Wedding Programs

Wedding programs are becoming more and more popular. It's a good way of keeping everyone who attends the ceremony involved and informed. Wedding Programs also known as Wedding Bulletins help identify and honor those participating in your big event, while also allowing your guests the opportunity of following what is actually happening. For others, it simply serves as a sentimental keepsake. Although a wedding program isn’t a required element of a wedding, it does add a personal touch.

Professionally Printed Wedding Programs

You have a couple of options when adding wedding programs to your ceremony. You can have them professionally printed, or you can print them yourself. Having them professionally printed will save you some time if your schedule demands it. However, it will cost a little more. You can expect to pay about twice as much to have your program printed versus printing them on your own computer. For some brides, this may be well worth the extra cost. You will be required to provide all of your program text by filling out a template. Be sure to spell check and recheck as most printers will not do this for you. Keep in mind that whether you print yourself or have it done for you, you should wait until the last month or so in order to avoid printing any details that may change. It happens more often than you think. If you would like to match patterns, this may be the perfect time to order all your imprinted items (from the same company) such as invitations, imprinted napkins, drink stirrers, programs, etc. Be sure to price around and to ask for a discount if you buy more than one item. Some companies may offer this as an extra incentive to earn your business. Don’t be afraid to ask!

Do it Yourself Wedding Programs

Many brides choose to make their own wedding programs for the sake of creativity. It may have nothing to do with cost! If you choose to make your own wedding programs, don’t be intimidated in the least. You can make your own programs on your home computer, have fun while doing it, and save a good deal of money at the same time. Blank wedding programs are usually either bi-fold or tri-fold. This means that it is either folded in half like pages in a magazine or into thirds, like a document laid on it's side. Bi-fold programs are usually 24 LB bond paper which is a little heavier and thicker than copier paper. Tri-folded programs are usually a little heavier 32 LB bond. Either way, if you purchase blank wedding programs from Wedding Cram, we will provide you with a template that comes with example text to give you a general idea of the format of the program. These templates allow you to align the text on your programs perfectly while achieving professional looking results. Although printing your own wedding programs is very easy, we suggest that you practice first by printing your program template on plain copier paper. This will help you be absolutely satisfied with the final results before printing on your actual program paper. Remember, you shouldn't print your programs too early in case of last minute changes. If you're feeling overwhelmed with your wedding planning, Wedding Cram is here to print your wedding programs for you!

A wedding program can be one page or multiple pages. You have the option of using a heavier card stock, or going with the scroll and tie effect.

Single or Multiple Page Wedding Programs: Single sheet wedding programs should be of a heavier stock. If you choose to use multiple pages, only your outside cover should be of a heavier paper stock. Your inside page should be of a lighter paper or card stock. They can be folded and held together with a tassel, or a hole punch attached with fancy ribbon. It will resemble a miniature book. The creative possibilities are endless. Your paper or wedding programs can be purchased in our online store or at a local office supply store such as Staples. Tassels can be purchased online.

Scroll Wedding Programs: Scroll wedding programs are usually one page. You can use a regular card stock, roll it up like a scroll, and tie it with a ribbon. If you want to make it more fancy, you can buy serrated scissors from a craft store and cut around the edges (after they are printed) to add a custom effect. Today there are many different types of scissors that can add almost any desired effect to paper edges when cut.

Get Creative! When designing your wedding programs, the possibilities are endless as to what you can do. You can have a traditional program or add several pages making it a little booklet for the guests. For a delicate finishing touch you can punch two holes in the top or side, run ribbon through them and tie it in a bow. Metal edged ribbon is also a beautiful touch. This type of ribbon does not need to be tied and will hold it's shape. Perhaps you have a favorite picture of the two of you. Why not print this picture either on the front of your program, or on the back with a little thank you.

Of course, what to include in your wedding program is completely up to you. For additional help you may want to discuss your wedding programs and the sequence of the events that will take place on your wedding day with your officiate.

Here are a few suggestions:

· Bride and Grooms Names, Wedding Date, Time and Ceremony Location

· Identify the officiate or person performing your ceremony

· Identify the members of the wedding party

· Outline the wedding ceremony and order of events

· Include the titles of music played and any special readings (and who will read them). If you choose to, you may also include the names of any soloists, musicians and anyone else who you think deserves special recognition.

· On the other hand, you may choose to simply outline the music that is to be played during the Prelude, Attendant’s Processional, Bride’s Processional, Ceremony, and Recessional.

Some other special items of recognition you may include are:

A remembrance of special people who have passed away:

Example: We lovingly remember: (then you would list names)

A Special Thanks – to Parent(s), or anyone special.

Example: We would like to thank our family and friends who share our lives and are here with us to share our wedding day. We feel especially blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful people. A very special thanks to our parents for their love and support throughout the years and for helping to create this beautiful and special occasion.

A loving note from the Bride to the Groom or the Groom to the Bride
Special Poems or Readings
Special religious or ethnic traditions that the Bride and Groom wish to include in their ceremony (such as in a Jewish Wedding, the breaking of the glass. In an African American wedding The Jumping of the Broom). This is an area of your programs that your officiate can help you with your wording. He/she can also help you with an explanation of religious or ethnic customs.

For the final touch some couples may wish to include their new address. Most importantly have fun designing your programs! If you have any questions or need help please email us. Purchase your wedding programs from Wedding Cram and receive a free wedding program template! Don't worry if you don't feel up to printing, Wedding Cram can print them for you for an additional fee. Wedding Cram is proud to offer personalized printed wedding programs. Wedding Cram can offer a quick turn around time on printed programs of 3-5 business days.