KC Weddings .net - Unique Wedding Programs

Unique Wedding Programs
By Agnes Oczon

Personalizing your wedding program is the ideal way to introduce your guests to you.

Programs typically contain the bride and groom's names, the date, location, names of the wedding party, order and elements of the ceremony (unity candle, vows, etc), music, any other principals in the wedding, and thanks.

There are a number of other ways you can personalize your programs:

Rather than including only the names of your bridesmaids or grooms, also include how you met them and their role in your relationship (for example, if you met through one of your groomsmen, or a bridesmaid who supported you through your long distance relationship).
Include what the bride's "something old, new, borrowed and blue" are. For instance, if a bride is wearing a bracelet her grandmother gave to her, or if the wedding gown was her mother's.
If you are getting married in a significant location, explain it in the program. Maybe you and your groom met there, or had your first date there, etc. Even if the location isn't directly significant to your relationship, but has an interesting history, that can also be included.
Include a short explanation of how the bride and groom met, and the proposal story.
Include the lyrics to your first dance song and why it was chosen.
Explain the meaning and symbolism of parts of the ceremony, such as a huppah or breaking of the glass in a Jewish ceremony, or the veil and cord in a Catholic ceremony.
Don't think that you have to stick to a traditional two or tri-fold program. You can make it a few pages, or even a small booklet! You can add a beautiful touch by punching two holes down the fold, threading ribbon through, and tying it into a bow.
Include a wedding blessing significant to your heritage, such as an Irish blessing, or one in Spanish and translated.
Some programs now contain a photo of the bride and groom, sometimes drawn by an artistic friend. Perhaps a black and white version of a photo can be printed on a vellum overlay to the program.
Type out the text of readings or song lyrics.
If you have a theme, let the program play out in it also. If you have a fairytale theme, put a castle on the front. If you are have a dove theme and release, explain its significance.
Scatter love quotes throughout the program.
Include poem from the bride to the groom and vice versa.
Include a special dedication to deceased family, such as grandparents.
Lastly, it is always nice to thank all the people who helped you in the wedding, and don't forget to thank the guests for sharing this special day with you!