Four Reasons Why You Need a Wedding Program

How many times have you been to an event that dragged on … and on … and on? You didn’t know what to expect, you didn’t know who was who and worst of all, you didn’t know when it was going to end.

You don’t want to put your wedding guests through that, now do you?

Of course you don’t.

That, my friends, is why you need a wedding program.

I know budget-conscience brides might have hoped to cut this corner and save a little cash by not buying wedding programs. It is ok … I get that. But I’m going to let you in on two little secrets. 1) They don’t have to cost you a fortune and 2) you need one. You really do.

Let’s tackle that second secret first.

Here are four reasons you need a wedding ceremony program.


1. Your guests will know what to expect
As I said earlier, there is nothing less fun than sitting through a ceremony and not knowing the main characters, the first act or the last scene. Your program guides your guests through your ceremony and lets them know what to expect.

This is especially important if you are having any cultural or religious customs that everyone might not know. If you are having a Catholic wedding, include prayers and directions on when to stand, sit or kneel. Your non-Catholic friends will thank you.

2. Honor your attendants
This is yet another way to show your wedding attendants how much you appreciate them. Include their names, and if possible how you know them. It will be a sentimental message for them and a fun way for your guests to get to know your best friends.

Also, be sure to include the names of family members and friends who are singing or doing readings, as well as a thank you to all of your guests for attending your wedding.

3. Be creative and tie in the theme
Your wedding program is another place where you can showcase your creativity, highlight your wedding theme and offer continuity to your wedding day style. I used the same papers, ribbons, fonts and stamps on my ceremony programs, menu cards, table numbers and chair cards. (Ok, maybe I went overboard, but I made a card to hang on the back of each chair with an Italian-language wedding proverb or wish ... I know, I know. Obsessive!)

4. Create a long-lasting souvenir
Wedding programs last much longer than stale cake and are easier to conserve than many wedding favors, making them an ideal souvenir from your wedding day. Be sure to set some aside for you, your family members and attendants who might not get one at the wedding. They are also great to show your out-of-town relatives who couldn’t attend the ceremony.


As for special secret #1 regarding programs not busting your budget? Don’t worry. The Internet is full of sites where you can easily create programs, then you add your own theme and color-coordinated embellishments and … voila! Your programs are complete.

Did you make your own wedding programs or did you order them pre-made? Why did you make that choice? Are you happy with them?

Photos courtesy of Lana Stewart and dydcheung