I think I whined enough these past few days, yes? Time for me to get. with. the. program.
The ceremony programs, that is! Har har har har.
Anyway, the programs have been one of those things on my to-do list from the start of wedding planning, but something that obviously needed to wait and be done closer to the end of it. I started seriously thinking about them about a month or two ago, and decided that they were something I just wanted to be done with at this point and have out of the way. It would be incredibly easy for me to wait until the week of the wedding to whip something up, but let’s get real. That will be one of the last things I’ll want to worry about next week! (Holy crap.)
But what exactly would these programs even look like?? While I’ve had lots of fun looking around and pinning inspiration pictures for the past two years, I kept being drawn back to the same three.
One was simple, but fun.
Image via Style Me Pretty Canada | Photo by Rebecca Amber Photography
The next was extremely colorful and had a light, whimsical feel to it.
Image via Every Last Detail | Photo by Caroline & Evan Photography
And the last one caught my eye because of the unique layout and fun little bridal people!
Via Etsy seller Blimp Cat
Since it was proving impossible to choose…I just kind of mushed them all together! I toyed around with Photoshop and Swift Publisher (which is basically Publisher for Mac) for a few hours, printed out about a bazillion things, cut out a bazillion things more, then taped and glued to my little heart’s delight. Wanna see the finished product?!
Shout out to Miss Wizard who unknowingly provided us with our reading!
The one thing I didn’t count on (read: was too dumb to realize) was that making a program with several different components meant that I would have to cut out several different components. I ended up making about 85 programs all together, but had to individually cut all the backings and each of the three adhered pages. My one saving grace is that the paper I used for the backing came double sided, so I didn’t have to worry about gluing two sheets together or something equally as time consuming. Needless to say, however, is that my paper cutter and I currently have a love/hate relationship.
At least they look cute!
If you had programs, did you DIY them? How long before the wedding did you have them done?
*all credited photos used with photographer’s permission
I love them! I really like the idea of including info about the bridal party.
Every day I feel more and more sure I want programs, the “weddingbee effect”.
I love those programs! The bright flowery paper is so pretty.
And hey, nice reading there 
I’m glad you guys are using it because we ultimately decided to nix all extra readings in our ceremony, because we didn’t really have anyone fitting to read them. So at least someone is using that one!
i love love them so personal share ur template plzzzzz (josephabbigail@gmail.com)
They look great! I worked on my programs and it just needed the final touches of the music selections. However, I decided recently the order of a few things were to change and I did not want to mess around with the program again, so I said “Screw it” and gave up on them! You did a really awesome job. 
So great! “Pinned” immediately. I’ve been working on mine already and they’re a lot less nice than this, but now I feel inspired to go bigger and do something a bit nicer… hmm….
Love them! We had a hard time printing our programs. I wanted to smash our printer like they did in “office space” But they all finally got printed and looked nice and pretty for our guests
these came out so cute!!! I’m a huge fan of programs that are unique and give lots of info because it gives guests something to read and gush over as they wait for the ceremony to start!!
I love your programs! They turned out really cute!
I had a horrible time with our programs… Mainly because my then FI wanted to do the fan style program that has different pages & are all held together with a ribbon. so I designed a template, printed 80 pages of each fan (4 fans total per program) and cut them all out. After assembling them he came home and decided he didn’t like them so I was back at square one. As annoyed as I was- he was right- the 2nd design I came up with (fan with a popicle stick) turned out much better and looked great on our wedding day.
Those are ADORABLE!!!! Perfect really, if you wouldnt mind perhaps sharing your template I would be forever grateful! lakelman@msn.com
Those are super cute, Miss Fox! Love all the bright colors!
Your programs are beautiful! I’m making a mental note to look into getting Swift Publisher for my Mac!
Thanks everyone!!
@Miss Toadstool: I totally get it.. the ‘Bee has definitely pushed me a bit more with some of my projects!
@Miss Wizard: Aw bummer. 
We’ll be representin’ for you! I love how the reading combines the whole love message with that of marriage equality – so perfect.
@fluffysimms & @lovefoundlinda: If you guys can bear with me.. I don’t really have a “template” seeing as I converted everything from text to one big image.. but if you give me a few days I’ll see what I can do!
@Karine86: That’s how my friend was a few weeks ago – it came to a point where it just didn’t matter anymore. I liked doing them ahead of time so I literally *can’t* change my mind anymore, lol!
@Chelsea: Aw yay! Girl, go with what you have. I’m just a crazy person, sometimes.. if I knew how much work they would be, I probably wouldn’t have done them, ha!
@Mrs. Castle: I was surprised at how well our printer held up.. sure, I had to go out and buy more paper and ink like three times.. at least there’s a Best Buy less than 5 minutes from us!
@Miss Beanstalk: Exactly! I wanted something that might keep people entertained for a hot minute.
@alicia1745: Oh no ( I’m so sorry you had to go through all that effort.. but hey, at least you were both happy in the end!
@priyathescientist: Do it! I think I use that program almost every day for something blogging or wedding related. Super easy to use!
Mrs. Fox, Washington DC/Havre de Grace, MD Age and Occupation: 26, Massage Therapist Fiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Field Support Engineer Engagement Date: April 18, 2010 Wedding Date: June 2012 Venue: Vandiver Inn About Me: I’m a dancer turned massage therapist who was born and raised in New York. Alas, true love has brought me “south” where I still maintain my penchants for pretty shoes, wine, crossword puzzles, cherry blossoms, and the Mets. I own more sunglasses than a normal person should and don’t eat red meat (though I make up for it by eating my weight in sushi). I tend to be a big planner who likes to get things started early, but generally end up being indecisive and procrastinating when it comes down to it. I have a (not so) secret crush on Chris Carrabba, but my loyalty and love ultimately goes to the future hubs, of course! Together, my Foxy man and I love to discuss (read: debate) politics and current events, have Mario Kart and Scrabble duels, and just laugh. A lot. We’re hoping and planning for a laid back, fun, summery, rustic vibe to our June wedding that will be genuinely “us” – that is, if we finally make some decisions. Huzzah!
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