How Many Wedding Programs to Order, Plus Answers to FAQs
Planning a wedding is like piecing together a beautiful (and slightly chaotic) puzzle, with countless details vying for your attention. Amidst the big decisions like picking the venue or choosing the perfect dress, smaller details sometimes fly under the radar—like the surprisingly tricky question of: "How many wedding programs to order?" While they might not be the star of the show, wedding programs can play a key role, blending function and flair in a way that keeps your guests informed and engaged.
Wedding programs are printed guides that outline the wedding ceremony order, highlight the key participants and often include personal touches that make your ceremony uniquely yours. "Programs are more than just informative sheets—they're a chance to infuse personality into your big day," explains Amy Abbott, owner and creative director of Amy Abbott Events in Los Cabos, Mexico. "Whether you're honoring cherished traditions or hosting a modern multi-part ceremony, programs ensure guests stay in the loop and fully enjoy the experience. From listing the wedding party to explaining cultural rituals, a thoughtfully designed program adds depth and meaning to your ceremony. Plus, they make a lovely keepsake for you and your guests."
In this guide, we'll dive into everything you need to know about wedding programs. From how many to order, when to order them and whether you really need one for every guest, we've got all your questions covered.
In this article:
- Do You Need Wedding Programs?
- How Many Wedding Programs to Order?
- How Much Do Wedding Programs Cost?
- When Should You Order Wedding Programs?
- Who Hands Out Programs at a Wedding?
Do You Need Wedding Programs?
While not mandatory, wedding programs are an excellent way to enhance guest engagement and add a thoughtful touch. They can also serve as a creative outlet to showcase your personality, share fun facts about your wedding party or explain cultural or religious elements of your ceremony. "We always tell our couples that programs are completely optional," says Jamie Kramer of Jamie Kramer Events based in DC. "Some opt out due to cost, and others opt out because they don't feel it's necessary."
How Many Wedding Programs to Order?
The short answer: it depends. If you're hosting a smaller, more intimate wedding, ordering one program per guest can feel personal and considerate. For larger weddings, however, aiming for a shared program per household is often more economical.
Do You Need a Wedding Program for Each Guest?
"A good rule of thumb is one program per household or couple, plus a few extras for keepsakes or late-minute additions," Abbott says. "However, if your venue has multiple entrances or is outdoors (hello, runaway programs in the wind!), it's wise to print a bit more."
How Much Do Wedding Programs Cost?
Like most wedding-related line items, the pricing of wedding programs can vary based on several factors: One of the first questions to ask is if you're down for DIY wedding programs or prefer to hire someone for a professional design. "The costs associated with the program start from designing the look and layout," explains Jumi Aluko of Dunni Weddings + Events in Los Angeles. "If the couple is creative and knows what they're looking for, this can easily be designed and formatted at home using a program like Canva. If not, the couple can hire a graphic designer or they can find pre-made templates to customize." Of course, the second option is more costly. Another cost Aluko says should be considered when factoring how much it will cost per piece is how many sides the program will be and the type of paper it will be printed on. Multi-fold, double-sided printing or heavy card stock paper will be more costly.
To get a better sense of wedding program costs based on your location, The Knot Budget Advisor is a great resource for estimating prices in your area.
Kramer also suggests a more modern, budget-friendly wedding program idea: "Another fun option is to create a QR code for guests to scan on their way in and pull up a digital program," she says. "Depending on where the program lives online, this can be an almost free option! … All you need to do is create a free QR code online, and print out a sign to pop in a frame or put onto a board on an easel."
Where Can I Order Wedding Programs?
For a seamless experience, consider ordering wedding programs that match the rest of your invitation suite and wedding website. The Knot Paper offers a great selection for this, and you can easily integrate it into your overall wedding planning by starting your wedding website in just a few clicks. With matching designs for invitations, programs and websites, it's a convenient way to keep everything cohesive.
What Size Are Wedding Programs?
"Wedding programs come in all shapes and sizes to suit your style and needs," Abbott says. Popular options include single-page flat cards for a simple solution, folded booklets for detailed ceremonies or fan-style programs, "a lifesaver for sunny outdoor events," Abbot says. Choose the format that best matches your ceremony's complexity and vibe.
Kramer adds, "We typically recommend programs be either in a basket or tray at the entrance to the ceremony, handed out by someone special to you, or placed on each guest's seat. That said, something that is large enough to read but small enough to be handheld is important." Some common sizes are 5.5" by 8.5" as a folded card or you can do a single or double-sided taller program for a sleek look at 3.65" x 9".
When Should You Order Wedding Programs?
The ideal time to order wedding programs to ensure timely delivery is when you get your final guest count. According to Aluko, you should aim to get the final guest count three to four weeks before the wedding day and as soon as you have that, you should be putting in the order for the programs. "This means you should have your design and layout finalized (including any detailed specs with the printer) so that when you're ready to print, it's just a matter of placing the order versus now starting to design," Aluko advises. Use a handy wedding ceremony program template to make sure you don't miss any important details.
Who Hands Out Programs at a Wedding?
Most of the experts agree that traditionally, wedding ushers hand out programs as guests arrive. "No ushers? No problem! Enlist a family member, friend or event coordinator to take on the task," Abbott says. "For an extra touch of elegance, programs can also be placed directly on each guest's seat—just make sure the weather is cooperating!"