Brides often ask about what they should include in their wedding programs. There are many diferent kinds - from the very informal to the very elegant. But their basic reason for being is to be sure that your guests can easily follow your ceremony and know the names of the members of the wedding party.

Using the point of view of the guest who will use the program should guide its organization. The first listing is the obvious - the names of the bride and groom, the date, time, and location, followed by the order of events.

Next listed are the names of both sets of parents, attendants, musicians, soloists, and the officiant. The wedding party should be listed in the order they walk down the aisle.

The names of the composers of the music that is being used should be included. If a song is to be dedicated to a deceased loved one, the program is where it is listed.

If the marriage is intercultural, it is helpful to describe the different religious, ethnic, or military rituals that will be incorporated into the ceremony and why. Such information offers understanding of the unfamiliar.

Programs may be as simple as a bi-fold, computer-generated creation, or be an elaborate, ribbon-trimmed booklet, filled with photos of the couple. Whatever its format, its purpose is to make guests familiar with the participants and the order of the service.

Order at least one per couple attending the ceremony.

Ask relatives or friends who are not actively participating in the ceremony to hand out the programs to guests as they enter the church.

Dorna Love