Rolling and finishing with ribbon is a common way to present wedding programs. Ribbon-tied scrolls make elegant keepsakes, in addition to adding a formal flair to your event. The scroll is an antique format for an announcement, making it perfect for weddings with a Victorian, Renaissance or other period theme. Scroll rings are another option for securing a rolled program. Check out LCI’s handmade wedding scrolls for some ideas.

The typical event program will answer questions about what is to happen, when it will happen and who will be performing. Feel free to be creative with your program design. The more personalized the program, the more memorable a keepsake it will be for your guests to save and cherish. Here is a list of what is commonly included in the ceremony program:

• Elements of the ceremony (unity candle, vows)
• Musical selections (as well as lyrics if they hold special meaning)
• Composers and performers of your musical selections
• Titles of your readings and optionally, the full text
• Authors of readings
• Readers’ names
• Brief description of each attendant’s relationship to you along with any anecdotes you might like to share
• Thank you note to both sets of parents (and guests as well, if you like)
• Traditions, rituals, or ethnic customs with explanations if they might be unfamiliar to your guests

Event programs can be created using most any paper size or thickness. Folding tri-fold brochures are generally lighter weight than bifold programs. If you are printing your own programs, check your printer manual to see what the limit is for paper thickness. To be on the safe side, choose a paper that has a medium thickness and can be folded easily. Avoid extra heavyweight card stock that could jam in the printer or prove difficult to fold.

If your program uses a folded cover with printed insert sheets, the cover may range in thickness from lightweight card stock (70-80lb Cover) to heavyweight card stock (100-120lb Cover). If it is a heavier weight, consider having it embossed or professionally printed. If you own or have access to a laser printer with a manual straight-through paper feed, this will work better with heavier stocks. Lightweight insert sheets, on the other hand, can easily be printed on any type of home printer.

If you are printing at home, make sure to test a sample to ensure that your printer is able to handle the paper thickness.