Make your wedding program unique!

Wedding programs are becoming increasingly popular, and brides are thinking up different ways to personalize them and make them unique for their guests' enjoyment.

Programs typically contain the bride and groom's names, the date, location, names of the wedding party, order and elements of the ceremony (unity candle, vows, etc), music, any other principals in the wedding, and thanks.

There are a number of other ways you can personalize your programs:

Rather than including only the names of your bridesmaids or grooms, also include how you met them and their role in your relationship (for example, if you met through one of your groomsmen, or a bridesmaid who supported you through your long distance relationship).

Include what the bride's "something old, new, borrowed and blue" are. For instance, if a bride is wearing a bracelet her grandmother gave to her, or if the wedding gown was her mother's.

If you are getting married in a significant location, explain it in the program. Maybe you and your groom met there, or had your first date there, etc. Even if the location isn't directly significant to your relationship, but has an interesting history, that can also be included.

Include a short explanation of how the bride and groom met, and the proposal story.

Include the lyrics to your first dance song and why it was chosen.

Explain the meaning and symbolism of parts of the ceremony, such as a huppah or breaking of the glass in a Jewish ceremony, or the veil and cord in a Catholic ceremony.

Don't think that you have to stick to a traditional two or tri-fold program. You can make it a few pages, or even a small booklet! You can add a beautiful touch by punching two holes down the fold, threading ribbon through, and tying it into a bow.

Include a wedding blessing significant to your heritage, such as an Irish blessing, or one in Spanish and translated.

Some programs now contain a photo of the bride and groom, sometimes drawn by an artistic friend. Perhaps a black and white version of a photo can be printed on a vellum overlay to the program.

Type out the text of readings or song lyrics.

If you have a theme, let the program play out in it also. If you have a fairytale theme, put a castle on the front. If you are have a dove theme and release, explain its significance.

Scatter love quotes throughout the program.Include poem from the bride to the groom and vice versa.

Include a special dedication to deceased family, such as grandparents.

Lastly, it is always nice to thank all the people who helped you in the wedding, and don't forget to thank the guests for sharing this special day with you! By using your programs as yet another way to personalize your wedding, guests will be sure to appreciate the personal touch.

JUST A MOM? (borrowed from a myspace bulletin)

JUST A MOM?

A woman, renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk 's office was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation.

She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself. "What I mean is," explained the recorder, "do you have a job or are you just a......?"

"Of course I have a job," snapped the woman. "I'm a Mom."

"We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation, 'housewife' covers it," said the recorder emphatically.

I forgot all about her story until one day I found myse! lf in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall. The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient and possessed of a high sounding title like, "Official Interrogator" or "Town Registrar."

"What is your occupation?" she probed. What made me say it? I do not know. The words simply popped out. "I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations." The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and looked up as though she had not heard right. I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written, in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.

"Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest, "just what you do in your field?" Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply, "I have a continuing program of research, (what mother doesn't) in the laboratory and in the field, (normally I would have said indoors and out). I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family) and already have four credits (all daughters). Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities, (any mother care to disagree?) and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it) But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money."

There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she completed the form, stood up and personally ushered me to the door. As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3. Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model, (a 6 month old baby) in the child development program, testing out a new vocal pattern. I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy! And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than "just another Mom." Motherhood! What a glorious career! Especially when there's a title on the door.

Does this make grandmothers "Senior Research associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations" and great grandmothers "Executive Senior Research Associates"? I think so!!!

I also think it makes Aunts "Associate Research Assistants".

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CRAFTY...Jodie