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.