When you’re planning a wedding, you want to make sure that everything goes off without a hitch. While you may not be able to guarantee that your bridesmaids will show up on time or that you’ll get a chance to speak to everyone before you leave for your honeymoon, you can control what goes in your wedding programs.
And though some couples treat wedding programs as an afterthought, they really are an important part of the ceremony and the overall experience that people have at your wedding. But since you might have little to no experience making wedding programs, you probably have a few questions. For instance, do you really need wedding programs? What is the right cardstock weight for wedding programs? Can you make wedding program fans with cardstock? Finally, where can you get high-quality cardstock to make sure that your wedding programs look amazing?
In today’s guide, we will answer all of these questions and more, but first, let’s take a look at what wedding programs are and the purpose they serve:
What Is A Wedding Program?
It can be useful to think of your wedding program as a kind of brochure for the event. Not only does it outline the activities and schedule of the day, but it also provides useful information that guests might want or need. For example, if there are special parts of the ceremony that will occur at different times and locations, you can use your wedding program to provide guests with directions, timetables, and any other useful info. This could save you and your family a lot of time, as you won’t have dozens of people asking you the same questions over and over again!
Even if you want a simple or low-key wedding, a wedding program can act like a handy little companion for your guests. Someone attending your wedding might feel confused about where they should be or what’s supposed to happen next. A well-made program gives them instant access to the itinerary and will (hopefully) answer any questions they have.
Wedding programs don’t need to be purely functional though. They also serve an aesthetic purpose and can give you the chance to express the importance of the day through images, designs, and words. You might choose to provide brief descriptions of certain customs or traditions, explanations of cultural or religious practices, or even introductions of the people serving key roles in the ceremony.
Wedding programs also give you the chance to personalize your big day even more. You and your significant other can choose the layout, color, font, content, and overall design of your programs. This way, your wedding program can serve as a reflection of you, your fiancé, and the journey that you’re about to begin together.
Are Wedding Programs Necessary?
You might be wondering if wedding programs are really necessary. So, do you need wedding programs to enjoy your special day? Honestly, no. “Need” is a strong word, and since it’s your big day, you can celebrate in whatever way makes sense to you.
But if you’d like to adhere to the unofficial “protocols” and traditions of modern weddings, programs are generally expected. Again, they do serve a functional and aesthetic purpose, too. So, even if you’re on the fence about programs, it may be best to err on the side of caution and create cardstock wedding programs for your guests. And even if your guests don’t really want or need them on your wedding day, programs can be a great keepsake that you, your family, and your friends can save and cherish for years to come!
How To Make A Wedding Program
The exact process you’ll follow will vary a little based on your personal preferences and even time constraints, but if you’re unsure how to write a wedding program, simply follow the steps below:
 |
|
There are a few unique situations that you may need to prepare for when making wedding programs. For instance, if you’re wondering how to list divorced parents, you should generally ask your parents how they would like to be listed in the program. In most cases, there is no need to reference the marriage status of the parents of the bride or the groom. And if you’re wondering how to list a deceased parent, it can be helpful to add “The Late” before their name. Finally, you should try to list all of the members of your wedding party which, in addition to parents, typically includes the maid of honor, best man, flower girl, ring bearer, groomsmen, bridesmaids, wedding officiant, and ushers.
How To Make Wedding Program Fans
One great thing about wedding programs that we’ve failed to discuss thus far is their versatility. Whether you’re planning an indoor or outdoor wedding, there’s a good chance that people will start to feel hot. This is often a result of the clothing that is worn by both wedding party members and guests. Many people will reach for the nearest “fan” to keep themselves cool, and this often includes the wedding programs!
Thin cardstock or, even worse, printer paper will be too flimsy to function as a makeshift fan. Therefore, if you anticipate warmer temperatures, it is best to opt for thick, heavy cardstock for wedding program fans. You don’t need to do anything special or add any attachments as long as the cardstock is thick enough to function as a fan on its own. And if you take care of this little detail, your guests will almost certainly thank you!
The Best Cardstock For Wedding Programs
The best cardstock for your wedding program will ultimately come down to your personal tastes and the aesthetic of your wedding. For formal ceremonies, pastel colors like beige, light pink, or lavender work very well. In addition to the color, you’ll also want to make sure that you choose the right weight. Generally, the best cardstock weight for wedding programs is somewhere around 85 lbs, though anything above 65 lbs will work in a pinch. Just remember, thicker cardstock is typically better for fans, and as an added bonus, it tends to last longer. This is especially important if you want to frame your wedding program or simply keep it as a reminder of the beautiful day!
Ready to start your next project? Check out our high-quality cardstock today, and let us know how you put our cardstock to good use!