Update: Our Ever Evolving Programs

Since our Sneak Peek, our programs have changed. Yes I know this is a theme with me. But you'll see why in a minute.

When we first started putting the programs together, we knew they'd include more than just the names of the wedding party, the ceremony text, and an explanation of traditions. We wanted to include allergy info so that people would be able to enjoy the passed appetizers. We also wanted to make sure that guests knew where the various tables were located - main floor, balcony, and potentially a side room.

Throughout our relationship and the planning of our wedding, we've shared a lot. Our early FAQ (modeled after Mooflyfoof's and Ed's) included a timeline of important dates. And what initially started out as an exercise in corniness (mine) "Our Love Story" became one of the most popular stops on our wedsite. But not all of our guests have been following along online. Some - like my parents - get glimpses from my iPhone over breakfast or during lunch. Others just hear our story secondhand.

So when putting our table numbers and programs together, I'd struggled with how to incorporate our story into our celebration. That is, until I saw Christina and Mark's Real Wedding on 100 Layer Cake. Specifically their invitation, designed by Sara Hanks, A Story Begins. Those invites were "little books documenting not only the wedding festivities but also their story as a couple, a sweet poem by Cole Porter, and a few other travel essentials."

Our programs, 10/10/10: Our Story Continues ..., will be little booklets outlining our celebration - wedding party to ceremony to menu - as well as our story so far and key dates in our relationship. Here's the cover we designed.

I'll share the contents the night of the wedding (scheduled post). Wouldn't want to reveal the next installments of Our Story before they go up on our wedsite. I mean, what fun would that be?

DIY Project: Writing Our Programs

What does one put in a program? That is, what are the basic things all programs should have? A quick glance at programs shows the content varies greatly. The Wedding Party and Outline of the Ceremony appear to be the only information in common throughout.

Typical Program Information

• Welcome Message
• Venue Rules
• Wedding Party
• Bride's and Groom's Families
• Outline of the Ceremony
• Readings (optional?)
• Thank You

What should a program look like? That again varies. (See my What Inspires Me: Programs post for some of my favorites.) They can be a single half page. They can be a fan. They can be a book.

Programs from Real Brides

• Kelli and Sam's Program via Green Wedding Shoes
• Heather (aka Bicoastal Bride) and Stephen's Program
• Kelly (aka Miss Pug) and Brian's Program
• A Mountain Bride's Program
• Beth (aka Squirrly) and Mark's Petal Program (downloadable template)
• Ashley (aka Bride on a Budget) and Jason's' Fan Program Mockup

Any guesses as to what ours will look like? Hint 1: This bride has a love of paper. Hint 2: This bride loves to write. Hint 3: This bride was yearbook layout editor in high school.

Here's some unconventional inspiration for our programs that reflects our theme.

What are you doing for your programs? Did you go with a template or a less conventional approach?

What Inspires Me: Programs

I love books. Growing up I was surrounded by them. I created them. I filled spiral bound notebooks with stories and illustrations. And in seventh grade, I got to create a "book." We had an art project where we made a journal with fabric, a manila folder, thread, and glue.

Programs at a wedding remind me of books. A well-done program tells a guest what is going to happen and can include a story. Our program will include an event timeline, description of the various symbols in our Reform Jewish Wedding, and our story. Not everyone will read the program. That's ok.

Here are a few of the programs that have caught my eye and why. I'll reveal our program when we get closer to that crafting day.

1. Pink Ink via Style Me Pretty; Ribbon and vertical orientation.

2. Allison Barnhill Designs via Style Me Pretty; ribbon.

3. Mika78 via Style Me Pretty; banded cover, ribbon, and color contrast.

4. Chelle Paperie via The Inspired Bride; twine tie, fabric cover.

5. What Junebug Loves!; tabbed programs.

6. Deirdre Eco Wedding Invitation from InviteSite; pages stitched onto the cover.

7. Kelli Murray Art via Green Wedding Shoes; distressed background image on page and use of script font for a vintage feel.