Regardless of what type of ceremony you’re having your Wedding order of service will be the trick to helping your big day run smoothly.
When it comes to Wedding stationery many couples think it starts with save the dates and ends with invitations and RSVPs however there’s lots of other bits to consider including place cards, menus and your order of service. However, when it comes to the order of service, it tends to be the one that is often left off the list as couples just don’t consider that they will necessarily need one.
Put simply your order of service is a step-by-step guide to not only how your ceremony will run but often also include details for the rest of the day’s events. Not only will it tell guests what they can expect and when, but it also provides helpful information on when guest participation is required for the likes of hymns and readings and also details key members of the wedding party for if you need to direct any questions to anybody without disturbing the bride and groom from their marital duties.
With the above in mind, we prefer to call it your ‘Order of the day’ and here’s our top tips on how to break it down and what is useful:
Order of the day – This is helpful to provide outlines for main timings of events in the day including:
- The Ceremony
- Drinks Reception
- Wedding Breakfast
- Speeches
- Evening Reception
- First Dance
Order of Service – This is helpful to provide more intricate details of the actual wedding ceremony including:
- Welcoming of Bridal Party/ Ceremony Time
- Readings and the details of who they will be by
- Hymns and accompanying words if guest participation is required
- Exchange of vows/rings
- Departure of the Wedding Party
The Wedding Party – We always think it’s helpful to include details of the Wedding Party as mentioned so any questions or assistance can be directed to them. It’s also traditionally a nice gesture to acknowledge their part in your big day. We would include:
- The Best Man
- Maid of Honour
- Ushers & Bridesmaids
- Flowers Girls & Page Boys
The styling of your ‘Order of the Day’ can very much be kept in the style of your other wedding stationary for consistency and can be as elaborate or stripped back as you desire. Some are styled as a booklet with the couple’s details, date and time of the wedding on the front and wedding party details on the back and some are simply a one-page format in a similar style to their menu. It really can be whatever you want it to be and there’s no need to overcomplicate it. Traditionally Ushers hand them out to guests as they enter the ceremony but again if you’re not including ushers in your day don’t worry, family members or friends can hand them out – we’re sure they’ll love to be given a job within your big day. Sometimes you can even ask staff at your wedding venue if they would be happy to do so.
When you book your wedding at Hyde Bank Farm, your experience starts with our wonderful wedding co-ordinator Mandy Blackhurst. Mandy has been helping guests experience the perfect day ever since Hyde Bank Farm opened its doors and she can help you with every aspect of planning to ensure that you can relax and enjoy your perfect day. We treat every wedding individually and our family run business gives personal attention to all your requests and requirements. We look forward to helping you to make your day special, memorable and beautiful.