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The colonial-era, two-man saw, measuring at least six feet long, with antique wooden handles and rusted red teeth, was not listed in the folds of my wedding program. The groomsmen who demonstrated the proper give-and-take technique of the saw were, however, listed by name on page one.

It goes without saying that every wedding ceremony brings with it unique traditions, personal choices and official rituals that vary greatly. This is one of the things people savor most about weddings. And no other component of your wedding stationery can express the unique details of your wedding day as much as the wedding program can. So make the most of the opportunity to create a wedding ceremony program that tells the story – your story – of how it happened.

Some Program Basics Of course, there are no real rules as to what your wedding program should contain. But for a guiding list of options, here’s a start. Items marked (*) are traditional elements appearing in most wedding programs.

• Order of events* (May include just the main events, or everything from the Processional through the Recessional)
• Names of wedding party attendants,* including Maid of Honor and Best Man if designated (May include brief descriptions, such as how each knows or is related to the bride or groom)
• Musical selections* (Names of songs/hymns and composers/songwriters performed during the ceremony, including live performances)
• Readings (Sources/authors of reading selections and the names of your readers. You might consider reprinting some reading selections, in whole or in part, especially if non-traditional)

Some Program Extras

• Explanation of unusual religious custom(s) or traditions
• Names of important loved ones who have recently passed on (e.g. grandparents)
• Thank you note to guests for attending
• Acknowledgement of distances traveled by guests and participants

The next thing to do is literally to beg, borrow and steal. Squirrel away as many wedding programs you can get your hands on – weddings you attend, weddings your friends attend, sample weddings from the wedding blog world, etc. Start browsing professionally designed programs online, such as those at looklovesend.com. Our wedding programs are designed to coordinate with our wedding invitation suites, carrying through the same design themes, colors and typeface styles to tie together a unique style for your wedding day. Subscribe today and receive 20% off your first order!