Planning your wedding ceremony? Whether it’s religious, civil, or humanist, a wedding order of service is the key to guiding your guests through your special day. From entrance music to the final blessing, a well-structured order of service ensures everyone knows what’s happening and when. In this guide, we’ll cover:
- What a wedding order of service is
- What to include (religious and non-religious)
- Wording examples
- Templates & design tips
- When and how to print it
- Free downloadable templates
Let’s make sure your ceremony flows beautifully from start to finish.
What Is a Wedding Order of Service?
Consider this as a road map for your ceremony. An order of service for a wedding is a printed booklet or card that gently walks your guests through the proceedings—from your arrival to your exit as a married couple.
It includes key details like:
- Order of events: A simple breakdown of the ceremony, so guests don’t have to figure out when they need to stand, sit, or clap.
- Music or hymn lyrics: Including lyrics allows everyone to sing along (or hum confidently), even if they have never heard the song before.
- Readings and readers: This is a beautiful way to highlight amazing readings—and the special people you have chosen to share them.
- Personal messages, dedications, and thank yous: A small word of love or thanks adds heart to your wedding ceremony and makes guests feel truly appreciated.
It’s also a beautiful keepsake that friends and family will hold onto long after your “I dos.”
Do we really need one?
Not always—but here’s when it’s a great idea:
- You are holding a religious or interfaith celebration.
- Your guests may be unfamiliar with the format and traditions.
- You’re including many readings, songs, or rituals.
- You appreciate thoughtful details (and keepsakes!)
It makes guests feel more included and less awkward during things like hymns or cultural traditions. And, in fact, it’s a great way to add a personal touch.
What Should You Include?
Here’s a quick checklist on what usually goes inside:
For a Church or Religious Ceremony:
- Your names, date, venue: Sets the scene with the couple’s names, wedding date, and location on the front cover.
- A welcome message: A short note to greet guests and introduce the ceremony.
- The entrance (who walks down the aisle): Marks the beginning of the ceremony and who makes their entrance first.
- Hymns or songs (with lyrics): Includes lyrics, so guests can follow or sing along easily.
- Readings (and who’s reading them): Lists meaningful passages and the loved ones chosen to read them.
- The sermon or address: A few words from your officiant, often sharing reflections on love and marriage.
- Wedding vows: The moment you exchange your heartfelt promises to each other.
For a Civil or Non-Religious Ceremony:
- Your names, date, venue: Printed on the front to introduce your ceremony and mark the occasion.
- A welcome or intro: A brief message to greet guests and set the tone for the celebration.
- Music (entrance, during, and exit): Highlights your chosen songs to create mood and mark key moments.
- Readings or poems: Personal or meaningful passages read aloud by friends or family.
- Your vows: Exchanging your spoken promises to one another.
- Ring exchange: The symbolic act of giving and receiving wedding rings.
- Signing the register: The legal signing to make your marriage official.
- Optional: mention rituals, quotes, or guest dedications: Adds extra meaning with personal touches or acknowledgments.
For Multicultural or Interfaith Ceremonies:
- A warm welcome and short explanation of any cultural traditions
- The sequence of rituals
- Translations or meaning behind key parts
- Songs, prayers, and who is involved in each part
Real Order of Service Example for a Wedding
Free Order of Service Templates You Can Use
We understand how special your wedding day is, and the little details, such as your order of service, are important. That’s why we’ve created hundreds of beautiful templates to help you find one that truly feels like you.
Whether your ceremony is in a church, a park, a registry office or somewhere completely unique, we’ve got designs to match every style:
- Soft and floral for the romantics
- Elegant and timeless for classic celebrations
- Traditional designs for religious ceremonies
- Outdoor weddings in a rustic and calm setting.
- Simple and modern for a clean, fresh look.
Top Tips to Make It Extra Special
Here’s what couples often tell us helped them most:
- Keep it clear: Use easy-to-read fonts and break things into sections
- Add personality: A quote, a message to guests, or a fun note about the music
- Include lyrics or readings: So guests can follow or join in
- Match your wedding vibe: Soft and romantic? Modern and bold? Let the design reflect that
- Use good quality paper: It makes all the difference and feels like a keepsake
- Proofread (then proofread again!): Ask someone else to double-check for typos
When Should You Print Your Order of Service?
Aim to have your design ready and printed 2–3 weeks before the big day. You’ll want to wait until the final song choices or readers are confirmed, but don’t leave it too last-minute.
Need them fast? We’ve got you. Our printing service can turn things around quickly—often in just 24–48 hours. Plus, every printed booklet comes with a free digital flip-book you can share with friends or family who couldn’t make it.
Your wedding order of service might be a small detail, but it has an incredible impact. It’s how your guests follow your story, sing your songs, and feel part of the love. Whether you want something simple or touching, modern or traditional—you can make it yours.