structure a wedding program
It's interesting:"Sorry if the speeches drag on. Wedding receptions can be a bit like an X Factor results show. You just want to skip through the talky bits to find out ..."
Wedding programs come in all shapes, sizes, and designs. You can order them custom made from a printer, or design and print your own from the privacy of your home. Either way that you choose to do your programs for your wedding, you need to make sure that you include the information that will let your guests know who, what, where, and when the event occurred.
Things You'll Need
- Paper
- Pen
- Names of those participating
- Order of the ceremony
- Readings included in the ceremony
- Songs used for ceremony
Instructions
1
Record everything on paper before you begin. Whether you will be taking the information to the printer or making the programs at home, you need to have a rough draft of your program on paper. This will make it less likely for you to forget someone. Don't even consider entering your info into a word processor or project creator until you have gotten everything down on paper.
2
Start the program with "The wedding of" or the names of the bride and groom followed by "... welcome you to celebrate their marriage". When formatting this first section, use the full names of both the bride (bride first) and groom. Also include the venue, time, and date of the ceremony. Many people keep these programs for scrapbooks.
3
Use the left hand side of the page (if using one full page), or the portion of the page left of the fold (if using a folded page), for the bridal party. Use the right side of the page, or the portion right of the fold, for the ceremony information.
4
Divide the left side of the page, or the portion left of the fold, into two columns. One side of this column will be for the bride and her family and attendants while the other column will be for the groom and his party. Always start with the names of the parents of the bride and groom. List the parents as Mr. and Mrs. or Ms,, depending on their marital status. For extra formality, include the middle initial of the parents.
5
Follow the parents' names with the grandparents of the bride and groom, if living. Grandparents should also be listed with formal names.
6
Follow the grandparents' names with the names of the bridal party and the groomsmen. List the maid/matron of honor and best man first followed by additional attendants. Use the first and last names of the attendant. If room allows, include the relationship of the attendants to the bride and groom. Under the bride's side, list the flower girl while listing the ring bearer under the groom.
7
List the name of the person escorting the bride down the aisle. Not all brides are escorted by their fathers. Some situations require a brother, uncle, or even their mother to escort them down the aisle. Be sure to include the bridal escort's name in the program.
8
Complete the left side of the page with a listing of other participants including the officiant, organist, guest book attendant, and program attendant. It might seem silly to include all these people but you don't want your guests asking "Who is that guy?" in the middle of the ceremony.
9
Start the right side of the page, or right of the fold, with a listing of the songs that will be played while guests are being seated. Include the name of the song as well as the composer. If you have a soloist planned, include her name as well.
10
List any readings that will be included in the ceremony. There is no need to include the text of the reading just include the information so that the guests can find it in their bibles. In a Catholic wedding you will have more readings than in other weddings so remember to include them all.
11
Follow the readings with an outline of the remainder of the wedding including the exchange of vows, exchange of rings, and the lighting of the unity candle. If songs are played during these portions of the wedding, list them as well.
12
Complete the program with a thank you from the new bride and groom to their parents, and guests.
Tips &- Warnings
Play around with the design, especially if you are printing your own programs. Change fonts and type face to allow for more room. Just don't make it so small that grandpa will need his magnifying glass to read it.
Use a quality paper. You can pick up quality paper at an office supply store. Heavy weight paper will make the programs seem more formal.
Make sure you spell everyones names right. Proofread the program several times and have someone else proofread it as well.
Tags: bride groom, side page, page portion, that will, bridal party, column will, down aisleSource: www.ehow.com
