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A wedding program is the first opportunity to convey your wedding style to guests. It's also the perfect way to formally announce your wedding party, explain any traditions, and to make requests of your guests (no photos, please). Plus, it offers you a chance to thank your friends and family for joining you at your wedding, call out any amazing vendors, and generally keep your loved ones informed about the big-day proceedings.
With destination weddings and multi-day festivities, wedding ceremony programs have grown in popularity. And while they're entirely optional, a program can be a wonderful addition to your big day when done right.
Coming up with a fresh design for your program may not feel like an important detail to add to your to-do list when you already have so many wedding-planning tasks to juggle, but it's time to give a little more thought to it. Consider selecting a program style that corresponds with your invites or dream up something new and exciting just for the ceremony. From classic paper programs to more creative options like fans, mirrors, and flags, the options are endless when it comes to this wedding detail.
Get inspired with these 40 unique ideas for wedding ceremony programs.
Stay Hydrated
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Ciao Bella Studio / Etsy
Quench your guests' thirst with these clever, bottle-tag ceremony programs–simply slip in your beverage of choice. We love the addition of the festive (and eco-friendly) paper straw. Place the programs on each seat or display them on a welcome table.
SHOP NOW: Etsy, $7 for digital download
Draw a Picture
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Moss + Isaac
Where formal and playful collide. This custom illustrated program is complete with an adorable drawing of the couple and their attendants. You can even offer crayons to the kiddos to keep them busy as they color in the program.
Bring On the Brushstrokes
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Maxwell Monty
Pastel watercolors and relaxed brushstroke details are super popular amongst to-be-weds. This couple incorporated both in their colorful fan programs. Such a beautiful way to set the tone for the rest of the day's festivities.
Contain the Confetti
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Squiddy Shop / Etsy
Nothing screams "fun" more than these vellum, confetti-stuffed programs. Fill them with your choice of confetti, or try to match the contents to your wedding theme and colors. The resulting photos of your grand departure under a confetti-streaked sky are sure to be spectacular.
SHOP NOW: Etsy, $2.50
Ask your venue if they allow for a confetti toss beforehand. Some vendors prefer that biodegradable materials be used instead—flower petals or bird feed are a good alternative for this.
Incorporate an Infographic
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Affirmations Designs / Etsy
Infographic wedding programs pack a serious punch. Break down interesting facts by the numbers including how many guests are in attendance and how many days you've been engaged. This downloadable template allows you to customize with your own information.
SHOP NOW: Etsy, $5.84 for digital download
Have Heart
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A simple, heart-shaped paper fan is a playful take on the traditional ceremony program. Guests will keep cool while staying informed about the big-day festivities. Plus, they're an easy DIY project.
Face the Facts
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Play with space and add more than just your wedding events. This couple created stationery with tons of detail, including lots of fun facts about themselves. This is a perfect way to add personalization to your big day and keep guests entertained before the processional begins.
Include Your Four-Legged Friends
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Danfredo Photos and Film; Programs by Hello, Bird
Is your furry BFF missing out on your wedding day? If your beloved pets can't be there in person, include them on your wedding ceremony program. These geometric programs include custom artwork, whimsical painted details, and playful fonts.
Show Off Your Color Palette
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Brklyn View Photography; Programs by Wide Eyes Paper
Get creative with color. If you're planning to use just a few main colors for your wedding décor, consider tying them into your programs, too. This blue-and-orange design gives us autumnal, collegiate vibes.
Make a Statement
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Not every guest needs a personal program. Consider going big—really big—for a statement-making program. This giant chalkboard, with hand-calligraphed writing, is fit for any type of ceremony. Display it near the entrance so guests can take a look before finding their seat.
Raise a Flag
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Flags can double as both escort cards and ceremony programs. Plus, they add a whimsical touch to the atmosphere. These babies even make for an adorable recessional since your family and friends can happily wave them after you're pronounced officially wed.
Build a Book
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Phrosne Ras / Minted
Minibooks allow you plenty of space to share every important detail with your guests. Include a thank you page at the end to let friends and family know how much they mean to you. These 7" x 5" program books feature a soft cotton texture for a luxe feel.
SHOP NOW: Minted, from $120 for 25
Fold Strategically
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Diamond Eyes; Programs by The Clever Co.
If you're looking to include a lot of detail on your programs, use a trifold like this one. It allows your guests to focus on just one piece of information at a time. And it folds into a smaller size to easily be tucked away into purses and pockets.
Inject a Little Humor
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Don't feel pressured to be overly formal with your programs if you're planning a ceremony that errs on the casual. This couple included a funny little explanation of their chuppah for guests that weren't familiar with the Jewish tradition. The patch doubles as a fun little keepsake, too.
Make It Picture-Perfect
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Puff Paper Co.; Programs by Puff Paper Co.
Create a visual of your wedding party with these adorable, illustrated ceremony programs.You can customize the look of each portrait, from your bridesmaids to your parents. Now that's a keepsake worth keeping!
Aim for Artsy
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Christian Oth Studio; Programs by Cherry On Top Events
These dreamy, watercolor program fans would perfectly complement a romantic blue-and-white invitation suite. Print your wedding program on one side and adorn the other side with beautiful artwork—you can even commission something special for the day. Bonus: The paddle fan design allows guests to keep themselves cool at alfresco weddings.
Think Preppy
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No nautical bash is complete without some preppy navy-and-white details. There are so many coastal nods to pay homage to this theme. Think mini lighthouses, anchor motifs, and rope-inspired writing.
Transform a Door
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Transform a vintage folding door into a shabby-chic chalkboard. It's an informative way to add charming décor to your wedding. This would be perfect for rustic outdoor nuptials.
Add romantic shutters and potted plants for a sweet, residential feel.
Add a Floral Touch
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Throwing an outdoor fête? Consider something like this floral program. The feminine design is offset with sleek black text—making it simultaneously traditional and modern.
Go Rustic
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J Wiley Photography; Programs by MaKenzie Noelle Creative
This rustic program covers everything. From a breakdown of the bridal party to a quick mention of parents and grandparents, there's no detail left untold. We adore the matching font and colors on the guests' favor jars.
Repurpose an Old Mirror
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Jamie Clayton
With custom calligraphy and a lacquered white frame, this gorgeous mirror display informs guests about the proceedings in a dazzling way. Scour flea markets and thrift shops for an affordable vintage mirror you can easily DIY. You can write on it yourself or have a custom decal made with all of the necessary info.
Include an Overlay
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Joielala Photographie; Programs by Meg Shaw
This two-piece ceremony program proves how elegant simple text can look. A rustic linen pennant with the couple's monogram is affixed to the kraft paper program for a picture-perfect finish. This offers a prime opportunity for mixing in some texture and customizing it to the wedding style and theme.
Store Favors
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Whitebox Photo; Programs by Mia Maria Design
You don't have to wait until the reception to dole out party favors. Stash sunglasses and other goodies in printed program bags like these. We especially love the bistro-style menu inspiration, perfect for housing some ceremony snacks.
Accent With Foil
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Kate Headley; Programs by Paper Tangent
If you favor an elegant and refined look, you'll love these understated programs. Trendy gold foil details and crisp black text make this style a winner for any traditional couple. Carry the metallic details throughout your wedding décor for some luxe uniformity.
Use a Popcorn Box
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Erickson Design / Etsy
Who could possibly resist a snack, exit toss, and program all wrapped up in one? Just be sure to remind your snack-loving guests to save a few popped kernels for the toss! We're loving these popcorn boxes with custom illustrations of the bride and groom.
SHOP NOW: Etsy, from $1.25
Reflect the Ceremony Space
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Michele Hart Photography
Hosting an outdoor celebration? Your programs can be reflective of your verdant venue. For this couple's Colorado "I dos," a simple drawing of rolling green hills added visual interest to the classic typeface.
Insert a Scent
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LH Photography; Programs by Eleven Note
Packaged with lavender sprigs for some effortless French flair, these tri-fold programs look just as great as they smell. Hand-painted details and calligraphy provide a bespoke aesthetic.
Make It Colorful
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She Wanders; Programs by Linda Jean Design
This colorful program details not only the couple's ceremony proceedings but also their love story. Give your guests a peek into your relationship and personalities with fun factoids—like how many dresses the bride tried on and how many movies you've enjoyed together.
Go for a Handmade Vibe
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onelove Photography; Programs by Lovely Little Details
It's okay to keep things super simple. These programs give off a cool, handmade vibe that's pretty endearing. Pick a font that looks like natural handwriting to keep it effortless yet chic.
Print a Bag
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Custom printed program bags can double as vessels for housing petals or leaves for the exit toss. We love how the white font pops against the charming kraft paper bag. Clip a little note to let guests know when they're supposed to toss the contents for a synchronized display.
Pin It
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Kyle and Vanessa Photography, Programs by Michelle Goltiao
Fearful your guests won't remember to pick up your pretty programs? Keep things hands-free by fixing one to each seat with a clothespin. These simple ombré programs provide a concise breakdown of the days events without getting too wordy. The state outlines are a sweet ode to the couple's origins.
Make Headlines
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Extra! Extra! Read all about it! Your wedding will be front-page news with these wedding programs. Pair the programs with mini pencils so everyone can have fun filling out the personalized crossword puzzle. We're especially loving the illustrated map of where guests have traveled from.
Consider Color-Blocking
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Christian Oth Studio; Programs by Minted
This simple black-and-white program is perfect for a sophisticated wedding ceremony. Keep it sleek with just two colors and fonts, or consider adding pops of vibrant hues for something bolder. Or, try to translate the wedding theme into a combination of curated colors.
Say "Thank You"
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Erin Lindsey Images; Programs by Salt & Paperie
This couple included a quick thank you and a few interesting facts on their programs. Such a great way to keep friends and family entertained while they wait for the wedding to begin! The blue font on blue paper adds a chic monochromatic touch.
Make a Six-Card Fan
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Think beyond just a single program card. This couple created a six-card fan, with each piece covering an aspect of their big day. Mix and match fonts and colors for a fun look.
Play With Fonts
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Yanman Photography; Programs by Luc & Lilah Events
These rustic, paper-bag ceremony programs are perfect for a laid-back bash. Playful fonts and black typeface keep the look simple and fresh. Plus, the baggies can be filled with favors at the end of the evening.
Stick With Neutrals
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Rebecca Arthurs Photography; Programs by Julie Song Ink
This monochromatic program perfectly suits a peachy-keen wedding style. Shades of barely-there blush and neutral nudes ooze summertime romance. We're loving the chicly shaped fan, creating the opportunity for an unexpected font layout.
Shed Light on Your Traditions
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Byrdie Designs / Etsy
If your guests aren't familiar with the cultural and religious traditions taking place throughout the day, these ceremony programs are the perfect way to give them a crash course in what to expect. Illustrations, pronunciations, and definitions provide a step-by-step guide to the ceremony.
SHOP NOW: Etsy, $5 for digital download
Honor Your Themed Location
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disvites / Etsy
If you're getting married at a popular vacation destination such as Disney World, model your wedding programs after the park brochures. Include maps and color coding for the different events throughout the day. These programs are completely customizable from colors to photos to content.
SHOP NOW: Etsy, from $175 for 25
Keep It Cohesive
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B. Schwartz Photography; Programs by Aubrey Rasmussen
If you love the look of cohesive stationery throughout your wedding, find a simple style that translates well across the board. This couple included a floral motif in their invitations, programs, and menu cards.