What goes in a wedding program
A ceremony program tells guests what is happening and who is part of it. The maker includes the pieces most programs share:
- A small heading and your names, such as "The Wedding Ceremony of" above the couple's names.
- The date and the venue.
- The order of ceremony, one item per line.
- A closing note, often a thank you to guests or a line in memory of loved ones.
The default order is a common sequence for a ceremony: prelude, processional, welcome, a reading, the exchange of vows and rings, the pronouncement and the recessional. Ceremonies differ a great deal between traditions and officiants, so treat it as a starting point and check the final order with your officiant.
How to type the order of ceremony
Type one item per line in the Ceremony items box. To add a detail under an item, such as a song title, a reading or a person's name, put a vertical bar after the item and then the detail: Reading | Sonnet 116. The same trick lists the wedding party: Maid of Honor | her name. The card shows the item in the heading font and the detail in smaller italic text, and the text shrinks to fit if you add many lines.
Size and format
The maker starts at the slim 4 x 9.25 in card, the tall format our sizes guide lists for menus and programs. It holds a long order of ceremony and is easy to hold. A 5 x 7 in program is a good choice for a short ceremony. For a two-sided program, download the front first, then replace the text with the back content, such as the wedding party, and download it again as a second file.
How many programs to print
Couples often print one program per couple or household rather than one per guest, plus a few extras for the wedding party and keepsakes. Programs are a day-of piece, so they do not need envelopes or postage. Use Print sheet PDF to fit two slim programs on each US Letter page with cut marks.
Match the rest of the day
Your template, colors and names carry over from the invitation maker, so the program, menu and place cards all match. Proofread names and song titles carefully; our proofreading checklist works just as well for programs.
Frequently asked questions
What goes in a wedding program?
Usually your names, the date and venue, the order of ceremony with songs and readings, and often the wedding party and a short thank you or in memory note. Check the order with your officiant, since ceremonies differ between traditions.
Do we need a wedding program?
No. Programs are an optional day-of piece. They are most helpful when the ceremony has readings, songs or traditions that guests may not know.
How many wedding programs should we print?
Many couples print one per couple or household rather than one per guest, plus a few extras for the wedding party and keepsakes.
How do I list the wedding party or song titles?
Type each item on its own line and add the detail after a vertical bar, for example Reading | Sonnet 116 or Best Man | his name. The detail appears in smaller italic text under the item.
What size is a wedding program?
The slim 4 x 9.25 in card is a common size and holds a long order of ceremony. A 5 x 7 in card suits a shorter ceremony. Both are available in the maker, along with custom sizes.