Well, it depends on how much of a detailed program you want to have. You can have a simple program that lists the bridal party and order of the Mass (or the Marriage Rite if there is no Mass). In that case you can print on 8.5 x 5 (8.5 X 11 piece of paper turned landscape, printed two per page, and trimmed) or on tea length (9 x 11 trimmed). You can use some cardstock, decorative paper, rubber stamps, embossing, vellum, ribbon, etc, to make them.
Or you can have a more detailed program with all the readings, responses, prayers, songs, etc. You can take 8.5 x 11 paper, turn it landscape, print two pages per page in a booklet form, and then fold.
My program was very detailed. I created it in Microsoft Publisher. But, you could use Microsoft Word and use the “booklet” feature. After creating them (it was about 12 pages when folded into a booklet) I covered it with cardstock and use stretch loops I bought
here at Papermart to hold it together. I had them printed at Kinko’s and assembled them myself.
You can view some templates at
www.catholicbrides.com. They sell wedding programs, but they have some templates you can look at. You could also order from the, but I have no idea of their prices. It’s likely much cheaper to do yourself.
Another great source is the Knot member “Catholic_Bride.” She was getting married about when I did, and in her Bio she posted an EXTENSIVE list of everything Catholic. She has the order of the Rite in and outside Mass listed. Here’s her
bio link.
Lastly, the couple should get some sort of info from their priest regarding the ceremony, and if they don’t I recommend purchasing Together For Life by Fr. Joseph Champlin. There’s a version for a wedding in the Mass and a version for the wedding outside Mass. It goes over all the readings, prayer choices, vow choices, etc. You can get the booklet from
Amazon.com, it’s only $3.50.
Here’s what my programs looked like on the outside:
img383.imageshack.us/img383/4571/programcloseupqc2.jpg