Wedding Program Etiquette and Guidelines

"All the world's a stage and all the men and women merely players"

William Shakespeare

 William Shakespeare, arguably the most famous playwright of all time, has written such  classics as Richard III and Romeo and Juliet.  Although his plays are classics, it is highly unlikely that an audience member would not receive a program when he or she is attending a performance of one of these timeless works.  The play program serves to remind us of the highlights of the play.  It provides information regarding  the scene, the setting, the characters, and the actors.  A program is also the souvenir that a playgoer will treasure long after the final curtain.  It is a reminder of a great performance whose memory lingers. 

A wedding program contains the following fundamental elements.

•  First, your wedding program serves to set the stage for your guests by highlighting the featured elements of your wedding ceremony.

• Second, the order of the featured elements corresponds to the order to be followed during the wedding ceremony.

• Third, the wedding program should  contain the list of participants and their ceremonial roles.  The listed participants include the wedding party,  featured readers, Officiant or Celebrant, organist, vocalist, etc.

• Finally, a special poem, a song lyric, or dedication may also be included.

Wedding programs are a great way to personalize your special moment.  Typically, your guests will receive their programs upon their arrival at the ceremony. The wedding program provides your guests with the important information they will wish to have regarding your wedding ceremony.  It will answer your guests questions about the ceremony they are about to witness.  Whether your ceremony is traditional or not, your guests will feel more at ease if they know what to expect.

Wedding Program Etiquette

Programs can help guests understand the
ceremony and introduce them to the wedding party.

• The candle lighting is dedicated in loving memory of our grandparents
   
• The candles on the alter are lit in loving memory of our special family members who are no longer with us. (List names)
   
• Flowers in Loving Memory (list names)
   
• In loving memory
   
• With loving thoughts of (name)