Wedding Program Wording

Frequently Asked Questions

1. QUESTION:
   Wedding program wording...?
   I can't figure out how to word this in my wedding program... The man that is walking me down the aisle is not my father. He is a long time family friend. Could someone please help me? How should I word it in the program to acknowledge him? Thanks in advance

   • ANSWER:
     A wedding program is definitely NOT over the top...sorry to disagree with the above answer. The proper wording would be:

     "The Bride will be given in marriage by Mr. (or Mister if you are going very formal with the wording) John Smith, family friend."

     And, best wishes on your upcoming marriage.

2. QUESTION:
   Wedding programs wording for a deceased family member?
   My fiance's Mother just passed away and we would like to do something special for her at the wedding. Somebody suggested that I have a special flower arrangement made for her and then include something in the program about it. I am going to have a flower arrangement placed on one of the pedestals next to the arch where the ceremony will be. How do I word this in the program?

   In memory of . . . a special arrangement . . . I just don't know how to put it in the program.

   • ANSWER:
     just say something like "a special floral arrangement has been placed ________ in memory of the grooms mother who has recently passed on ____________" then prehaps you can but a little prayer or passage from the bible underneath
     I am so sorry to hear that he lost his mother before the wedding. that much be hard but I'm sure she is proud of him. best of luck on your wedding.

3. QUESTION:
   Wedding program wording for step dad?
   This is the deal...
   I haven't seen my real father since I was 10 (I'm 32 now). I'm getting married, and my step father will be walking me down the aisle. (he's been in my dad since I was 12)
   My real father will not be attending the wedding, but some of his family will.
   On the program, you are supposed to list the mother and father of the bride. Can I list my step dad as the father? Should I say "step father of the bride"? What's the proper ettiquette here?

   • ANSWER:
     I would list him as your father, he was there for 22 years i think he deserves it. And as for your fathers family who stuck in your life, they know that your father wasn't there for you and i don't think theyll be offended, they DID see you growing up with another 'father figure.' And i think it would be really special for your "step" father to see that you regard him as your real father because he's been there for you. Goodluck and congratulations.

4. QUESTION:
   Wedding Program Wording?
   My uncle is giving me away at my upcoming wedding because my father is deceased. This uncle is my dad's brother and I'm very close to him so I'm wondering how I should acknowlage him in the wedding program. So far I have (I used made up names...obviosly)
   Martha Stewart- Mother of the Bride
   Ken and Barbie -Parents of the Groom
   Bill Cosby- (this is my uncle...what would I put here?)

   Some people have told me "Bride's Escort" or "Honorary Parent" I don't really like honorary parent, but I was thinking of doing something like this

   Bill Cosby- Uncle and Escort of the Bride

   What do you all think...I welcome any suggestions! Thanks you

   • ANSWER:
     I would definitely go with your idea and word it just like you said...Uncle and Escort of the Bride. People will know who he is and why he is giving you away at your wedding. My cousin whose father is also deceased had my dad walk her down the aisle and that's exactly had she worded it in her program.

     If you are not happy with that then you can go to places like ...

     www.weddingchannel.com

     or

     www.theknot.com

     they have a section to help you word your invites and programs.

     Hope this helps and congrats to you and your soon to be hubby!

5. QUESTION:
   What's the best wording for a nonreligious wedding program that covers the events in the reception as well?
   I am making the wedding programs for my wedding. However, based on my research wedding programs are entirely used for the ceremony and I have only found programs detailing the events in the ceremony. But my fiancée and I are not particularly religious, and will have a basic non-denominational Christian ceremony. We would like to cover all the events taking place on our wedding day (the ceremony site is the same as the reception site) to include the events in the reception. We find that this will better help guide our guest as to what will be taking place throughout the evening. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
   I guess some of you can't read. The ceremony is a religious one, As I mentioned it's simply a nondenominational (I was raised catholic and he protestant) and are doing a simple basic ceremony - not over the top fanatic. However, we want to include in the wedding program, besides the obvious ceremony, the reception.

   For those that answered honestly and were helpfull, I thank you.

   • ANSWER:
     People focus too much on tradition and how things are "supposed" to be. It's YOUR wedding!!! Do it however you choose. Some members of my family were disappointed with my choices and I said "oh well". I am paying for my wedding. I am doing it my way. (I am also including reception events in my programs.)

6. QUESTION:
   Wedding Program Wording - HELP!?
   My mother passed away 10 years ago. My father since remarried. I do not consider her my "step-mother" but I feel like I need to add her in the program since my father is paying for the ceremony. But I really don't want to refer as my parent or step-mother.
   How should I do this??

   • ANSWER:
     Hi. As a church secretary who has done lots and lots of wedding programs, I would still list her. It's really no big deal and you don't want to get all wrapped up in simple wording for a wedding program. Here are 3 different ways to approach it:

     (1) If you do not want to add her in at all....then go with:

     PARENTS OF THE BRIDE:
     Thomas Smith and the late Elizabeth Smith

     (2) If you do want to acknowledge her...(she is, after all, your father's wife), then go with:

     PARENTS OF THE BRIDE:
     Thomas (Nancy) Smith and the late Elizabeth Smith

     (3) OR....acknowledge her and acknowledge your mother also

     PARENTS OF THE BRIDE:
     Thomas and Nancy Smith

     WITH US IN SPIRIT:
     Elizabeth Smith (mother of the bride)

7. QUESTION:
   Wedding program wording - tricky situation?
   My fiance's grandfather was supposed to be his bestman (his grandparents raised him during a very difficult time in his and he and his grandfather were literally best friends). This past year, his grandparents (both of them) passed away. My fiance has since asked his father to be his best man - he is super close with his parents and really, they are amazing friends!. He would still like to list his grandfater as his best man but how do I word that - Best Man then his grandfather's name then "post-mortum" and then another Best Man (in-stead or some other wording) and then his father's name?? Any suggestions - this is a tricky one!

   • ANSWER:
     Hi. I am a church secretary and have done many wedding bulletins. I am sorry, but you should not list his deceased grandfather as best man...and then his father.

     It should be listed as:

     BEST MAN: Brian Smith (father of the groom)

     Then, at the end...you can have....

     With us in spirit:
     James and Melinda Smith (grandparents of the groom)

     Also, if you list his grandfather anywhere else....it would not be "post mortem"....that is an AUTOPSY! You would simply say, "deceased." But, again, for your groom's father's sake, please don't list the dead grandfather as "best man."

8. QUESTION:
   Wedding program wording - he is, she is...?
   I'm trying to come up with a catchy little poem for the cover of my program. I've seen the ones that are "he is tall basketball player, she is a short girly girl. she always remembers her vitamins, he trys to avoid them. ETC. ETC, ETC. Today there stories become one book" I'm having a hard time coming up with some cute ones and am looking for some examples that others have used. I think I've seen them used on save the dates and invitations also.
   Any help would be greatly appreciated! I'm running out of time and really want to use this idea for programs.
   Thanks!

   • ANSWER:
     If you have a friend who is creative and good at coming up with silly rhymes, that would be the person to do it.

     ~v

9. QUESTION:
   Wording for the memorial candle in the wedding program?
   I am getting married in August 2009. Between my fiancee and I we have lost 5 dear family members that we were close too. My grandfather, his father, grandmother, and grandparents. We will be lighting a memorial candle in honor of them. I am hoping to find a "christian" approach to the wording rather than the usual "memorial candle is lit for:". Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

   • ANSWER:
     orientaltrading.com has some ideas and so does
     http://www.customdesignedcandles.com/Wedding%20Candles.htm

     but you should word it some thing like those who arent present with us in the flesh are present with us in the spirit
     or in honor of those who are no longer here with us but had an impact on us along the way
     idk just thoughts
     good luck though

10. QUESTION:
    Help wording a wedding program for a married parents and a single parent!!?
    okay so I'm putting together my wedding program and I want to put our parents names on it with the wedding party. My fiance's parents are happily married. My mother is single and has been for a long time. My dad is out of the picture so I'm having my grandfather walk me down the aisle. How should I word it in the program. I don't think it looks right to have:

    Grooms Parents
    Anne
    Dennis

    Bride's Parent
    Kim

    It looks kind of sad... lol. Any ideas on how I can word it and have it not look odd?? I would also like to throw my grandfathers name in there somewhere since he will be a part of the weddng.. I would love your input!! Thanks!

    • ANSWER:
      Mr & Mrs Dennis Lastname
      and
      Ms. Kim Lastname

      invite you to.........

      Bride Escorted by Grandfather
      FirstName LastName

11. QUESTION:
    wording for deceased on wedding program?
    I would like to mention a few close relatives who have passed. But I don't know exactly how to word it... I was thinking something like:

    We Remember
    our relatives who could be with us today only in spirit:
    (then list names)

    Any ideas?

    How do you do creative wedding vows?

    My fiance and I want to have creative wedding vows but we're both getting stuck on the going about it. Any ideas or advice?See here for ideas. Check out the links on the left.http://www.myweddingvows.com/...

    Continue...

    • ANSWER:
      Missy,

      Yes, that is the correct way to word it. I am a church secretary and have done many wedding programs. The way I list it is:

      WITH US IN SPIRIT:
      Alfred and Mary Johnson (grandparents of the groom)
      William Smith (grandfather of the bride)

      OR....you could simply do it as you stated....we remember our relatives who could be with us today only in spirit: (list names)

12. QUESTION:
    wording for wedding program?
    My fiance and I are acknowledging our families in the beginning of our wedding program. It looks something like this right now:
    Mother of the bride:
    Mother of the groom:
    Grandparents of the bride:
    Grandfather of the groom:

    That's all fine but I want to acknowledge the family that took me into their home eight years ago and played a huge role in my life. They are in no way related to me. How can I add them in? (We'll call them Dan and Carol.)
    Also in the program, under the processional, I have listed:
    Bride escorted by Dan Smith.
    Is this the proper way to do note that?

    Any help is much appreciated... wedding is in less than three weeks.

    Thanks!

    • ANSWER:

13. QUESTION:
    Wording for wedding program?
    My parents are divorced so there names will be separate. Whos should go first? My moms or dads?

    Also, my fiances mother is deceased and his father in incarcerated.. Should I still list them as parents of the groom?
    Oh and my fiances niece will be standing at the door passing out the programs. She's nine years old. Should we include her in the program? If so, what do I title her role?

    • ANSWER:
      It's really up to you... I would say your dad's name would go first.

      As far as your fiances parents... if he feels its important to have his mom on there, he should and you could put one of those cross symbols on there. As far as his dad, again up to him, if he feels close to him, we would just include his name in there under parents of the groom. It seems perfectly acceptable to not name him on the program if your fiance doesn't want to.

14. QUESTION:
    Wording for the Wedding Party in the program?
    How do you refer to a friend's child who is a flower girl or ring bearer in your weding?

    • ANSWER:
      Jillian Smith; daughter of Jane Smith, friend of the bride.

15. QUESTION:
    wedding program?
    I want to do my own program using word but I'm having problems setting up the page I want to do tri fold can someone give me details

    • ANSWER:
      All good answers so far! Those ideas will be much easier, but if you want to set it up yourself in Microsoft Word, do this:

      1) Set layout for Landscape
      2) Set all margins (top, bottom, left, right) to .5"
      3) Type three lines of garbage. Just something for a visual
      4) Choose "Select All" and then FORMAT, COLUMNS
      5) Choose "3 columns" and make the margins between the column 1" (yes, that's right)
      6) Back in your document, go to the beginng of the second line and insert a column break. Do the same with the beginning of the third line.
      7) VOILA!

16. QUESTION:
    How to make a booklet wedding program using microsoft word or publisher?
    I am making a booklet for a friends wedding. I find information on other cites but they are difficult to understand. I made the cover front and back but once i get to the other page i print them out and the are not coming out in order and when i try to print on the back it still won't work. Help please.

    • ANSWER:
      You first need to start by changing your page layout. In Word, go to File-Page Setup and change it from Portrait to Landscape. Press OK.

      You then need two columns for the two different pages. Go to Format-Columns, select Two and press OK.

      You can make the second and third page in order (second page on the left; third page on the right) - they will both fit on one sheet. However, you will need to make the first and last page out of order - last page on the left, first page/cover on the right. This way when you print them back to back, it will be in order.

      You will have to print one of the sheets and then put it back in your printer to figure out how to print the pages so they're not upside down or printed on the same side. I would suggest marking the side of your paper with (this side up" and then put an arrow on the end of the page that is sticking out from the printer. Then when you print again, you can see how it comes out (and then figure out the orientation of your printer).

17. QUESTION:
    How to word wedding program?
    I would like to include the time of my wedding on my program but, I am getting married at 5:15pm. How do you word that?

    Would I say "fifteen past five o'clock in the evening"?

    Also if anyone has any sample programs to share I would appreciate it!
    Thanks Jen! That sounds perfect. I knew it was on the tip of my tongue!
    Dont worry about why 5:15.....seriously?

    • ANSWER:
      a quarter past five in the afternoon.

18. QUESTION:
    Help with wedding programs wording?
    I'm a bit confused on the wording of my wedding programs. We're not having any bridesmaids or groomsmen, just a flowergirl and a ring bearer... My stepgrandmother, mother, and my fiances sister will be walking down the aisle to the same song as me. My grandmother will be there, but isnt walking for personal reasons... Should I list her anyways? And for my stepgrandmother, should it say stepgrandmother or just grandmother? Do I list there names or just their relation to me? Also, I'm not having ushers, each of their husbands are walking them down the aisle. Except for my mother who will be walked down by my grandmother. Do I need to list the men also?

    I know this is a lot, but I'm so confused! Please help! Thanks & Merry Christmas!!

    • ANSWER:
      You should list everyone, the ladies that are walking down the aisle you could say that they are being escorted by .....

19. QUESTION:
    What is the correct wording for wedding programs as far as thanking guests & for memorials?
    This is a destination wedding and some people will travel long distances. How should you acknowledge memorial flowers without sounding morose?

    • ANSWER:
      I do wedding programs and Invites as a small business. I see many brides concerned with how the wording of a "Thank You" or "remembrance" will sound.

      I've always said this is something that has to come from the heart! If you try to make it sound as if it was written by someone else, you take the emotion out of it!

      If your remembering one person through a set of flowers, talk about a memory you shared with them and why you want those flowers to represent your love for them. If you going to give a "Thank You" for traveling to your wedding, think of a cute and fun poem about it. Or something like

      "The memories we are creating today mean more to us then ever imagined. We thank you, not only for the memories but for your love, support and most of all celebrating with us today! We truly thank you for making this trip. To see the smiles and receive the hugs of our loved ones will fill our new lives with a great amount of love"!

      The internet is a huge venue to find all kinds of poems. Make sure you give the author credit where credit is due!

      Other thing is for programs, include a picture of you and your hubby. Keep it personal and in touch with true emotions. Marriage is about love and the beginning of a new life. Share it with those that are willing to be there to witness!

      Have fun with it!

20. QUESTION:
    Would it be inappropriate to list a deceased parent on a wedding program? How would it need to be worde?
    My fiances father passed away a long time ago. We want to list him on our wedding program but are unsure of the wording and if that is proper etiquett or not. any suggestions?

    • ANSWER:
      Yes anywhere you would list the parents of the groom, invitations, programs, newspaper announcement it is appropriate to put his fathers name. just list it llike this

      If mother still living not remarried
      Mrs. Jane Doe and the late Mr. John Doe

      if mother remarried:
      Mr and Mrs. James Smith and the late Mr. John Doe

21. QUESTION:
    Is this good wording for a Wedding Program?
    The Ceremony

    Prelude

    Opening Song

    Elders, Bestmen, and Groom enter

    Mothers Enter

    Candle Lighters

    Matron and Maid of Honor enter

    Grooms men enter with Brides Maids

    Aisle Runner Extended

    Flower Girl, Miniature Bride and Groom

    Bride and Father Come in

    Groom Takes Bride

    Elder Greets Congregation and addresses Bride and Groom

    Tokens are Brought

    They are Pronounced
    Husband and Wife.

    RECEPTION HELD IN CHURCH PAVILION DIRECTLY AFTER CERMONY EVERYONE IS INVITED.

    Please let me know is there are changes i need to do to it please

    • ANSWER:
      Hi and congratulations!

      I have never seen a program done so casually, but that is fine if that is what you are used to.

      If you want, I can email you a copy of the program I did for my son's wedding (3 years ago). It was a Catholic wedding (but NOT a mass).

      I also work as a church secretary. Usually, we have a nice cover. Then on the inside (left side) is the order of things. Then on the right side is a list of the bridal party, parents, grandparents, etc.

      In any case, if you want to do it as you have it.....here are my suggestions:

      In all the weddings I have been to, the mothers are seated AND THEN, the groom enters. So, I would switch that around. Also, groomsmen and bridesmaids are ONE word....not two. Also, wouldn't the candles be lit at the beginning....right after the mothers are seated? Also, you don't list anything about the vows or the exchange of rings??? You don't need to have everything capitalized.

      Here are my thoughts:

      Prelude

      Opening Song (list what the song is?)

      Mothers seated

      Candelighters

      Elders, groom and bestmen enter

      Matron and maid of honor enter

      Groomsmen and bridesmaids enter

      Aisle runner extended

      Flower girl, miniature bride and groom

      Bride escorted by her father

      Groom takes bride

      Wedding Processional Order and Etiquette Is Explained in Exclusive New Guides from BridesVillage

      Edinboro, PA (PRWEB) May 31, 2010

      BridesVillage.com, a leading retailer of wedding accessories, has published a free illustrated article and downloadable wedding processional guide that explains wedding processional order and etiquette for several major religions. Both the wedding processional guide and the comprehensive illustrated article are available now on the website; they contain step-by-step instructions and accompanying diagrams for planning Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, or non-denominational wedding processions.

      "If you aren't hiring a professional to plan your wedding, then this is something you absolutely need to know," said Cathy Ward, owner of BridesVillage. "The article and the exclusive compact guide fill...

      Continue...

      Elder greets congregation and addresses bride and groom

      Tokens are brought

      The couple is pronounced husband and wife.

      A reception will be held in the church pavilion
      immediately following the ceremony. All are invited.

22. QUESTION:
    How do I word this in my wedding program?
    My father has passed away, and my brother is giving me away at my wedding this Spring.
    How do I put this in my wedding program?
    Do I put it in the part where it lists the order of the ceremony, or do I put it under the bridal party?

    Thanks in advance!
    I'm just wanting how do I put "Bride Giver, brother _____", but in a nicer way. I already have a memorial candle for my dad. Just need to know how to give my brother his spot on the program.

    Thanks!! =)

    • ANSWER:
      I am a church secretary who has done many, many wedding programs. You list him under the wedding party as:

      Bride's escort: James Smith (brother of the bride)

      That's how I do it! Good luck and congratulations on your upcoming wedding.

23. QUESTION:
    Can you help me align text in Word 2003 for a wedding program?
    I'm making a wedding program and I'm trying to work on the part where I want to list the wedding party. I'm doing it like this...

    Persons Name . . . . . . . . . . Friend of the Couple
    Other Person;s Name . . . . Friend of the Couple
    This Person . . . . . . . . . . . . Friend of the Couple

    I can't get it to line up on the left and right. When I click the "justify" button, nothing changes. What am I doing wrong? It looks like crap if both sides aren't perfectly verticle. I don't care if the little dots line up or not. The names and titles are important though.

    • ANSWER:
      If you want all the sentences to finish at the same place, like justified text, and if the term 'Friends of the Couple' is not the only one you use e.g. 'Parents of the Bride' etc. you will need to use a right aligned tab.

      The easiest way to do is to type your list of names and press the tab key once to space 'Friend of the Couple' etc. Don't worry at this stage if the list looks a little awkward as some of the names may take up less space than others and the tab spacing may be different for some, don't be tempted to press the tab button more than once to align them.

      When the list is completed, select it all.
      Click on the Format menu and choose Tabs.
      Under 'Tab stop position' type 5.75 (if your ruler is inches) or 14.6 (if ruler is centimetres).
      Under alignment click 'Right'
      Under Leader click 2 and then click OK.

      The measurements above are approximate, assuming that you are using the default page settings. You can click and drag the tab on the ruler if you need to change the position when finished, just make sure all the text is selected if you do so.

24. QUESTION:
    How do I recognize a deployed family member in my wedding program?
    My fiance's brother will be deployed a few weeks before our wedding. He was supposed to be a groomsman in the wedding. Any ideas on how to word this absence in our wedding program and recognize his military dedication?

    • ANSWER:
      I would still list him as a Groomsmen just put next to his name put Deployed to Iraq but still here in spirirt or something to that effect. It's corny but I think it would work nicely.

25. QUESTION:
    How to word this section of my wedding program?
    I would like to thank a few people who are not in my bridal party who will be helping us a lot of the day of our wedding, such as with parking, making sure the reception is set up and ready to go, ect...How would I word that? I have the " We would like to thank the following people,...But then I get stuck as to nice way to put why...Any help would be great!! Thanks:)

    • ANSWER:
      the bride and groom would like to thank
      (then list the people)
      for all their love and helpfulness on our wedding day!

26. QUESTION:
    Wedding program...how do I word this tricky family situation?
    I am working on my wedding program and I am trying to list "parents of the bride" and having some issues with wording.

    My parents are divorced. My mom is remarried, and my dad is not technically married...but he has been with the same woman for 8 years and they don't call each other "boyfriend and girlfriend." I want to include my stepdad and my dad's longtime girlfriend in the program, but I don't know how to word it.

    Help!!!

    • ANSWER:
      We're having the same issue! My parents are divorced, my mom is remarried, and my dad and step-mom recently divorced, however I was raised by the step-mom and dad, and it was just a huge issue. What we decided was to phrase it:

      Family of the bride: (names have been changed to protect anonymity of family.)
      Bryan Thomas
      Jennifer Thomas
      Sonya and Allen Washington

      We also decided it would be best for my father to say "her family and I" instead of "her mother and I" when he gave me away.

      Hope this helps!

27. QUESTION:
    Is this correct wording for mixed up family for wedding program?
    Mother of the Bride
    Jane Martin

    Father of the bride
    John Donaldson (****My mother and father are divorced so I assumed I shouldnt put their names together)

    Grandfather of the bride
    Pete Martin

    Grandparents of the Bride
    John Donaldson (*** His mother and grandmothers have passed)

    Sister And Brother in law of the Groom
    Brooke and Rodney Massey (****His sister will be walking since hes close to her & her husband is escorting her)

    Flower Girl
    Nicole Johnson

    Ring Bearer
    Josh Massey

    Officiant
    William Reed

    Also, we're having his niece and nephew to unroll the aisle runner for me.. Do I need to include them on the program too? If so, what do I list their role as?

    • ANSWER:
      Parents of the Bride
      John Donaldson
      Jane Martin

      Parents of the Groom
      ?? & the late ??

      Grandparents of the Bride
      Pete Martin (and the late ?? - if your grandmas are deceased)
      John Donaldson and the late ??

      Grandparents of the Groom
      The late ?? and ??

      Sister And Brother-in-law of the Groom
      Brooke and Rodney Massey

      Flower Girl
      Nicole Johnson

      Ring Bearer
      Josh Massey

      Aisle Attendants
      niece
      nephew

      Officiant
      William Reed

      ** You can put your parents names together. Most everyone will already know their situation. You list them like I have it here, not like:
      Mr. & Mrs. John Donaldson
      or
      John Donaldson and Jane Martin- which implies they are married.

      Or if you have step-parents, list their names too.
      i.e.:
      Mr. John Donaldson
      Mr. and Mrs. 'George' Martin
      or
      John Donaldson
      'George' and Jane Martin

      I think it would be an honor if you did list all parents and grandparents names, whether deceased or not.

28. QUESTION:
    What is the correct wording and order for printed wedding programs?

    • ANSWER:
      Elements of a wedding program
      The cover
      Typically includes the date and/or the names of the couple. It may also include the location and time of the ceremony, a picture, or design element (such as a flower, scroll, etc.)

      The order of events
      If you haven't already included your names, wedding date, location, and time on the front cover, consider listing that information on the inside just before the order of events. Then list what will happen during the ceremony, including processional music, greeting, readings, prayers, exchange of vows, ring ceremony, unity candle ceremony, pronouncement of marriage, recessional music, and any other ceremony music. Your list may not include all of these elements, and it may include some traditions not listed here. Be sure to list the events in the order they will occur.

      Members of the bridal party
      This is a simple list of the names and roles of your bridal party. For example:
      Officiant: Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg
      Parents of the bride: Mary and John Smith
      Parents of the groom: Elizabeth Jones and Thomas Wilson, Jr.
      Stepparents of the groom: Robert Jones and Lisa Marist-Wilson
      Grandparents: Sarah Smith, Margaret Blackwood, Thomas Wilson Sr.
      Maid of Honor: Maria Gellert
      Best Man: William Harris
      Bridesmaids: Rebecca Brown, Juanita Ramirez
      Groomsmen: Calvin Aremu, Jonathan Goldstein
      Readers: McGuire Johnson, Alexander Wilson
      Other things you may wish to include in your wedding program
      An explanation of traditions or rituals used in your ceremony

      A request for audience participation in certain parts of the ceremony (e.g. affirmation of the marriage, communion, singing, offering of the peace, standing or kneeling)

      Thank yous

      Memorials (for example: The memorial candle is lit in honor of the bride's mother, Shirley Fielding. OR On this day of happiness, we would like to remember those who are no longer with us, especially Derrick Peterson, grandfather of the bride, and Samantha Wilson, mother of the groom.)

      A short sentence about each of your bridesmaids and groomsmen, describing why they are important to you.

      An explanation of the significance of the location, theme, first dance song, etc. (for example: the reception will be held at Coldwater Restaurant, the site of the bride and groom's first date.)

      Quotes or poems about love or marriage

      Directions to the reception

29. QUESTION:
    Special circumstance - how do I word my wedding program?
    My brother is walking me down the aisle - what would be a good way to recognize that in the wedding program? What would his title be? Escort? (That sounds too weird)

    • ANSWER:
      I would put like Entrance of the Bride and then underneath that put (escorted by..) (Or Accompanied by...) Congrats, good luck!

30. QUESTION:
    Microsoft Word...Wedding Program.?
    I'm trying to make my wedding programs on 6/6 paper. How do I imput that so its on the screen? I've looked almost everywhere and I cant find it. I need it to print on the 6/6 and everything. Can someone please give me a step by step on how to do this??? Please?

    • ANSWER:
      Open Word document---go to file---Page Setup. A dialog box comes into view.
      Now got to —Paper Size then set Width and Height as per your requirement and then check –OK.

      So you are here again. We all missed you a lot.
      Acknowledge the heartfelt congratulation from this friend here in Mumbai India

31. QUESTION:
    How do I make a custom size wedding program booklet?
    I need to make an 8 page booklet with custom sized pages for a wedding program. I know I can set-up a "booklet" page in WORD but it seems difficult to custom size the pages.

    • ANSWER:
      Talk to the printer who is making your invitations,thank you notes and place cards.

32. QUESTION:
    Need a unique romantic poem for wedding program?
    I need a unique romantic poem (even a quote) to put in the back of my wedding program. When people read it I want them to be touched by the words and not something to be skipped over. Does anyone know of one or a site I can find really good ones? Only serious answers please!

    • ANSWER:
      As this Wedding Program ends having lead you through our rites, vows, and official celebration,

      We welcome you to continue to witness our glorious union and partake with us our feast and libations;

      Grateful to have friends like you to wish us well as our first day as man and wife ~

      Even more priceless is that we have found each other to share a most blessed life...

      COMPOSED BY PUNNY POETRESS 08/03/10

33. QUESTION:
    Best way to word the "Thank You"part of a wedding ceremony program?
    I'm trying to get our wedding program put together, but need one more page. Its supposed to be a "thank you" page and I dont know what to say...

    • ANSWER:
      i didnt know how else to contact you so this is the best i could do. You totally didnt answer my question. I didnt even say anything about my bridesmaid dresses. So, I would really appreciate you not answering my questions, unless you are actually going to answer the question. Thanks!

34. QUESTION:
    How would you word this in your wedding program?
    For my wedding i would like to have a "wine line" i think that is what it is called. To have everyone follow the bride and groom and honk to the reception. The reception is 5 min. away.

    • ANSWER:
      I think it is a bad idea because you will be tied up taking pictures after the ceremony while your guests will want to get to the reception, use the restroom, unwind and have a cocktail while they wait for your arrival.
      Also, can you imaging trying to coordinate 50 cars with at least 2 people in each car with everyone yelling, Where is Uncle Bill? He is in the bathroom! Where is Aunt Laura...Oh, she went to find cousin Betty. Where is Uncle Ed? Oh he left already to go to the convience store to buy Rolaids. Then lets not even go into the guests who were running late and did not have time to stop for gas so they have to stop before the rehearsal. Don't do it .....it will be complete chaos!!!

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      Having odds of 4-1, the horse was backed by millions of 'hunch' punters, The Sun reported.

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      'This horse has given us bookies a massive kick in the crown jewels. Royal Wedding backers are over the moon.

      'Loyal royalists who...

      Continue...

35. QUESTION:
    How would you word this wedding program? I have unusual circumstances...?
    Ok, please help me figure out how to word this wedding program, and make it the least awkward for me and my family.

    My mother and my biological father are divorced and have been since I was a child. They do not speak.

    My mother remarried when I was 10 and my step-father basically raised me.

    My step-father is a cousin of my fathers. My mother kept my last name (which is also both my fathers) so it is the same as mine.

    I do not have a common last name. So essentially, right now it reads

    Parents of the Bride
    Mr. Joe Blank
    Mr. and Mrs. John Blank

    Parents of the Groom
    Mr. and Mrs. Whatever

    Since his parents are married, I am afraid this point will stick out even more.
    Is there another alternative to this that wont have people thinking I am some sort of hillbilly? Just not having a program is not an option.
    This is serious and sensitive, so only thoughtful answers, please.
    I'm not worried about my fiance's family, I am more conserned with how it will appear to the outsiders in the congregation who will be looking at the program and not know the back story.

    • ANSWER:

36. QUESTION:
    Is a wedding program only for church weddings?
    I'm getting married in July in a garden setting. I would like to do a "wedding program" but I haven't liked the traditional styles because our wedding is so simple. I want it to be more of a welcome and thank you in a scroll style and handed out at the ceremony. Does anyone know where I can get sample wording or is this not "proper ettiquette"?

    • ANSWER:
      Absolutely you can still do a program. A program is nice for any ceremony where the guests will be seated. It's something nice to read while you wait for the ceremony to begin.
      I always recommend that you include all the names of the people in the wedding party and their roles, the parents names, and then a nice note from the bride and groom.
      Enjoy your wedding!

37. QUESTION:
    Need help on wording for wedding programs?
    WE WANT TO DUE WEDDING PROGRAMS BESIDES HAVING THE WEDDING PARTY LIST WE ALSO WANT TO LIST THE PEOPLE WHO BOUGHT US OR IS DOING THINGS FOR US. SUCH AS THE PERSON TAKING PHOTOS DOING THE VIDEO, BUYING THE CHAMPANGE, IN CHARGE OF THE APPETIERS, THE UNITY CANDLE ETC.

    • ANSWER:
      It is not traditionally done. BUT you can put anything you want to on YOUR wedding program. I have been to weddings where the caterer, florist and wedding coordinator were included on the program.

38. QUESTION:
    How do I make a wedding program?
    I must be stupid! I am having the hardest time EVER trying to figure out how to make my wedding program. The paper is 5x7. I want something on the front, left inside, right inside, and the back. HOW do I do this??? I prefer in Word or publisher....Thank you sp much!

    • ANSWER:
      Make your custom page 7 by 5 and choose landscape.
      Then create a table of 2 columns for 2 pages.

      Lets make page one of the document the inside, so put the details for the left inside and right inside.

      On page 2 put the front and the back.

      Then print the inside and turn the paper over and print the outside. You will need to orientate the paper for the front in relation to the inside.

      If you have a duplex printer then you might need to turn the text upside down.

      Experiment.

39. QUESTION:
    I have someone I look at as a dad but isn't my dad giving me away at my wedding, how do I word this on program?
    I just met my biological father in March. But this man I look at as a dad has been there for me since I was 14. He is the one giving me away at my wedding in December, but I am not sure how to word his position on the programs. I want something more special than 'giving bride away'.

    • ANSWER:
      Bridal Escort will suffice. The fact that you chose him to walk you down the aisle speaks for how special he is to you. No need to say more in the program. Keep it simple.

40. QUESTION:
    How should i word this without hurting anyone's feelings? what is the correct way to word my wedding program?
    Specifically, when it comes to putting down the parents for my fiancé. His mom and dad split when he was six and both remarried, and he lived with his mom and stepdad. When he was ten his mom died, so he went to live with his dad and stepmom, but they sent him to his grandma Jeans' to live. He considers his grandma the closest thing to a mom besides Peggy(his mom). ok here is the thing-can i put Ricky(his dad) and Peggy, or not? what should i put? i have no clue.

    • ANSWER:
      Seems like some people are not really reading your question. Your asking about the program, not the invite. My parents are divorced as well and on the right side of my program I'm listing all the grandparents, parents and the wedding party. My parents split when I was 9 and I've only seen my dad 3 times since then and now I'm 23. Anyway, my dad isn't even walking me down the aisle, his dad (my grandpa) is and some of our grandparents are no longer with us. So this is my plan:

      (Dad's Mother) Grandmother of the Bride
      (Dad's Father) Grandfather of the Bride
      (Fiance's Grandma) Grandmother of the Groom
      (My Mom) Mother of the Bride
      (My Dad) Father of the Bride
      (His Mom) Mother of the Groom
      (His Dad) Father of the Groom

      Then I'll start with the wedding party. I have a step-mom too and I'm not including her at all. I hope this helps you! Good Luck!

41. QUESTION:
    how do i include a recently deceased parent on a wedding invitation or wedding program?
    the week prior to my best friends engagement party, her father passed away. he had everything planned out to give her the wedding she wanted. she wants to include him in either the wedding invitation or program. but we can't seem to find the right "wording etiquette" to do that. any suggestions?

    • ANSWER:
      You are cordially invited to the wedding of

      Miss Mary Smith, daughter of Mrs. Emma Smith and the late Mr. Edward Smith
      to Mr. Joe Jones, son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Jones

42. QUESTION:
    How do I word Grandparents in a wedding program?
    My grand mother passed away about 3 years ago and I want to recognize her on the program, but my Grandfather has gotten remarried since then, and Im not sure how to include his new wife, but also make sure that my Grandmother is recognized as well.

    • ANSWER:
      put Mr. and Mrs. so and so.. referring to your grandpa and his new wife
      and then on another line put "the late Miss ...." referring to your grandma

43. QUESTION:
    Program wording - Lutheran ceremony in non-church location?
    Wondering if anyone can assist - I am getting married in 6 weeks and am creating our wedding programs on my own. While we will have a Lutheran pastor as our officiant, the ceremony itself will be in our reception hall (not in a church). Thus, we will not have any hymnals for the guests. I'm not sure how much of the ceremony we actually have to include in the program. Our program paper only allows for 2 pages to be printed on/used. I'm hoping that we do not need to include all of the back-and-forth speaking parts between the pastor and our guests. Does anyone know the etiquette for this? thanks so much!

    • ANSWER:
      This is how I made mine, I took out all the extra spacing so it wouldn't take up too much room on here. I hope this helps you. Congrats on your upcoming nuptials.

      Page 1

      The Marriage Ceremony Uniting
      my name
      and
      his name

      January 28, 2006 6:00 PM Long Beach, CA

      Prelude
      Processional“the song name here”
      Seating of Groom’s Daughters
      Seating of Bride’s Mother
      Entrance of Maid of Honor
      Bride’s Processional“the song name here”
      Greeting
      Solo“the song name here”
      Exchanging of Wedding Vows and Rings
      Blessing
      Pronouncement
      Presentation of the Couple
      Recessional“the song name here”

      Page 2

      The Wedding Party

      Mother of the Bride....
      Groom's Daughters....
      Bride's Son....
      Maid of Honor....
      Bridesmaids....
      Best Man....
      Groomsmen....
      Minister....
      Soloist....

      We would like to thank you all for joining us during this time of celebration. Your love and friendship have been, and will continue to be, a big part of our lives.

44. QUESTION:
    how should i word the program on my wedding day for stepdad?
    my mother is not married to the man who help raise me. and I call him daddy (18years) he is given me away. my biological is living and he may come not for sure. just needs tips on how to word programm with the both of them on it

    • ANSWER:

45. QUESTION:
    Spanish words for WEDDING PROGRAM?
    Unity Candle
    First Dance
    Last Dance
    Cocktail Hour
    Best Man
    Groomsmen (plural)
    Maid of Honor
    Bridesmaids (plural)
    Ring Bearer
    Flower Girl
    Officiant
    Processional
    Bride's Processional
    Exchange of Vows
    Readings
    Recessional

    haha sorry my fiances not home and he probably doesn't know half of these either..

    • ANSWER:
      Vela de la Unidad (I dont know what that is)
      Primer Baile
      Último Baile
      Hora del cóctel
      Padrino
      Caballeros
      Madrina
      Damas
      Portadores de anillos
      Niña de las flores or Florista
      Oficiante
      Procesión
      Procesión de la Novia
      Intercambio de Votos
      Lecturas
      I don‘t know recessional sorry. I also never heard of the candle, is that something new?
      Good luck

46. QUESTION:
    We need some thank you wording for our wedding programs to our wedding party & parents. where should we look?
    wedding is 9/26/09 - We are not writers at all. Please help!!!

    • ANSWER:
      wow you are cutting it fine!

      just pt something like:

      'we would like to take this oppertunity to thank all of our guests for helping to make our wedding day as special as it could possibly be, our wedding party (names and jobs .... bridesmaid, .....best man) for keeping us calm and organised through this last (timescale of planning wedding) and finally the largest thanks goes to our parents (names of both couples) for contributing to this day and making it so memorable for us, we are so lucky to have parents as great as you. I know we are both in agreement when we say we have the best family and friends anyone could ask for. thank you'

      just add that to your wedding programme and you should be sorted

47. QUESTION:
    Proper way to word an important person in a wedding program?
    My fiance's grandmother was the Governor a few years back and his grandfather was a doctor but is not retired and goes by his first name...never introduces himself as Dr.

    How do I word them in a wedding program? Do I say Governor or The Honorable ____________ and Dr. _____________???

    Thanks for the help-- I cannot find this answer anywhere.
    I think he just is kind of down to earth and that properness makes him feel uncomfortable-- they are not elitists at all-- you'd never know they are who they are, I mean I didn't, until I was told because they aren't flashy.

    • ANSWER:
      There is only one Governor at a time. Were she still governor, you'd list them as "The Governor and Dr. Jones". To bring up the governor title now would appear pretentious, & frankly, untrue. There is no title socially for a former governor, outside of the diehard constituents that still wish she were in office. Socially, for a wedding program, they would be Dr. & Mrs. John Jones.

      Of course your fiance's grandfather is not elitist. However, he is very much proper: it is not proper outside of a medical setting to introduce oneself as "Dr. Jones".

      Do yourself a huge favor & go purchase (or better yet, just check out from the library) a copy of Crane's Blue Book of Stationery or any Miss Manners book. Don't rely on people from this website for accurate answers on etiquette (all you get are opinions & what good are they when you're looking for traditional advice?), unless they can provide you a reputable source (and ehow or weddingsrus online don't count!)
      Best wishes!

48. QUESTION:
    I would like to include a small memorial for my brother in my wedding program . Any ideas how?
    I need help with the proper wording. I want something soft and simple. Any web sites with sample wording would help too.

    • ANSWER:
      Are you lighting a memorial candle? If so you can put this under the line where you put Memorial Lighting
      The memorial candle is lit in honor of the bride's brother, (Name).
      OR
      On this day of happiness, we would like to remember those who are no longer with us, especially (name) the Brides Brother.

      My mother passed away 5 years ago. I am placing a bouquet of red carnations on the first seat in the front row and the officiant will say "Weddings are time to not only celebrate love, life, and happiness, but also to celebrate the lives of those who are no longer with us because they have helped shaped who we are today. In memory of the brides mother, Martha a bouquet of red carnations has been placed on the first seat in the front row."

      Hopefully this helped a little.

49. QUESTION:
    How to word wedding programs with many different parents?
    My fiance has a real father who plans on coming to the wedding but was not raised by him the last 15 years of his life..he calls his former step father his dad and that is who he owes all his credit to. His former step dad is also in the wedding as a groomsmen. He doesnt' know what he should put on the program bc he will have two fathers there. Even if he leaves the whole parent thing out...under groomsmen it will still say his name and the relation to my fiance. Does anyone have any adivce on what we should do. If I had not already paid for them I would just not use them, but I spend 0 on them without the printing. I looked for alternate ways to word the programs but have had no success. He doesn't want to offend his real dad if he leaves him off and he doesn't want to offend his former step dad either. I don't want it to be weird with it saying the two fathers names. HELP

    • ANSWER:
      Its not all that uncommon to list more than 2 parents on a program. Many people come from divorced parents who remarried and were primarily raised by a step parent.

      You can still put both of them as father of the groom. Most people in his circle realize his dad hasn't been in the picture and will understand why two of them are there.

      Since basically his step father raised him, I would list him first. Family isn't just about DNA, his step dad to me is his "real" dad.

      Parents of the groom

      Patricia Smith
      Michael Smith
      David Jones

      Or just mention his biological parents and then his step dad as a groomsman.

      Groomsmen:

      Michael Smith, step-father of the groom

      When my cousin got married her parents were divorced and her step-dad paid for her wedding, all 3 of her parents were listed on the program and invites.

50. QUESTION:
    Hi. I have a question about wedding programs. Not about the wording, but about the paper itself.?
    It's very important to me that I make the programs myself. I did the programs for my sis's wedding as a rush job because she kept changing everything, hers ended up being 8 1/2 x 11 pink photocopied paper that were folded width- wise and stapled together. While they turned out fine for her, she never planned on programs anyway, I want something more special.

    I've printed out the draft version a number of times but still can't get a version that I like. Right now it's 8.5 x 11 paper folded length wise, but might reformat the draft so it could be cut to tea-length, but anytime I try, it still looks like I went the cheap route and printed myself. Does anyone know how or where or paper option that will make programs that I created look classy? Also, what I have now is 3 pieces of paper printed because there is alot I want to say, so the front- inside-back designs sold by wilton at acmoore are not sufficient. Even tried the 3 pages with a vellum cover, but they still look cheap & flimsy.
    Thanks, but I don't like the look of parchment. Too ivory/gold for my color scheme. Also found special glossy ivory paper that I thought I could use for the cover but it looked too ivory and couldn't find inside paper to use too soften it. Dress is white, so roses will be champagne/ ivory colored, but other details should be white. Colors are white and burgandy.

    • ANSWER:
      Go to a printing store and buy quility paper something with a fabric texture but still a paper