What is a Wedding Order of Service & What Should You Include?
Whether you're having a religious wedding, civil ceremony or something more casual, here's everything you need to know about your order of service
We have included third party products to help you navigate and enjoy life’s biggest moments. Purchases made through links on this page may earn us a commission.
Your invitations aren’t the only bit of wedding stationery you’ll need for your big day. A wedding order of service is a great way of letting guests know what'll happen during your wedding ceremony - as well as making for lovely keepsakes!
Simply put, an order of service for a wedding is a booklet containing a step-by-step outline of how the ceremony will run. It helps your guests know how long the wedding will last and if there are any parts that require their participation, such as songs or prayers.
There are lots of other details you can include, too, such as the names of your wedding party and the celebrant. You could also include the names of the music you enter and leave the ceremony to, as well as any music played while you sign the register. You may like to start or finish the order of service with a favourite quote about love.
Many couples choose to personalise their order of service with their names and wedding date. You'll also find that there are some beautifully designed wedding orders of service to suit your style and colour scheme.
Of course, the wording will depend on what type of ceremony you're having. To help you get started, we’ve created a guide to the order of the ceremony for traditional Christian ceremonies and for a civil ceremony, and loads of order of service ideas for your wedding.
- What is an Order of Service for a Wedding & What to Include?
- How to Create an Order of Service: Modern vs. Traditional
- Order of Service Template for Civil Ceremonies
- Order of Service Template for Christian Wedding Ceremonies
- Guest Expectations: What Will They Use it For?
- Our Favourite Orders of Service for Weddings
- Orders of Service: Expert Tips
What Is an Order Of Service for a Wedding and What Needs to Be Included?
A wedding order of service is usually a short booklet or folded piece of card, but it can just be a printed A5 page if that’s what you’d prefer.
When your guests enter your venue, you can designate members of the wedding party to hand out the order of service as they direct guests to their seats. Alternatively, you could have orders of service just outside the entrance for guests to pick up, or put one on every seat ahead of the ceremony.
It doesn’t matter if it’s a religious service, a civil ceremony, a civil partnership or a non-religious blessing, an order of service is a really handy thing to have.
Some orders of service are very detailed and include the lyrics to hymns and the names of readings and poems, but you can choose to keep it simple with a very general outline of the day too. What you need to include are the key moments in the ceremony so that everyone understands what's happening.
Each ceremony will run differently so always check the details with whoever is carrying out the service before you send it to the printers.
It’s not necessary, but on the back page it’s nice to also include details of the reception and a list of everyone in the wedding party.
Here's a basic idea of what the four pages of your wedding programme will cover:
- Front Cover - Couple's names, wedding date and venue
- Inside Pages - Order of the wedding ceremony, plus hymn lyrics and readings
- Back Cover - Names of wedding party, thanks from couple, details of reception
So what will the general outline of the ceremony look like? Here's our guide:
How to Create an Order of Service: Modern vs. Traditional
Crafting a wedding order of service ensures your guests are informed and engaged throughout your big day. Whether you're leaning towards a timeless, traditional approach or adding a contemporary twist, here's a step-by-step guide to creating the perfect order of service for your wedding.
1. Cover Design
- Traditional: Opt for elegant paper, calligraphy-style fonts, and classic motifs like floral borders or monograms. A formal title such as "The Marriage of [Names]" sets the tone.
- Modern: Think minimalist design, bold typography, or vibrant splashes of color. Personalize with a playful title like "Our Big Day" or a custom illustration of the couple.
2. Welcome Message
- Traditional: A formal greeting, often with a spiritual or heartfelt touch, such as "Welcome to the marriage ceremony of [Names], celebrated in the presence of God and our loved ones."
- Modern: Keep it light and conversational, e.g., "We’re so glad you’re here to celebrate with us - let the party begin!"
3. Order of Events
Break down the ceremony into clear sections so guests know what to expect.
- Traditional: Include specific wording for formal rituals, like hymns, prayers, and vows. Use phrases such as "Entrance of the Bride," "Exchange of Rings," and "Signing of the Register."
- Modern: Simplify and add personality, e.g., "Walking Down the Aisle," "Love Vows," and "Champagne Cheers!"
4. Readings and Music
- Traditional: Specify classical or religious pieces, such as "1 Corinthians 13" or "Ave Maria." List titles and performers for a polished touch.
- Modern: Choose meaningful but contemporary options, like a favorite poem or lyrics from your go-to love song. Don’t be afraid to include Spotify-inspired details or a QR code for your playlist!
5. Thank You Section
- Traditional: Acknowledge family, friends, and spiritual leaders with formal phrasing, e.g., "We are deeply grateful to our parents, officiant, and everyone who has joined us."
- Modern: Add a personal flair - "Big love to Mum and Dad for their support, and to all of you for partying with us today!"
6. Optional Additions
- Traditional: List details about post-ceremony events, like the reception location and formal attire requirements.
- Modern: Include fun extras, such as hashtags for social media, playful illustrations, or even a timeline of the day’s festivities.
By balancing tradition with modern touches, your order of service will not only guide your guests but also reflect your unique wedding style.
Order of Service Template for Civil Ceremonies
Civil Wedding or Partnership Ceremony Order of Service
Civil ceremonies can take place at a registry office or licensed venue. They are not allowed to contain any religious references. A civil partnership follows a similar template, but there is no requirement to exchange vows. Here's a typical outline of the order of a civil ceremony:
- Welcome and Introductions
- Reading or Music (Optional)
- The Marriage Ceremony
- Reading or Music
- Signing of the Register
Order of Service Template for Christian Wedding Ceremonies
Church of England Wedding Ceremony Order of Service
There are four key elements to the Church of England wedding ceremony, and these are replicated in their own way in other denominations like Baptist and Methodist.
You can add hymns and readings throughout the ceremony, in consultation with the vicar in advance. There's no hard and fast rule for when these happen, but this gives you an idea of how to structure a Church of England wedding ceremony for your order of service:
- Processional
- Welcome
- Declaration and Vows
- Exchange of Rings
- Bible Reading
- Signing of the Register (If you're having a blessing of a civil ceremony, you can recreate the whole wedding up to this part when you won't sign as you already have.)
- Final Prayer and Blessing
- Hymn (Optional)
- Exit of Couple
Catholic Wedding Ceremony Order of Service
A Catholic wedding ceremony can include mass but doesn't need to. There is not much chance to personalise or change the order of the Catholic ceremony and it will be set out by your priest.
Here's a standard outline of a Catholic wedding ceremony:
- Entrance Rite
- Liturgy of the Word
- Gospel
- Homily
- Exchange of Vows
- Giving of Rings
- The Eucharist
- The Lord's Prayer
- Holy Communion
- Recessional
Guest Expectations: What Will They Use it For?
Guests will use the order of service as their go-to guide for the day. During the ceremony, it helps them follow along, whether it's joining in a hymn, knowing when to stand, or anticipating the next part of the proceedings. It also provides context for any traditions or rituals they might not be familiar with.
Beyond practicality, it’s a keepsake - something they can take home as a memento of your special day. For some guests, it’s a chance to spot their name in the thank-you section or admire the thought you’ve put into the design.
In short, it’s a blend of functional and personal, enhancing their experience of your wedding.
Our Favourite Orders of Service for Weddings
Orders of service can be printed in the same style as the rest of your wedding stationery so it coordinates, or you can choose something completely different.
Here are some of our favourite styles:
1. Floral & Foliage - Created by Magic
If you're into personalised wedding stationery designs, styles like this order of service wedding booklet by Created by Magic will be right up your street.
Floral wedding stationery is a timeless choice, and these soft watercolour designs are beautifully delicate and ideal for a spring celebration.
- Pricing: From £30
2. Gold Monogram - Just Joy Designs
Just Joy Designs is the perfect stationery designer for those wanting something a little more lux for their big day, like this rich gold monogram design.
Adding just the right amount of glamour to a seemingly simple style, it's perfect for couples incorporating metallics into their wedding palette - especially for a winter wedding!
- Pricing: From £1.95
3. Infographic Style - Love Invited
Couples who want something a little more modern will love this infographic-style order of service from Love Invited.
Complete with modern graphs, graphics and bold fonts, you can really bring your love story to life by using black and white pictures throughout to illustrate your order of service.
- Pricing: From £1.95
4. Dusty Blue - Created by Magic
Haven't found a way to incorporate your 'something blue' into your wedding day yet? If so, why not blend it into your wedding order of services with this pretty, cornflower blue design from Created by Magic.
Blue transgresses every season, making it a perfect choice for a wedding all-year-round.
- Pricing: From £30
5. Paddle Board Service - Boho Babe UK Studio
Boho Babe puts a fun, alternative spin on the classic order of service with this cute paddle style!
All the information that the guests could need is on there, illustrated with cute graphics and delicate fonts and completed with a gorgeous cream bow. What's not to love?
- Pricing: From £25
6. Autumnal Colours - Gettin' Hitched Rocks
If you're planning an autumnal celebration, consider this beautiful design from Gettin' Hitched Rocks. Composed of a soft, neutral background and decorated with burnt shades of orange, deep green and burnt pinks, it's the perfect way to set the tone of a post-summer wedding.
- Pricing: From £3.40
7. Gold Wax Seal - Wild Moon Stationery
Nothing elevates wedding stationery like a bespoke wax seal - and a gold one, too!
This bespoke design from Wild Moon Stationery boasts a beautiful, hand-painted design on rich paper, and tells the guests everything they need to know without subtracting from the elegance and richness of the order of service.
- Pricing: From £5
8. Yellow & Blue - Design Inspired by You
Not every couple dreams of the traditional pinks, creams and dusty hues for their wedding palette. And why should they, when there are so many other wonderful colours to incorporate into your special day like bright blue and sunshine yellow?
This gorgeous order of service design from Design Inspired by You is ideal for a summer wedding, as the bold colours and crisp finish will bring out the brightness of your big day.
- Pricing: From £1.20
9. Colourful Prints - Gettin' Hitched Rocks
If you're a lover of funky prints, bright colours and all things 'disco', then you'll love this bold and beautiful order of service design from Gettin' Hitched Rocks.
Fun and eye-catching, it's the perfect way to let guests know that their in for a whole load of fun on your big day.
- Pricing: From £3.40
10. Neutral Leaf - Gettin' Hitched Rocks
For minimalist couples looking for a neutral order of service that will work with every colour scheme, this design from Gettin' Hitched Rocks is the one for you.
Elegant and unfussy, it has a classic leaf design that will remain elegant for years to come.
- Pricing: From £3.40
Orders of Service: Expert Tips
Now that you've been inspired by our favourite orders of service, here are some final top tips to leave you feeling clued-up and confident when creating your very own.
Do You Need an Order of Service for a Wedding?
An order of service isn’t mandatory, but it’s incredibly helpful, especially for a structured ceremony. It guides guests through the day, ensuring they know what’s happening and when. For religious or traditional ceremonies, it’s a courteous way to include details about hymns, prayers, or readings.
For more relaxed weddings, it adds a personal touch and keeps things organised. Plus, it doubles as a lovely keepsake!
How Much Does it Cost to Print an Order of Service?
The cost varies depending on style, paper quality, and quantity. A simple DIY version could cost as little as £1 per booklet, while professionally printed, luxury designs can range from £3 to £10 each.
Consider your guest list size and budget before deciding. And remember - ordering in bulk often lowers the cost per piece, so it’s worth confirming your final guest count before printing.
What If You Change the Order of Service Last Minute?"
If there’s a last-minute tweak, don’t panic. For small changes, simply announce them before the ceremony begins - your guests will understand. If the changes are significant, like swapping readings or removing a section, consider printing a small insert or update slip to distribute with the original booklet.
For digital-savvy weddings, a QR code linking to an updated order of service is a modern, eco-friendly solution!
If you’re after more beautiful ideas for your wedding stationery, then check out our favourite botanical wedding designs or 1920s vintage wedding invite ideas.
