Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, with numerous details to consider, from the venue and guest list to the catering and decorations. One often-overlooked aspect of wedding planning is the wedding program, which serves as a guide for guests to follow the ceremony and reception. When it comes to creating a wedding program, one question that may arise is whose name should go first. In this article, we will explore the traditional and modern approaches to determining whose name goes first on a wedding program.
Traditional Approach
Traditionally, the bride’s name is listed first on the wedding program, followed by the groom’s name. This convention dates back to the days when the bride’s family was responsible for hosting the wedding and, therefore, received top billing. The traditional format typically reads:
“[Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name] request the honor of your presence at their marriage”
This format is still widely used today, particularly in formal or traditional weddings.
Etiquette Guidelines
According to traditional etiquette guidelines, the bride’s name should be listed first on the wedding program, as well as on the wedding invitation and other formal documents. This is because the bride’s family is typically considered the host of the wedding, and their name is given prominence.
However, it’s worth noting that these guidelines are not set in stone, and modern couples are increasingly opting for more informal and personalized approaches to their wedding programs.
Modern Approach
In recent years, there has been a shift towards more modern and egalitarian approaches to wedding programs. Many couples are now opting to list their names in alphabetical order, or to use a joint title, such as “Together with their families.”
This approach is particularly popular among couples who are hosting the wedding themselves, or who come from blended families. By listing their names jointly, couples can emphasize their equality and partnership.
Joint Titles
One popular trend in modern wedding programs is the use of joint titles, such as “Together with their families” or “With love and gratitude.” These titles emphasize the couple’s unity and shared commitment to each other.
Some examples of joint titles include:
- “Together with their families, [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name] request the honor of your presence”
- “[Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name] invite you to join them as they celebrate their love and commitment”
- “With love and gratitude, [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name] welcome you to their wedding celebration”
Same-Sex Weddings
For same-sex couples, the question of whose name goes first on the wedding program can be particularly relevant. In this case, there is no traditional or “right” answer, and couples are free to choose the format that works best for them.
Some same-sex couples may choose to list their names in alphabetical order, while others may prefer to use a joint title or to list their names in a way that reflects their personal style and relationship.
Examples of Same-Sex Wedding Programs
Here are a few examples of same-sex wedding programs:
- “[Partner’s Name] and [Partner’s Name] request the honor of your presence at their marriage”
- “Together with their families, [Partner’s Name] and [Partner’s Name] invite you to join them as they celebrate their love and commitment”
- “[Partner’s Name] and [Partner’s Name] welcome you to their wedding celebration, with love and gratitude”
Ultimately, It’s Up to You
When it comes to deciding whose name goes first on a wedding program, the most important thing is to choose a format that reflects your personal style and relationship. Whether you opt for a traditional or modern approach, the key is to make sure that your wedding program accurately reflects your love and commitment to each other.
Tips for Creating a Wedding Program
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when creating a wedding program:
- Make sure to include all the essential details, such as the date, time, and location of the ceremony and reception.
- Consider including a photo or other personal touches to make your program truly unique.
- Don’t forget to proofread your program carefully to ensure that there are no errors or typos.
By following these tips and choosing a format that works for you, you can create a beautiful and meaningful wedding program that will serve as a lasting reminder of your special day.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whose name goes first on a wedding program is a matter of personal preference. Whether you opt for a traditional or modern approach, the key is to make sure that your wedding program accurately reflects your love and commitment to each other. By considering your personal style and relationship, and by including all the essential details, you can create a beautiful and meaningful wedding program that will serve as a lasting reminder of your special day.
| Traditional Approach | Modern Approach |
|---|---|
| The bride’s name is listed first, followed by the groom’s name. | Couples may choose to list their names in alphabetical order, or to use a joint title. |
| Example: “[Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name] request the honor of your presence” | Example: “Together with their families, [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name] invite you to join them” |
By considering these approaches and tips, you can create a wedding program that truly reflects your love and commitment to each other.
Whose Name Goes First on a Wedding Program?
The order of names on a wedding program typically follows the traditional format of the bride’s name first, followed by the groom’s name. This is because historically, the bride’s family was considered the host of the wedding, and their name was listed first as a sign of respect. However, in modern times, many couples choose to list their names in alphabetical order or in the order that they prefer.
Ultimately, the decision of whose name goes first on a wedding program is up to the couple. Some couples may choose to follow tradition, while others may prefer a more modern approach. It’s also worth noting that the order of names on the wedding program may not necessarily reflect the order of names on other wedding materials, such as the invitation or the wedding cake.
Is There a Specific Format for Listing Names on a Wedding Program?
There is no one “right” way to list names on a wedding program, but there are a few common formats that are often used. One popular format is to list the bride’s name first, followed by the groom’s name, with the phrase “request the honor of your presence” or “invite you to join them” in between. Another format is to list the couple’s names together, with the phrase “together with their families” or “and their families” included.
Regardless of the format chosen, it’s generally a good idea to include the couple’s names, the date and location of the wedding, and the names of the wedding party and their roles. The program should also include the order of events for the ceremony and any other relevant details.
What If the Bride and Groom Have Different Last Names?
If the bride and groom have different last names, it’s generally acceptable to list both names on the wedding program. One common way to do this is to list the bride’s name first, followed by the groom’s name, with both last names included. For example, “Emily Johnson and Michael Davis request the honor of your presence…” Another option is to list the couple’s names together, with both last names included, such as “Emily Johnson and Michael Davis, together with their families…”
It’s also worth noting that some couples may choose to hyphenate their last names or use a combination of both last names. In this case, the wedding program can reflect the couple’s chosen last name.
Can We Include the Names of Our Parents on the Wedding Program?
Yes, it’s common to include the names of the bride and groom’s parents on the wedding program, especially if they are hosting the wedding or playing a significant role in the ceremony. This can be done by listing the parents’ names at the top of the program, followed by the couple’s names. For example, “Mr. and Mrs. John Smith and Mr. and Mrs. Michael Johnson request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their children…”
Including the names of the parents on the wedding program is a nice way to honor them and acknowledge their role in the wedding.
What If We’re Having a Non-Traditional Wedding?
If you’re having a non-traditional wedding, you may want to consider a non-traditional format for your wedding program. For example, you could list your names in a non-traditional order, or include a personal message or quote on the program. You could also include the names of your wedding party and their roles in a non-traditional way.
Ultimately, the format of your wedding program should reflect the tone and style of your wedding. If you’re having a non-traditional wedding, your program should reflect that.
Can We Include a Personal Message on the Wedding Program?
Yes, it’s a great idea to include a personal message on the wedding program. This could be a quote that is meaningful to the couple, a message of thanks to their guests, or a personal message to each other. Including a personal message on the wedding program is a nice way to make the program more personal and meaningful.
You could also include a photo or other personal element on the program to make it more special.
How Do We Decide on the Wording for the Wedding Program?
The wording for the wedding program should reflect the tone and style of the wedding. You could use formal language, such as “request the honor of your presence,” or more casual language, such as “invite you to join us.” You should also consider the format of the program and the order of events for the ceremony.
It’s a good idea to work with a wedding planner or stationer to decide on the wording for the wedding program. They can help you choose language that is consistent with the tone and style of your wedding.