Eco Friendly Wedding Programs

Eco Friendly Printer prints custom wedding programs on recycled paper, cotton paper and plantable seed paper, using soy-based inks. A program tells guests the order of the ceremony and who is in the wedding party, and many guests keep it after the day. We print programs as flat cards, tea-length cards, folded programs, stapled booklets and fan programs, and we can match the paper and design to your invitations.

Program formats

• Flat cards printed on one or both sides, the simplest and most popular format
• Tea-length cards, a tall, narrow card that sits neatly on a chair or in a basket
• Folded programs, a single sheet folded in half to give four panels
• Booklets with several folded sheets stapled through the spine, for longer ceremonies
• Fan programs, a printed card attached to a handle, popular for outdoor and summer weddings

Wedding program sizes

The most common size is a 5 x 7 in flat card. Tea-length programs are usually 4 x 9 in, and folded programs and booklets are usually 5.5 x 8.5 in, which is a letter-size sheet folded in half. A letter-size sheet can also be folded in thirds. Our wedding program size guide covers every format, the paper weight that suits it and how many programs to print.

What to include in a wedding program

Most programs list your names, the date and the venue, followed by the order of ceremony: the processional, the welcome, readings, vows, the ring exchange, the pronouncement and the recessional. The next section names the wedding party, the officiant and the parents of the couple. Many couples add the words to readings or songs, a short note in memory of loved ones, and a thank you to guests with the reception time and location. A flat 5 x 7 in card holds the essentials. If you want readings, lyrics, translations or a longer welcome letter, a folded program or a booklet gives you more room.

Wedding program wording

Keep the wording short and clear, since guests usually read the program in the few minutes before the ceremony begins. Use a heading for each part of the ceremony and list names under their role, such as Maid of Honor or Best Man. A simple closing line works well, for example: "Thank you for celebrating with us today. Please join us for dinner and dancing at the reception." Send us your final text after the officiant has confirmed the order of ceremony, so names and readings do not change after the proof.

Paper and finishes

Flat cards, tea-length cards and fan programs are printed on 100 lb to 130 lb cover so they stay stiff in the hand. Folded programs and booklets are printed on 80 lb to 100 lb text or a light cover so they fold cleanly. Many couples use the same paper as their wedding invitations, including 110 lb cotton and felt-finish recycled cover. Recycled content ranges from 30% to 100% post-consumer waste depending on the stock. Letterpress and foil stamping are available for a more formal program. Our paper weight guide explains the difference between text and cover weights.

How the eco choices apply

Printing one program for each couple or household, rather than one per guest, reduces the quantity, since people who sit together often share. Add 10 to 15 extras for late arrivals and keepsakes. An uncoated recycled stock without lamination or glitter stays easy to recycle after the day. Plantable seed paper programs suit simple designs with bold type, and guests can plant them at home.

File setup

Set the document to the finished size and add 0.125 in of bleed if color runs to the edge. Keep text at least 0.25 in inside the trim, and further from the fold on folded programs. Booklet page counts need to be a multiple of four. Use the same fonts and colors as the rest of your suite so the pieces match.

How ordering works

Send your artwork or your program text, along with the format, size and quantity, through our quote form. We will confirm the paper and a price, and send a proof before anything is printed. Most orders are ready in one to two weeks from artwork approval. Tell us your wedding date when you request a quote.

Common questions about wedding programs

What size is a wedding program?

The most common size is a 5 x 7 inch flat card. Tea-length programs are 4 x 9 inches, and folded programs are usually 5.5 x 8.5 inches.

What should be included in a wedding program?

A wedding program usually includes your names, the date and venue, the order of ceremony and the wedding party. Readings, song lyrics, a note in memory of loved ones and a thank you to guests are optional.

How many wedding programs do I need?

Print one per guest, or one per couple or household, and add 10 to 15 extras.

What paper is best for wedding programs?

Use 100 lb to 130 lb cover for flat and tea-length cards, and 80 lb to 100 lb text or a light cover for folded programs and booklets.

Can wedding programs be printed on recycled paper?

Yes. We print wedding programs on recycled stocks with 30% to 100% post-consumer content, as well as on cotton and plantable seed paper.

• Flat, tea-length, folded, booklet and fan programs
• 5 x 7, 4 x 9 and 5.5 x 8.5 in sizes
• Recycled, cotton and plantable seed paper
• Matched to your invitation paper and design
• Letterpress and foil options
• Proof sent before printing