Couples who are having a large wedding, generally in a church or other formal facility, usually distribute wedding programs to their guests. That is particularly true for Catholic weddings which include numerous elements, symbols, and traditions. Giving guests, particularly non-Catholic guests, these programs can help them follow along with the ceremony. Plus, programs can serve as a wonderful keepsake from the event both for your guests and for you.

Important Parts of the Catholic Wedding Program

While no definite rules exist, most Catholic wedding programs can be divided into four distinct sections. In the first part, you have the basic overview of the ceremony, including the couple’s names, the date of the wedding, and the location of the ceremony. You can also include the location of the reception IF everyone attending the wedding is also invited to the “after party.”

The second part of the wedding program should list all of the members of the wedding party. Do not only include the best man, flower girls, and so on. Your wedding party also includes your parents, the minister, and anyone performing during the ceremony. To help your guests more, you can even include a brief note about how each person is related to you. For example, “Maid of Honor – April Smith – college friend” or “Soloist – Greg Davis – groom’s brother.”

Following those two parts, you’ll have the most detailed section of the wedding program. This section will outline the events of the wedding ceremony. Below is an example:

Entrance Rite

Processional
“Bridal March” by Wagner

Entrance of the Bride
“Canon in D” by Pachabel

Opening Prayer
(enter priest’s name here)

Liturgy of the Word

First Reading, Genesis 2:18-24
Jane Doe.

Responsorial Psalm, "Let all praise the name of the Lord"

Second Reading, 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:8
Joe Smith

Gospel Acclamation, "Celtic Alleluia"

Gospel Reading, Matthew 5:1-12A
(enter priest’s name here)

Homily

Rite of Marriage

Exchange of Vows

Blessing and Exchange of Rings

Lighting of the Unity Candle
"Ave Maria" by Schubert

Prayer of the Faithful

Sign of Peace

Concluding Rite

The Lord's Prayer

Final Blessing

Recessional
"Ode to Joy" by Beethoven

Final Section of the Program

At the end of your wedding program, you should include the fourth section: a thank you to the guests. Below is an example of how you may want to word this thank you.

We want to thank all of you for joining us on this wonderful day as we begin a new chapter in our lives. Having you with us on this day has helped make it even more special and blessed. Without your love and support, we would not be who we are today and we would not be making this joyful step into our shared future. We pray for your safety and happiness in the years to come.