Programs

So this might sound strange to you, but designing a wedding ceremony program was one of my favorite activities when I was planning my wedding.  I absolutely loved it.  The layout, who had what roles, the kind of paper I used, how it would be presented, picking out a quote, etc.  I loved it.  Truthfully, if you had a million dollars and seven wedding planners to help you prepare for your big day I'd still recommend doing this part yourself.  It's just a great way to see exactly what's going on and when and with what members of the bridal party.  Plus, you have to do one.  Guests will feel SO MUCH better if they know exactly what kind of time they'll be spending sitting still and being quiet.  A lot of people bring them home, they read it during the ceremony, they use it as a fan if the church is hot, they use it as a coloring book for bored children, it's perfect for blotting lipstick or discreetly gossiping about your second cousin's elective surgery.  Just do it.

Here's some tips to get you started.  First, pick out some nice paper but paper that can be printed on.  Your best bet to keep down costs is to put your entire design on a regular piece of white printing paper and then take it to the copy shop and have them make the copies on some high-end paper.  Stick to black, white, and gray ink if possible.  You may not need the heavy duty stock paper, decide what design you're doing first.  The content of the program should include the following:

• Order of the wedding (names of songs and readings, declaration of intent, exchange of vows, blessings, recessional)
• Participants (parents, couple, bridal party, minister, etc.)
• Other information (couple's new address, honeymoon plans, thank you message)

Now you've got the guts of the program, how about the design?  My favorite (also probably the cheapest and easiest) is to put the whole thing on one sheet, have it printed on regular paper in one of your wedding colors, roll it up, tie it in a bow with some ribbon or twine and place them in a basket at the front of the church by the guest book.  Cheap, simple, easy, elegant - it's perfect.

Have an idea? Share it here! Let's all help each other out.