Hello everyone–today we’re thrilled to debut our new Wedding Program designs–available in 6 unique sizes: Rectangle, Square, Tea-length, Gate-fold, Tri-fold and Half-fold. As with all of our wedding stationery, our Wedding Programs are easily personalized–from front to back–and side to side–with your colors, photos, fonts and wording!

What are your thought on wedding programs? Are they necessary? Our thoughts below…

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We think Programs are an important part of your wedding stationery! Here’s why …

First impressions count! More than a pretty accessory, programs are pretty smart tools that help guests feel included and welcomed at the wedding–right from the start. Programs provide an important opportunity to care for your guests in unique, subtle ways. A timely tool, programs set the stage for joining families and friends {probably unfamiliar with each other} and for creating a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Wondering what to put on a wedding program?

8 Content Ideas for Your Wedding Programs

1. Order of events- Guests love to know what’s happening next! Create anticipation as well as keep your guests organized with an order of the service. 

2. Wedding party bios- Short and sweet introductions of your party will help create an air of familiarity and warmth, right from the beginning. Plus, guests are curious about these special people in your lives.

3. Fanfare+ Processional/Recessional Music- From Pachelbel’s Canon in D, to J.S. Bach, Vivaldi, The Beatles or Bryan Adams–your guests will appreciate knowing which songs you’ve chosen for those magical moments!

4. Special Readings- If there is a special reading, verse, or poem you’d like guest participation with, have it printed on your programs–so everyone can read along.

5. Acknowledgments- Use your program to give a shout of thanks to those special family/friends who performed a special service i.e. song, reading, playing the piano, etc.

6. Explain a Ritual- Is yours a multi-cultural wedding?Are you celebrating a custom that may be unfamiliar to most? You can put your guests at ease, comfortable and even get them involved with a brief explanation of the ritual.

7. Translations- Are there meaningful words or phrases that need to be translated into another language{s}? Add them to your program.

8. A beautiful keepsake A beautifully-designed program that coordinates with the rest of your wedding stationery, is a treasured keepsake–a souvenir for your guests and a detailed memento for you–of one of the most important days of your life!

Which Program Size is Best?

Choose the program size and type that fits your wedding style and ceremony needs the best. Do you have a lot of information to share–readings, wedding party bios, explanations … roomy program types like the Half-fold, Tri-fold, and Gate-fold Programs may be just perfect for you! Browse the Tea-length, Rectangle, and Square sizes too!

How Are Programs Distributed at the Ceremony?

Programs can be cleverly arranged in pretty containers–ready to for your guests to pick up themselves. They can also be handed out by your ushers seating your guests. Or, they can be sitting pretty in the seating areas–just waiting for your guests to sit down. It’s your choice!

What are your thoughts on Wedding Programs?

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on our blessings and give thanks for our health, our family, our friends, and all the other beautiful things in life, both great and small. Yet, although it is a time-honored Thanksgiving tradition, expressing gratitude is a habit that can be practiced all year long.

For weddings, when we think of giving thanks, most of us think of it in terms of sending thank you notes after the wedding has already passed. However, there are many ways–and reasons–to give thanks before your wedding day, too. From vendors and wedding party members to parents and future in-laws, there are many people involved in bringing your dream wedding to life.

As they help you plan your way down the aisle, use Personal Stationery to send them special, personalized notes of appreciation and gratitude. You can use them however you want: thank them for something very specific, like how your bridesmaid came over with cupcakes  and hugs when you were having a late-night meltdown. Or, send a general message of thanks for their continual love, support, and services.

Showing appreciation is a great foundation upon which to build your future marriage. Oh, and don’t forget to send notes to the most important person in your life: your spouse! By sending little notes of love and thanks, you can write the first chapters of your lifelong long story of love together.

Here at MagnetStreet, we offer a variety of Personal Stationery designs that you can use as wedding note cards or personalized thank you cards. Below are a few of our favorite designs. With any design, you completely personalize the colors, photos, fonts, and wording–making it easy to design your own message of thanks.

Personal Stationery Design: In Full Bloom

 Personal Stationery Design: Watercolor Bloom

Personal Stationery Design: Classic Love

How about you: Do you plan on sending little notes of thanks as you plan your wedding? Or, have you been the recipient of a special thank you note from a bride or groom? We’d love to hear!

–Rachel, writer at MagnetStreet Weddings

What a daunting task to throw a party for 100, 200, 300+ people … I’m betting that it’s probably the biggest party you will have thrown to date! How can you be hosts with the mosts & have a terrific day yourself? I think it has to do with a thoughtful & well-executed plan.

7 Ways To Be The Perfect Hosts!

1. Comfy guests are happy guests! Making sure your guests are comfortable and safe is high priority! You simply need to put yourself in their position and think about what you’d expect … For instance, outdoor weddings require lots of planning: i.e. make sure there is shelter nearby or at least be ready for plan B if it rains. If the day is hot, hot, hot–make sure there is enough water, fans, & access to shade. Are paths even to walk along? Is it safe for children? Are bathrooms easily accessible? If they’ll be sitting for a long while, are their seats comfy enough? With indoor events–think about about creating sitting areas where guests can converse & perhaps take a break from a loud band or DJ every once in a while.

2. Make the rounds-Hospitality is huge! In some cases, your guests have traveled a great distance to support you on your big day! Make sure that you get a chance to meet with every single guest with a hug & a hello. Some guests might not want to “bother” you as everyone is vying for your attention but it’s important to do your best to speak with everyone! You may have to get help–ask your new Husband, Mom, and Maid of Honor to help you seek out & connect with some guests.

3. Fabulous food- Whether your serving hamburgers & brats or fillet Mignon, make sure your food tastes great! Quality is key and if your guests can recognize most of what is on the menu–all the better! The food will be one of the elements your guests will remember the most! And, if there are any dietary considerations to consider, see that your caterer honors them.

4. Sense of direction- If you have out of town guests, make sure they are well well-equipped with maps, hotel & travel information. Stay abreast of any road construction that may hinder their travels on wedding day.

5. Keep in time- Some delays can’t be helped but overall, stick to the schedule. Not only will your guests & wedding party appreciate the timeliness, so will your vendors. Tip: type up a wedding itinerary& schedule & give a copy to your vendors & wedding party members.

6. Seating satisfaction- Assigned seating. This option is ideal for large receptions or when there are family members who aren’t getting along. Additionally, guests do not have to make a decision where to sit–thus eliminating the awkward milling about. You’re in control … Aunt Grace won’t be stuck near the speaker and Uncle Jim  won’t be stuck next to Uncle Bill–whom he is still feuding with.

7. Dazzling details: Small, thoughtful gestures go very far and have a deep impact on your guests. From toiletries in the bathroom, to helpful signage {menu items, directions} to explanations in your programs regarding special readings, songs or unfamiliar customs … By keeping your guests informed, you’ll also keep your guest included in the festivities, which will result in greater support & participation.

Get savvy advice from those that have gone before you–like your married friends and your wedding planner! If you’re planning a destination wedding, talk to someone who has planned a destination wedding before. Tap into their wisdom and experience!

What else can we add to this list!  

Check out all the wedding planning resources at MagnetStreet Weddings! From a budget guide to wedding invitation wording and much more!

It is definitely a sad thing when any marriage breaks up–and right now, it’s the break up of Kim Kardashian & Kris Humphries that is getting all the attention. No lack of opinions there right? Well, we’d like to know your opinions on what to do with the wedding gifts when a marriage dissolves in a very short period of time.

Traditional etiquette states that if the marriage ends within 1-3 months, the gifts go back to the giver. But the rules of etiquette seem to be forever bending–do you think they should be bent now?

What would you expect to happen? And, would you expect a handwritten Thank You note as well?

featured: “Apple Blossoms” Personal Stationery