Your order of service is more than a running sheet — it's the keepsake guests take home. Here's exactly what to include, in the right order, for church, civil, and humanist ceremonies.
The cover is the first thing guests see as they're seated, often before the ceremony begins. Keep it elegant and informative:
List every element of the ceremony in order. For each item, include the title and (optionally) who is performing it. For hymns and congregational elements, include the words so guests can join in.
Your officiant's opening words. Usually 1–2 minutes. Include the officiant's name: "Conducted by Reverend Sarah Jones."
If you have a processional hymn (sung as the bride walks in), list it here with all verses. If it's instrumental only, just list the piece and composer.
Include the title, source, and who is reading. For Bible passages, include the reference (e.g. "1 Corinthians 13:4–8"). You may include the full text or just the opening lines.
List "Exchange of Vows" — you don't need to print the words unless you have personalised vows you'd like guests to follow. For traditional vows, guests usually know them.
Simply listed as "Exchange of Rings" or "Blessing of the Rings." Brief but an important milestone to mark.
A hymn or song mid-ceremony, giving guests a moment to participate. Ideal for longer church services.
Note that music will be played during signing — include the piece name. This is often when a soloist performs or a piece of meaningful music plays.
The officiant's closing blessing or pronouncement. For religious services, include any final prayers the congregation participates in.
The piece playing as the couple walks out. List it here so guests know what they're hearing. A lovely moment to note.
Include a list of the key members of your wedding party — this is one of the most-read sections. Standard format:
The back page is optional but widely used. Popular choices:
Not everything needs to be in the programme. Omitting these keeps it clean:
Most wedding orders of service are printed as a folded A5 booklet — 4 pages when folded (cover, inside left, inside right, back). An A4 sheet folded in half. This gives you:
For longer services with multiple hymns (full church services), an 8-page booklet (two A4 sheets folded) is common.
32 designer templates. Live preview. Download and print at home.
Start designing →