Wedding Programs - Unique Ideas for your Wedding Programs

If you are at all confused as to what wedding programs are, then let me enlighten you. Essentially they are a schedule of your wedding ceremony, that is a time ordered list of every element of your ceremony, from the opening speech by the officiant to the readings and hymns.

Traditionally wedding programs would be a simple folded card, with the couple's names and wedding date to the front, with perhaps the ceremony location and the program printed inside. These days however, wedding programs have taken a whole new lease of life, even becoming mini booklets covering more than just the ceremony.

Whilst programs help to keep you guests aware of what will happen during the ceremony, many brides have become aware of how many of their guests will keep them as keepsakes of the day. It is this trend that has led to programs becoming far more elaborate and inclusive than ever before.

Whilst the traditional style of programs will continue for many weddings, particularly those that are ultra traditional, or simply because the wedding budget would not stretch to anything more; there is a rising trend to make programs several pages long including stories of how the couple met, photographs, a list of the members of the wedding party and poems, songs or prose.

At the other end of the scale, brides are choosing very simple programs, such as custom made fan style programs, printed on two sides, which are perfect for hot, summer weddings taking place outdoors. There is no requirement to have wedding programs, but they are a nice idea to help your guests stay in tune with what is happening during the ceremony.

If you are considering programs for your wedding, then here are a few design ideas to give you inspiration:

Booklets are a nice idea and make wonderful keepsakes, more so than most wedding favors. Have a cover made to match your wedding colors and include any graphics that are present on your wedding invitations. Most stationers will offer programs in the same design as wedding invitations so this shouldn't be a problem.

Personally I wouldn't make them too long, around 5-6 pages should be sufficient. Include a photograph of the two of you, a brief story about how you met and came to get married and of course the schedule for the ceremony. You can include copies of the readings if you are having any or include those that you like but where not able to include in the ceremony itself.

Finally, if your ceremony venue has a particularly interesting history, maybe it has some historical background or perhaps has a famous connection, then include a piece about it in the program as well.

Fans are great for outdoor weddings in hot climates. Card fans are popular, but I have also seen printed silk fans which coordinate nicely for an Asian themed wedding. Other styles include programs which open out fan style, with each section printed with a different part of the program. These are very stylish, very modern and very unique!

Scrolls are lovely for both traditional and modern weddings, and work well for both formal and informal affairs. Choose some nice quality paper, but which will roll easily and hold its shape.

Wedding programs although associated with traditional religious weddings, can be produced for any style of wedding, be it formal or casual, large or intimate. My only concern would be with including too much information inside, leading to your guests spending the entire ceremony reading it and then missing the entire service!