how to design a wedding program

Every love story deserves a voice, and your wedding program is the way you can share yours. Hi, I’m Yael Erez from Ardoma Design, and I’ve helped countless brides, grooms, and families craft meaningful programs that go beyond simple schedules. A wedding program doesn’t just tell guests what happens next; it sets the tone, adds warmth, and often becomes a keepsake. Whether your event takes place under an Aspen sky or in a small beach chapel, your program should reflect the people behind it real women and men preparing to start a new chapter

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What Is a Wedding Program?

A wedding program is a printed guide that helps guests follow the ceremony and understand who’s who. It’s your way of offering them a connection to each moment from the walk down the aisle to the last joyful cheer. Think of it as your stage script, but much prettier. There are many forms: folded cards, scrolls, or even wedding program fans that double as handy keepsakes in summer ceremonies.

In an Aspen Wedding Guide, you’ll often find simple mountain-inspired layouts and earthy palettes. In contrast, city wedding programs tend to favor crisp typography and sleek finishes. The point is to match the design to your celebration’s atmosphere. Every ceremony, whether quiet or grand, benefits from a thoughtful layout and wording that speaks from the heart.

How Do You Make a Wedding Program?

Start small grab a wedding program template to save time and adjust it to fit your style. Ardoma Design offers templates that help you layout text, select paper texture, and choose a wedding program size that holds everything neatly. Before printing, think about balance. You want enough information for guests to feel included without overwhelming them with text.

Here’s how I guide my clients: Begin by listing ceremony details. Then write the order of events in the same order they’ll happen. Add names of the bridesmaids, the groomsmen, and family members who play special roles. Choose clear fonts this isn’t the place for fancy cursive that no one can read. To give your program warmth, describe small things: the music choices, or why a favorite friend is reading the vows. That personal touch makes people smile long after the day ends.

What to Include in a Wedding Program?

A good program tells the story of the day while keeping guests on track. Include these key elements:

Names of the bride and groom
Date, time, and venue address
The order of the ceremony and brief notes about each part for example, “Exchange of vows” or “Lighting of the unity candle”
Names of the bridesmaids and groomsmen, including relationships where appropriate
Any readings or songs, such as those offered in a Catholic wedding program, to help guests follow along
Gratitude message for friends and family attending your celebration

Some couples also add short anecdotes about how they met or write fun facts about the wedding party. You can even include a few lines thanking guests who traveled from far away. Every name in that booklet matters, because it’s part of your support circle.

Do I Need a Wedding Program?

While not mandatory, a wedding program can make your ceremony feel organized and personal. At outdoor events, wedding program fans are practical since they help guests stay cool while holding memories of your day. In church ceremonies, such as a Catholic wedding program, guests appreciate having a guide to follow prayers and readings.

Without a program, people might feel lost during transitions or unsure when to stand or sit. It also helps capture emotional details that guests might otherwise miss who wrote your vows, what song played as you walked down the aisle, or why a certain family member lights a candle. Even small-scale ceremonies benefit from something physical that guests can hold onto, long after photographs fade.

How to List Step-Parents on a Wedding Program?

Families come in different shapes, and that’s a truth worth embracing. If you or your partner have step-parents, include them with care and respect. Avoid overcomplicated labels. Write names clearly, such as “Mother of the Bride: Sarah Cohen” and “Stepfather of the Bride: Daniel Levin.” Keep the layout simple so no one feels othered. I’ve noticed that guests appreciate transparency and kindness in every wedding program, especially in modern families.

It’s also fine to skip titles when that feels more natural. Many brides and grooms choose to use “with love from our families” to include everyone gracefully. The secret lies in tone be warm, not formal. When you print through Ardoma Design, we usually test a few layouts before approval to make sure it fits your family’s story just right.

Wedding Program Ideas and Inspiration

If you’re looking for special wedding program ideas, think of how your story unfolds. Maybe print your vows on the back page, add illustrations from your engagement place, or choose repurposed paper for a rustic theme. Some wedding program examples feature bold colors inspired by local flowers or illustrations of the couple’s pets small, human touches that turn a paper into art.

Couples who choose a wedding program with thought often say guests notice the difference. They see the affection between you both and feel part of the story instead of spectators. If your design tells your story well, guests feel wrapped in it from start to finish.

Crafting the Right Wedding Program Wording

Good wedding program wording sets the tone for your day. Use simple, graceful language that matches your ceremony’s mood lighthearted for outdoor parties, more solemn for a Catholic wedding program. Your words guide guests between emotion and order. Think of short sentences that carry gentle rhythm. Avoid overused phrases and speak in a way that sounds like you.

Here’s an example: instead of writing “We are eternally grateful for your presence,” try “We’re so glad you’re here with us today.” That difference transforms the message from formal to heartfelt and guests notice that warmth.

Choosing Wedding Program Size and Style

The right wedding program size keeps it comfortable to hold and easy to read. For a small group, a single sheet works fine. For grander events, choose a folded card. Some couples match the paper texture to their invitations so everything feels tied together. In my studio at Ardoma Design, I always check lighting conditions in the venue before recommending paper finishes glossy paper looks great under soft light but may glare under spotlights.

You can also coordinate your program with the order of wedding reception program so guests see the flow from ceremony to celebration. Keeping both designs similar ties everything neatly from start to end.