While ceremony programs might not be necessary for a small beach wedding or quick ceremony at City Hall, it’s nice to keep guests in-the-know and provide them with a glimpse into the day’s events. When creating your program, remember the five Ds to ensure perfection!
1. Design
From scrolls to panels to single sheets, there are many options available for program designs. “I’ve been getting a lot of orders for program fans with a small ribbon on them,” says Caryn Lim, owner of Montreal-based CLP Invitations (clpinvitations.cceasy.com). Whichever you choose, opt for acid-free paper because it won’t deteriorate in a scrapbook over time.
2. Detail
When it comes to information, not every detail of your big day will be of interest to guests. Sasha Brijmohan of Woodbridge, Ontario’s Pretty Paper recommends printing the names of speakers or someone saying a verse, the parents’ names, or details about parts of the ceremony. Include names of the bride, groom and wedding party, date, place, time, the order of the ceremony (including songs and musical performers) and most importantly, a thank-you to guests and family who have made the day special.
3. Duration
“Keep it nice and short—people don’t need a whole novel. Then they can concentrate on the ceremony,” Lim advises. Novels of information are unnecessary for your program, although don’t let this stop you from preparing an organized schedule of the day’s events.
4. Devise a Plan
Don’t leave printing your programs until the week before the big day. Most companies request your template one or two months in advance, leaving time for any mishaps or complications. Be sure to proofread!
5. Dazzle
Don’t be afraid to get creative and wow your guests with a cute and clever program. “Some have a timeline of the whole wedding day, not just the ceremony. Some have the day in history for fun. Some include short poems, Bible verses, love verses—things to personalize your wedding and make it unique,” Lim explains. As a rule, remember that simple is best (keep embellishments and fancy fonts to a minimum) when creating a memorable keepsake for guests.
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