Wedding
Programs
"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.
Similarly, wedding programs serve to set the
stage for your guests. The wedding program highlights the featured elements
of your wedding ceremony. The order of the featured elements
corresponds to the order to be followed during the wedding ceremony.
The wedding program should also contain the list of participants and their
ceremonial roles. The listed participants include the wedding party,
featured readers, officiant or celebrant, organist, vocalist, etc. A
special poem or a song lyric 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.
Am I required to have a wedding program ?
You are not required to have a wedding program at your ceremony. However,
programs are a wonderful way to help your guests feel a part of your
ceremony. They are able to follow the ceremony, learn about your religious
traditions and get to know your wedding party.
Guests should receive programs as they arrive for the ceremony. Post
someone at the door to distribute them, or put them on a table and let
guests pick them up themselves.
How many should I order?
As a general guide, if you have someone at the door to personally hand out
programs, you will need one program per guest. If you place them in a
basket or on a table you will need to order approximately 75% of the
number of guests attending.
Can we include memorials?
The program is the perfect place to honor someone's memory. Reserve a
place where you can tell guests what the person meant to you, include a
favorite memory, poem or dedicate candles or flowers in their memory.
Common Verses Used:
-
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)
-
-
With loving thoughts of (name)
What should be in it?
Please review our detailed listing of what should be included in your
wedding programs worksheet.
How do I organize the ceremony?
Your Officiant is the best source for information on the order of service
and will help you with the wording. Be sure to ask them for a written
handout of the ceremony.
