for the bridal party, and miscellaneous items such as kneeling cushions, aisle runner, unity candle, sound system and candelabra. There may be restrictions on placement of floral arrangements, secular or sacred music selections as well as time of ceremony. Make sure you ask about restrictions or guidelines regarding photography, videography, decorations, candles, rice, bird-seed or rose petal-tossing. Be sure to ask for specific rules and regulations and what the site fee includes prior to booking a facility.

While having a ceremony outdoors is a wonderful way for you to showcase your event, there are some special considerations that are important to plan for. First, make sure your officiant is willing to perform the ceremony at your chosen location--some members of the clergy will only perform wedding ceremonies within a house of worship. Be sure to find out whether there are any user restrictions, permits, or conflicting activities and events with your chosen date and time. Other logistics to consider include whether or not there is ample accessibility, electricity, parking, as well as restrooms on site. Remember to select a quiet spot that is away from the traffic. Nearly everything must be brought in such as chairs for your guests and a sound system. You are encouraged to have an alternate ceremony site in case of inclement weather.

In a museum or gallery, your wedding will be surrounded by beautiful objects. You can choose sites that display works that match your personal preferences, whether you enjoy the modern, classical, naturalistic or abstract. A wedding at home gives you the opportunity to recite your vows in a place that is near and dear to your heart. Though it will require that you have enough room to accommodate your guest list, a home wedding will definitely have a personal touch that no other location offers.

A ceremony in the home is indeed entertaining on a grand scale and the preparation may be more than you anticipate. Organization and delegation of responsibilities are essential. You can probably rent everything you need through a rental agency.

When renting a ceremony location, make sure the contract specifies all aspects of renting or using the location: arrival times, departure times, equipment that can be used, clean-up responsibilities, parking facility use, etc.

Remember the marriage license ! Don’t forget to bring the marriage-license packet to the wedding! Assign this task to a trusted friend or family member. A ceremony is not legal and complete without this.