Wedding Ceremony Programs

Many of you may not be sure what a wedding program is or the important information that should be included for that special day. There are several sample wedding programs that are unique to fit your own individual style and options you can choose from in various different styles.

The sample wedding ceremony programs illustrate how to include important things for guests to follow along to your wedding ceremony. Of course, the contents will vary depending on culture or ethnic background and religious ceremony. Make sure to include some or all of the following elements:

• Full names of bride & groom (top)
• Wedding date
• Time of wedding ceremony
• Name of church or place of ceremony
• Order of service
• Welcoming prayer
• Music performed, singer, organist etc.
• Introduction of Family
• Names and relationship of Bridal party participants
• Other party members (musicians, guestbook attendant, coordinator etc.)
• Special readings/bible readings
• Officiant's name
• If flash photography is allowed
• Note to guests
• Acknowledge gratitude to parents & important people
• Sentimental poem
• Directions to reception
• Couples new address
• In addition to the elements above depending on your ethnic background, wedding traditions may include:
• Jewish wedding ceremony Chuppah (wedding canopy):
• The Chuppah is said to symbolize the home and the life the couple will establish together, the four sides are open to indicate all are welcome to our home and all of our lives.
• Filipino Catholic ceremony: Introduction, Rev or Priest "In the name of the Father, and of the Son, And of the Holy Spirit..
• Pledge of Support, Parents and Sponsors
• Pinning of the Veil
• Placing of the Cord
• Lighting of the Unity Candles
• Removal of Cord & Veil
• First Communion

Mexican/Hispanic/Latin cultures:
A favorite custom is that of the Groom presents 13 gold coins blessed by the priest
Prior to the nuptials and brought to his bride by the parents or Godparents during the ceremony.

A sample of a traditional church ceremony wedding program may consist as follows:

The Marriage Ceremony Uniting
Teralyn Annemarie Smith
and
John James Hope
Saturday, September 25, 2004
at one o'clock in the afternoon
Ridge Assembly Of God Church
Celebration, Florida

The Wedding Ceremony
Organist/Pianist........................................................Jonathan Smith
Soloist.......................................................................Bernadine Austin

Prelude
Solo
"Here I am to worship" ..............................................Marlon Jones

Seating of the Grandparents
Seating of the Parents
Solo
"You raise me up" .....................................................Leland Hope

Processional
Greeting
Marriage Vows
Exchange of Rings

Solo
"The Prayer"..............................................................Martha Hanna

Lightening of the Unity Candle
Prayer
Pronouncement

Recessional

Please stand and wait until ushers escort
parents and grandparents from church.

While the sample wedding programs may differ, each serves a common purpose; to help your guests understand each aspect of your special wedding ceremony day, and a keepsake of love and life remembered.