Wedding Ceremony Program Outline

I’ve gotten a lot of questions from couples during quarantine asking what they can be doing in the wedding planning department. I know there are endless speculations and stories of postponed weddings out there. Stay positive and keep planning toward your day.

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Work on your wedding ceremony program outline.

Too often couples leave their ceremony details to the last minute. You want to infuse your love into the ceremony and while that isn’t a hard task, it can’t be rushed.

Start with a basic wedding ceremony program outline. Enter your name and email below and I’ll share my exact outline.

You can absolutely keep your program simple. Below are a few of my favorites from The Girlbossbride Styling Collections. All shot by our amazingly talented friends at Sweet Monday Photography. If you’re having a full Catholic or Epispical Mass you will likely be required to print the full ceremony. Consult with your clergy. In the meantime, you can absolutely start with my outline.

Timing

Generally speaking, you’ll want to start the ceremony 1.5 hours before your band/DJ is contracted to start; 30 minutes for the ceremony and 1 hour for cocktails. Your situation may be unique so adjust accordingly.

The more formal your celebration the later you’ll want to start the ceremony. An old rule is that nothing black tie starts before 6:00 PM. There is certainly wiggle room but if your goal is formal you may want to adust your wedding ceremony start time.

This past wedding season I did a revolutionary thing for one ceremony. We had a pre-ceremony cocktail hour. And it was AMAZING. If your goal is to have a lively celebration this is something to consider. I’ll do a full blog post on how to execute that soon, for now, if you’re interested message me.

Music

As my daughter’s favorite sweatshirt reads, Music Is Life. Music can transport your guests. If strings aren’t you, go in a different direction. If you’ve hired a band, ask what instrumentation they can offer.

Lately, I’ve been loving including a vocalist, especially for the bridal processional. It is unexpected and adds instant drama. Two tunes we’ve used this season are the Talking Heads “This Must Be The Place” and “I Can’t Help Falling In Love With You” from the Crazy Rich Asians soundtrack.

Grab my favorite recessional songs below.

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Readings

Readings are totally optional. They can be a nice way to include a family member or friend you’re close to that isn’t in the wedding party. These don’t have to be religious. The lyrics of your favorite song or a poem can be special.

Tributes

Acknowledging family and friends who can’t be with you in person is a touching way to close the wedding ceremony program. My favorite poem of the moment is:

Those we love don’t go away.

They walk beside us every day.

Unseen, but always near.

Still loved, still missed and very dear.