How to Create The Perfect Presbyterian Wedding Program and Plan Your Wedding Ceremony

Creating the perfect programs for your Presbyterian wedding service might be the last thing on your mind when you and your partner decide to tie the knot. It's undoubtedly not as exciting as deciding where to go for your honeymoon, picking out your wardrobe, or showing off your ring to all of your family and friends, but just as crucial. Don't worry, to keep you from getting bogged down in all of the details, we're here to help you craft a wedding program that'll ensure that everything goes off without a hitch on your wedding day.

Presbyterian weddings in the United States are generally performed as part of the two major Presbyterian denominations: the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) and the Presbyterian Church USA (PC USA). As a Christian sect, Presbyterian marriage ceremonies from the two major denominations have many broad similarities to other Christian marriages, such as including scripture readings, prayer, the lighting of a unity candle and being overseen by an officiating pastor. For the Presbyterian church, weddings are first and foremost a service of worship. It is important that couples tying the knot in the Presbyterian church celebrate their Christian life by deeply intertwining God and religious prayer into the wedding ceremony. Done properly, a Presbyterian wedding ceremony is a way for practicing couples to honor God's blessing over their union.

Depending on how modern or traditional you are hoping to go for your wedding, you may include as many or as few items in your wedding ceremony as you want. Keep in mind, however, that if you decide to get married in a Presbyterian church, you will probably have to run your program order by the church office and church wedding coordinator before you walk down the aisle.

What To Include in a Presbyterian Program?

• Church Building Name and Address
• Wedding Date and Time
• Couple's Names
• Wedding Party: This list may include: maid of honor, best man, bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, parents of the bride and groom, leaders of worship and officiant.
• Marriage Service
• Organ Prelude and Organist Name
• Processional
• Welcome and Statement of the Gift of Marriage
• Prayer
• The Consent
• Scripture Readings
• Homily
• Exchange of Vows and Rings
• Lighting of the Unity Candle
• Prayer of Thanksgiving
• Declaration of Marriage
• Benediction
• Recessional

Finish off your program with a note on the back cover and the couple's names listed one final time.

---

FOR YOU

19 Meaningful Vietnamese Wedding Traditions to Use

Show respect for these customs by learning more about them.

The Wedding Ceremony Processional Order, Explained

We've got expert-approved answers for different cultures and religions.

Nail Your Ring Exchange Wording: Examples to Use

Pledge your love and put a ring on it.

Now that you've nailed down your order of service and other ceremony details, it's time to figure out how to word your wedding program so that it reflects your day perfectly. When it comes to Presbyterian programs, consider taking this opportunity to include a personal message on the front and back cover of your program to make it your own. We suggest including a short intro at the beginning and a final note of gratitude at the end. This is also a great place to include whether or not your guests can engage in flash photography at your wedding. Pro-tip: A short note requesting attendees refrain from taking any photos may help your professional photographer or videographer get better shots of your special day.

For your front cover intro, it's best to keep it short and straight to the point, so your guests can quickly look forward to the ceremony. A few examples of what to say in a traditional Presbyterian wedding program intro are:

• I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine. (Song of Solomon 2:16)
• A good marriage is all about two people taking turns being strong for each other.
• A marriage that has God at the center will be able to overcome all hardships.

Your program intro is also a great space for a favorite Bible verse or as a place to thank specific family members.

While wrapping up your program, consider including a note of gratitude thanking your guests or particular family members for their support throughout your wedding planning. This is also a great place to include any information about your reception time and location to make sure your guests don't get lost on the way to the following party. A few examples of what to write for this section are:

• Dear Family and Friends: Thank you all for your continued love and support. We are so happy to share our special day with you before the presence of God. We would like to extend a special thanks to our parents for their help and guidance. We hope to see you at our wedding reception following the ceremony at [name and location of reception].

• Thank you for choosing to celebrate this day with us. We hope to enjoy many more wonderful days of celebration in the future and thank you all for making today so special. Your love and support mean the world to us. Please join us for a reception dinner and dance following the ceremony at [name and location of reception].

Many couples also consider including a section at the end of their program honoring those who can't be with them during their wedding, including the names of valued friends and family members who are no longer with them. This is a meaningful touch for those who recently lost someone close. Consider including something like:

• To those we've loved and lost who were unable to make it here today, [names]. We know you are here in spirit and are with us in our hearts every day.
• Floral arrangements placed on the altar are in remembrance of those who can't be here with us today. You are forever in our hearts.

Where to Buy Presbyterian Programs

Now that you have a handle on what exactly you should include in your programs and how best to word them, it's time for the fun stuff: picking out your perfect program style. If you're already exhausted from picking out your wedding invitations, save the dates and placement cards, don't stress. The Knot Invitations offers wedding programs that are completely customizable based on your needs and the ceremony you are planning. Whether you are looking for something traditional or a bit more modern, there are a ton of different options for you.