Etiquette for a wedding day program

It's interesting:
"Sometimes people get upset when their friend gets married, especially if they don’t know the bride too well. Well, the way I see it – today I’m not losing one friend to marriage, but gaining one instead. And, if you look over at our college friends sitting at table 9, it’ll highlight how nice it will be for us to gain a new member of the crew, a new best friend, especially one who clearly bathes regularly."

According to Martha Stewart Weddings, because a wedding program is not a requirement, it doesn't have to adhere to strict etiquette rules. This allows the couple to be creative, express themselves and highlight what they consider to be important about the wedding ceremony. Although there are no set rules for the contents of a wedding program, there are many elements that are considered standard. These elements can serve as a basis for creating a wedding program.

1. The Title

   • Begin the program with the names of the bride and groom along with the wedding date. This can be on the front cover or serve as the heading if using a single-page program. Whether you choose to use first names only and an abbreviated date or have the full names and dates written out will depend on how formal the ceremony is.

   Participants

   • List the names everyone who will be walking down the aisle, in order of the procession. Identify their relationships to the couple or their roles in the wedding party. You may also list honored guests ("Aunt Emma is celebrating her 85th birthday today!"), mention special persons who could not attend ("We wish you could be here, Jack. Our thoughts are with you as you serve our country overseas.") or remember a deceased relative. Providing the names of the celebrant and musicians is optional.

   The Ceremony

   • List the events that will occur during the ceremony. Include the words to readings, prayers, poems, hymns or songs for guests who want to read or sing along during the ceremony. You may also include a note about the significance of certain elements. The vows can be added so that guests won't miss a single word. A description of the meaning of any ceremonial rituals with which some guests may not be familiar is another option for the wedding program.

   Extras

   • The story of how the bride and groom met, why they chose this location or the lyrics to their wedding song are examples of extras that may not be part of the ceremony but add a personal touch.

   The End

   • Although etiquette doesn't dictate how a program should end, a thank you is always appropriate. The wedding program should contain an expression of gratitude to guests for attending as well as mention of anyone who deserves special recognition. The program can end on this note, or the thanks can be followed with a line from the bride and groom ("We look forward to seeing you at the reception."), directions to the reception or more traditionally, a verse or quote about love and marriage.

Source: www.ehow.com

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