How to Write your Order of Service

Hello, I am Amanda from Southern Bride and today I’m going to share some tips and tricks for writing your wedding’s Order of Service.  

What is an Order of Service?

The Order of Service is a list of the structure of your wedding ceremony, handed to guests as they arrive.  These programmes help guests know what to expect during your wedding ceremony.  They also make a nice keepsake for guests too.

This piece of wedding stationery is optional, but it’s a good idea to have one, especially if you’re having a religious ceremony. That’s because for many, the traditions of the church will be unfamiliar, and generally hymns will be sung – so you’ll need the words so guests can sing along.

If you’re debating what information to include, remember it is primarily a guide for your guests to know what to expect, so include the information that will be helpful and practical to them. The Order of Service is also a good opportunity to convey your wishes with regards to photography of the ceremony and sharing images on social media.

Your Order of Service can take the form of a flat piece of paper, a folded booklet, a poster board, or it can even double as a fan! The information you want to include, and the budget you’ve got, will dictate what you opt to do. Check out ideas on Pinterest or the photos on this page, and see what other couples have done.

What should you include in your Order of Service?

When figuring out what to include in your Order of Service, remember you’re listing the different stages of the wedding ceremony. So you’ll need to wait till you’ve finalised the ceremony before writing your Order of Service. You should also consult your wedding celebrant, minister or officiant – send them a draft before you print them off.  Here’s what you’d include for a religious ceremony:

Traditional Religious Order of Service

Front Page/First Section:

• Welcome to the wedding of (couple’s names)
• Include the date, time and venue

Second Page/Main Section:

• Prelude (indicate song name, and artist if prerecorded)
• Processional (indicate song name, and artist if prerecorded)
• Welcome/Introduction
• Statement of Marriage
• Readings
• Hymn Name
• Vows
• Signing of the Register
• Presentation as Husband and Wife
• Prayer
• Recessional (indicate song name, and artist if prerecorded)

Third Page: Include lyrics to Hymn(s)

This section is pretty self-explanatory. Include the lyrics to any hymns being sung, so your guests can sing along.

Last Section: Bridal Party

Include:

• Bridesmaids
• Groomsmen
• Any junior attendants
• Ushers
• Minister
• Pianist
• MC

Extra information if you have space:

• Write a brief explanation on what’s happening after the service – for example mention if a group photo is being taken
• If you have any special requests for social media – i.e. if you want guests to refrain from posting pictures

Civil Order of Service

If you are getting married outside of the Church with a celebrant, your Order of Service will not need to cover things like hymns or prayers. I’ve listed a more informal structure you can use below:

First Section:

• Welcome to the wedding of (couple’s names)
• Include the date, time and venue

Second Page/Main Section:

• Welcome/Introduction
• Statement of Marriage
• Readings
• Vows
• Signing of the Register
• Presentation as Married Couple
• Recessional

Last Section: Bridal Party

Include:

• Bridesmaids
• Groomsmen
• Any junior attendants
• Ushers
• Celebrant
• MC

Extra information if you have space:

• Write a brief explanation on what’s happening after the service – for example mention if a group photo is being taken
• If you have any special requests for social media – i.e. if you want guests to refrain from posting pictures

If you’re struggling with the wording or layout of your Order of Service, you can download a free template here.  If you have any questions, feel free to comment below and I’ll do my best to help. Good luck!