Keeping Your Guests Informed On the Day

Whether you are having a civil or a religious ceremony, by providing your guests with an 'Order of Service', an 'Order of the Day' or a 'Wedding Programme', you can ensure everyone will know what to expect to help the day to flow smoothly.

From a simple service summary to a full programme, there are a range of design options- scrolls, a single sheet of card, a booklet, information on a fan… the list is endless and all are great ways to fit in with your wedding style and personalise your ceremony.

They can help your guests follow the ceremony, understand cultural traditions and also become familiar with your bridal party; they serve as a wonderful keepsake too.

When greeting guests your ushers can hand these out, or try placing them on the back of each chair. This is a pretty way to display them whilst adding a touch of color to your ceremony decor.

The content can be as brief or extensive as you’d like, here is a general guideline of what can be included:

The cover Both of your names Ceremony venue Date Wedding Party Both sets of parents Best Man Chief Bridesmaid Ushers Bridesmaids Readers Musician The Ceremony Songs – list the titles and singer / composer listed Readings (mention titles) Order for vows, exchange of the rings and pronouncement Optional Inserts Explanation of traditions (religious, cultural, family, etc.) Thank you message Schedule of the day Table seating plan Wedding breakfast menu

Picture credits: 1- Jenifer Carrol, 2- Cherry Gorgeous, 3- reader contribution

DIY: Paper Flower Escort Cards / Name Settings

Nella from www.lostmykitty.etsy.com has generously shared more of her creative DIY wisdom with us in the form of these delicate paper flowers to use as escort cards or name settings.

They are such a pretty decoration, I am planning on giving these a go over the weekend- would love to see yours if you try them to. Have fun! xxx

And over to Nella....

What you will need:

• Craft paper 4” square
• Fabric leaves 2”
• Skeleton Leaves 2”
• Adhesive Glue
• Scissors
• Needle and Thread

Instructions:

Step 1: Draw a spiral on a 4 inch square. I’ve used 90 weight paper purchased at Jarrold’s though regular coloured craft paper would work equally well.

Step 2: Cut out the spiral along the lines you’ve drawn. If you’re really clever, cut out the spiral freehand. It will keep you from hunting down an eraser as I forced my husband to do for me.

Step 3: Roll the spiral from the outside.

Step 4: Use a spot of adhesive to glue the body of the flower onto the round bit left.

Now you’re finished with the flower!

Step 5: Use a pencil to faintly write your guests’ names in a pretty cursive. I’ve used pen for emphasis and don’t forget the table number for escort cards.

Step 6: Follow the lines using small stitches. You could also use paper if you are not so keen on sewing.

Step 7: Attach the skeleton leaf and your personalised leaf to the flower.

Martha Stewart may be able to make 100 of these in 15 minutes but for us mere mortals make a party of it with a bottle of champagne and a few friends – nothing like the promise of food and a mimosa to corale some slave labour - or you can always contact me through Etsy (Nella, www.lostmykitty.etsy.com).