For decades, the wedding program was a given: a folded booklet handed out before the ceremony, listing every song, reading, and member of the wedding party. Bu…
For decades, the wedding program was a given: a folded booklet handed out before the ceremony, listing every song, reading, and member of the wedding party. But if you’ve attended a wedding recently (or planned one yourself), you may have noticed something missing or changing. Many modern couples are rethinking the role of the ceremony program altogether. Some are simplifying it. Some are reinventing it. And some are skipping it entirely!
What's replacing the traditional wedding program isn’t about cutting corners — it's about intention, guest experience, and choosing what actually fits the ceremony vibes.
So what are couples doing nowadays? Short answer: anything goes! But this article wouldn't be much of a helpful resource with just that, now would it? So we're sharing what we're seeing in our recent real wedding features and hearing in wedding podcasts. There's not one way to do things in a modern wedding world, so below are the most popular ceremony program approaches that couples are incorporating today instead.
Photo: Weddings by Cheyenne from this blue vintage china-themed wedding on Tidewater and Tulle
• They feel elegant and contemporary
• They’re easier (and more affordable) to print than booklets
• They fit effortlessly into purses or pockets afterwards
In practice, these programs usually include:
• The ceremony order (briefly)
• Names of the couple
• Date and location
• One short personal note or meaningful detail
They work especially well for:
• Non-religious or lightly structured ceremonies
• Shorter ceremonies
• Couples who want a small thoughtful stationery keepsake to remember their ceremony years later
Rather than feeling like a scaled-down version of a traditional program, simple long programs feel purposefully edited and ties in well with the wedding invitations and other stationery design elements from the day.
Photo: Zhaun Frias Photography from this classic modern navy blue wedding on Tidewater and Tulle
Instead of listing every step of the ceremony, these newspapers are often shared before or after the ceremony and act as a more playful keepsake for guests. They also sometimes have little word puzzles for guests to complete or a little In Loving Memory section for those loved ones remembered. Since the newspaper is a bit more casual, anything goes that matches your personalities!
• They double as decor and a favor
• They feel personal without being formal
• Newspaper templates make it an easy DIY
Common features include:
• The couple’s story
• A welcome note or letter
• Wedding weekend details
• Fun facts, timelines, or trivia games
Wedding newspapers work particularly well for:
• Full wedding weekends
• Destination weddings
• Couples hosting guests from different circles
Rather than replacing the ceremony program one-to-one, newspapers shift the focus from just information to connection. And that's something we especially love about this new trend that is definitely here to stay!
Photo: Alex C Tenser from this fall winery wedding on Tidewater and Tulle
Couples often skip programs when the ceremony is very short, the structure is familiar to most guests, officiants verbally guide guests through the ceremony, or key details are shared elsewhere (e.g., websites or signage).
From a guest perspective, this usually works just fine, especially for more relaxed ceremonies. Most guests don’t expect to follow along step-by-step; they’re ultimately there to be with you in the moment.
Skipping ceremony programs can also reduce paper waste and free up budget for elements that guests engage with more (like temporary wedding tattoos or lawn games).
For couples who value simplicity, going "no program" often feels less like removing something and more like letting the brevity of a ceremony stand on its own.
Photo: Caitlin Gerres from this jewel-toned garden wedding on Tidewater and Tulle
➤ Is your ceremony long or highly structured?
➤ Will guests benefit from explanations or second language translations?
➤ Do you want a keepsake or just a functional guide?
➤ Are there other places guests are already receiving information?
There's no universal right answer. The best choice is the one that supports your wedding and creating a memorable experience for you and your loved ones.
Photo: Hart of Grace Photography from this rustic barn wedding on Tidewater and Tulle
Our top tips for DIYing your wedding program:
• Purchase a digital template that can be customizable
• Design for readability first, decoration second
• Print a test copy before committing
• Consider paper type. Thicker, heavier paper tends to give more of an elevated wedding vibe no matter your theme or style.
Whether you’re designing a slim printed program, a wedding newspaper, or deciding to skip programs altogether, modern ceremonies leave room for flexibility – and that’s a good thing! Wedding programs no longer have to follow tradition to be meaningful. They just have to make sense for you!
Editor's Note: Specially curated by us, the above product links may be partner-connected and purchasing through these links means we get a small commission from those brands that helps support this website. You can find our full affiliate disclosure policy here on Tidewater and Tulle.
What's replacing the traditional wedding program isn’t about cutting corners — it's about intention, guest experience, and choosing what actually fits the ceremony vibes.
So what are couples doing nowadays? Short answer: anything goes! But this article wouldn't be much of a helpful resource with just that, now would it? So we're sharing what we're seeing in our recent real wedding features and hearing in wedding podcasts. There's not one way to do things in a modern wedding world, so below are the most popular ceremony program approaches that couples are incorporating today instead.
Long Printed Programs
One of the most popular modern alternatives to the traditional booklet is the long, narrow, single-sheet wedding program. These programs are typically printed on a piece of thick cardstock paper and handed out as guests arrive or placed on ceremony chairs. Instead of trying to explain everything, these programs are edited down to just the essentials.Why couples love them
• They're quick for guests to scan• They feel elegant and contemporary
• They’re easier (and more affordable) to print than booklets
• They fit effortlessly into purses or pockets afterwards
In practice, these programs usually include:
• The ceremony order (briefly)
• Names of the couple
• Date and location
• One short personal note or meaningful detail
They work especially well for:
• Non-religious or lightly structured ceremonies
• Shorter ceremonies
• Couples who want a small thoughtful stationery keepsake to remember their ceremony years later
Rather than feeling like a scaled-down version of a traditional program, simple long programs feel purposefully edited and ties in well with the wedding invitations and other stationery design elements from the day.
Wedding Day Newspapers
Another trending program format that couples are loving everywhere in the U.S. and UK is the wedding day newspaper. It’s less about ceremony logistics and more about storytelling while adding some fun into the big day!Instead of listing every step of the ceremony, these newspapers are often shared before or after the ceremony and act as a more playful keepsake for guests. They also sometimes have little word puzzles for guests to complete or a little In Loving Memory section for those loved ones remembered. Since the newspaper is a bit more casual, anything goes that matches your personalities!
Why couples are choosing newspapers
• They give guests something engaging to read• They double as decor and a favor
• They feel personal without being formal
• Newspaper templates make it an easy DIY
Common features include:
• The couple’s story
• A welcome note or letter
• Wedding weekend details
• Fun facts, timelines, or trivia games
Wedding newspapers work particularly well for:
• Full wedding weekends
• Destination weddings
• Couples hosting guests from different circles
Rather than replacing the ceremony program one-to-one, newspapers shift the focus from just information to connection. And that's something we especially love about this new trend that is definitely here to stay!
OUR TOP FAVE WEDDING NEWSPAPER TEMPLATES ON ETSY
Are you DIYing this for your wedding? You can customize any of these templates in Canva!
• Modern 'Newlywed Times' with Photo by Filterity
• Classic 'The Wedding Post' with 12 Pages by Star Wave Studio
• Fun 'The Wedding Times' with Games by Welcome Design Co
Skipping Wedding Programs Altogether
Perhaps the most notable trend? Many couples aren’t using programs at all. This isn’t an oversight or strictly a budget thing; it’s intentional.Couples often skip programs when the ceremony is very short, the structure is familiar to most guests, officiants verbally guide guests through the ceremony, or key details are shared elsewhere (e.g., websites or signage).
From a guest perspective, this usually works just fine, especially for more relaxed ceremonies. Most guests don’t expect to follow along step-by-step; they’re ultimately there to be with you in the moment.
Skipping ceremony programs can also reduce paper waste and free up budget for elements that guests engage with more (like temporary wedding tattoos or lawn games).
For couples who value simplicity, going "no program" often feels less like removing something and more like letting the brevity of a ceremony stand on its own.
How to Decide What’s Right for Your Ceremony
If you're unsure whether you need a program (or what kind), consider these questions:➤ Is your ceremony long or highly structured?
➤ Will guests benefit from explanations or second language translations?
➤ Do you want a keepsake or just a functional guide?
➤ Are there other places guests are already receiving information?
There's no universal right answer. The best choice is the one that supports your wedding and creating a memorable experience for you and your loved ones.
A Note for DIY Couples
If you’re making your own programs, simplicity is your friend. If this DIY creates any overwhelm, either nix it or outsource to a professional stationer if having a program is important to you.Our top tips for DIYing your wedding program:
• Purchase a digital template that can be customizable
• Design for readability first, decoration second
• Print a test copy before committing
• Consider paper type. Thicker, heavier paper tends to give more of an elevated wedding vibe no matter your theme or style.
Whether you’re designing a slim printed program, a wedding newspaper, or deciding to skip programs altogether, modern ceremonies leave room for flexibility – and that’s a good thing! Wedding programs no longer have to follow tradition to be meaningful. They just have to make sense for you!
Looking for even more photo inspo of wedding programs? Head over to our Wedding Programs Pinterest board!
Editor's Note: Specially curated by us, the above product links may be partner-connected and purchasing through these links means we get a small commission from those brands that helps support this website. You can find our full affiliate disclosure policy here on Tidewater and Tulle.
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