For the past several months, you’ve poured your heart and soul into planning your big day. Now, it’s time for you to create a wedding program that coordinates with the theme of your dream wedding!

If you’re not sure where to begin, not to worry. We’ll help spark ideas and point you in the right direction of designing a one-of-a-kind program that you’ll cherish forever. To suit a variety of styles, we’ve compiled wedding program wording tips and examples for every type of ceremony. We even cover program etiquette and style options. Use the helpful filters to find inspiration for your big day!

Wedding Program Ceremony Wording

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ClassicContemporaryCasualWhimsyCopy Program Text Shop This Invite

Welcome to the marriage of

Katherine Anne Jones to John Robert Smith

on this Sunday Afternoon

June Twenty-Fifth, Two-Thousand Seventeen

at 4 O'Clock in the Ivy Lodge Terrace

In Asheville, North Carolina

The Wedding Party

Classic Wedding Program Wording

If you’re planning a classic and timeless wedding, you need wedding program ideas that showcase your elegant aesthetic. As you’re researching different types of wedding program wording and styles, remember to use language, colors, and fonts that are formal and honor tradition. Below is a sample of the type of wording you might want to include.

Introducing the Bride, Groom, Date of the Ceremony and the Venue:

Welcome to the Marriage of Katherine Anne Jones to John Robert Smith
on this Sunday afternoon,
June Twenty-Fifth, Two-Thousand Seventeen
at 4 O’Clock in the Ivy Lodge Terrace
in Asheville, North Carolina

Quote Example:

Love is that condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own. – Robert A. Heinlein

Contemporary Wedding Program Wording

For a more modern and contemporary wedding, design wedding programs that show off your artistic flair. As you explore your options for wedding program wording and styles, keep an eye out for designs, colors and fonts that are fashionable and fun. Below is a sample of the type of wording you might want to include.

Introducing the Bride, Groom, Date of the Ceremony and the Venue:

The Marriage Celebration of
Katy Jones + Johnny Smith
February 18, 2017
6:30 in the Evening
Hotel Indigo
New Orleans, LA

Quote Example:

When someone else’s happiness is your happiness, that is love. – Lana Del Ray

Casual Wedding Program Wording

If you’ve got a laid-back and casual approach to planning your wedding, you need a no-frills wedding program that’s simple and embodies your unconventional charm. As you’re searching for the special type of wedding program wording and styles that match your vision, keep it short, sweet and succinct. Below is a sample of the type of wording you might want to include.

Introducing the Bride, Groom, Date of the Ceremony and the Venue:

5.11.17
John & Kate
are Getting Married Today
at the Home of the Smith’s

Quote Example:

I love being married. It’s so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life. – Rita Rudner

Whimsy Wedding Program Wording

For a quaint and whimsy wedding, create a wedding program that highlights your playful personality. As you’re exploring different types of wedding program wording and styles, choose language, designs and colors that match the rustic and romantic aesthetic of your ceremony. Below is a sample of the type of wording you might want to include.

Introducing the Bride, Groom, Date of the Ceremony and the Venue:

A Marriage Ceremony Uniting
Katherine Jones & John Smith
Saturday, April 22, 2017
at 5:00PM
in the Botanical Gardens of Brooklyn, NY

Quote Example:

Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same. – Emily Brontë

What to Include in a Wedding Program

No matter what unique style of wedding you’re planning, there’s some simple etiquette you should follow when crafting your wedding program wording. This includes introducing the bride and groom, breaking down the ceremony order and introducing the wedding party along with any speakers you’ll have.

In addition to these key elements, you may want to personalize your wedding program by adding some of the special details that make your ceremony unique. Below are some examples of components you can add to create a one-of-a-kind wedding ceremony program.

Special Thanks

Show gratitude to the family and friends who traveled to be with you on your big day no matter the distance. Whether you’re planning a classic or whimsy wedding, this wording example will show your appreciation.

With Love and Gratitude:

Thank you for gathering with us on our big day! Being in the presence of our dearest family and friends has made this pivotal moment in our lives together so memorable. Following the ceremony, please join us for dinner and dancing.

Give thanks to your loving parents who have encouraged you and your partner through each step of your big day. No matter if you’re planning a contemporary or casual wedding, you can use this wording sample to help you craft the perfect way to let them know how grateful you are.

To Our Parents:

Your love and support throughout this journey has meant the world to us! We have each grown into the unique individuals we are because of your guidance and encouragement. We couldn’t be more grateful, and we love you so much!

Memorial Messages or Dedications

Honor those members of your friends and family who have passed with a special memorial in your wedding program. No matter if you’re planning a classic or whimsy wedding, let this wording example help you recognize the loved ones you’ve lost.

In Loving Memory:

Although some of our friends and family are no longer with us, may they be present here on this special day in our hearts and in spirit. In loving memory of (list names)

If you’re planning a contemporary or casual wedding, the wording sample below will help you commemorate the friends and family who are no longer here.

We’ll Always Remember:

As we come together on our wedding day, we’ll always remember those who are unable to be here to celebrate this special milestone. We love you and miss you.

Traditions or Rituals

Cultural traditions are another way you can make your wedding stand out. Below are a couple of examples within the African American and Jewish communities. You can also take this opportunity to talk to family members or conduct research to find traditions specific to your culture.

Jumping the Broom: An African American custom that takes place at the end of the wedding ceremony in which the couple jumps over a broomstick. This symbolizes the sweeping away of the past and taking a leap into the next step forward in their lives together

Breaking the Glass: A Jewish tradition that takes place at the end of the wedding ceremony in which the groom breaks a glass. This ritual symbolizes the delicate nature of relationships and the bride and groom’s commitment to keeping their bond intact.

Love Story Timeline

Share the story of your relationship, highlighting the milestones you’ve experienced with your partner leading up to your wedding day. Whether you’re planning a classic or casual wedding, this wording sample will help you tell your love story.

Our Love Story: Structure by listing dates chronologically from your first date to the day he popped the question and you said yes! End with the day you’ll both say, “I do!”

Nothing is more special than the romantic tale of your relationship. No matter if you’re planning a contemporary or whimsy wedding, you can let this wording example inspire you to share your love story with your friends and family.

A Modern Fairytale: Structure with headings like, “We Met,” “We Started a Friendship,” “We Kissed,” “We Fell in Love” and end with “We say, I do!”

Unplugged Wedding

Keep your wedding personal by encouraging your guests to unplug from social media during your festivities. No matter if you’re planning a classic or casual wedding, you can use this wording sample to create an intimate setting for your wedding.

Be Present:

Please help us to keep our wedding an intimate affair by refraining from sharing photos or videos on social media. Thank you for respecting our desire for privacy on this special day. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

For a contemporary or whimsy wedding, encourage your guests to be fully engaged in every moment of your big day with this wording example.

Soak in the Day:

At our wedding festivities, we want you to soak in every special moment. Please power down your cell phones and cameras, and let our amazing photographer capture the joy and excitement of the day!

Wedding Program Styles

You’ve determined which components to include in your wedding ceremony program. Now, you need to select a wedding program style that accommodates the elements you want to incorporate and matches the theme of your festivities. Below is a list of some of the most common wedding program styles. We’ve also included advice on which you should choose depending on the wording you want to use and the type of ceremony you’re planning.

• One Page: Best for casual or contemporary weddings
• Double Sided: Great for all types of weddings
• Booklet: Perfect if you want to include longer quotes, poems or songs
• Folded (half-fold, gate-fold, or tri-fold): Excellent if you want to include an insert
• Traditional: Ideal for traditional weddings
• Square: A modern option for contemporary weddings
• Tea Length: Wonderful for traditional weddings

Start Creating Your Perfect Wedding Program

Crafting the right wedding program wording that reflects you and your partner’s individual personalities is key to setting the tone of the festivities for your guests. As you’re exploring wedding program ideas, be sure that you choose the type of language and stationary that best match the unique essence of your big day.

You should also pinpoint a particular style of wedding ceremony program that aligns with the color palette and aesthetic of your celebration. Don’t forget to select wedding place cards that coordinate perfectly with your wedding ceremony programs.