How do you make a wedding order of service?

Begin by asking your officiant, registrar or venue coordinator for the exact running order of your ceremony. This is the backbone of your order of service, and it will vary depending on whether you are having a civil ceremony, a church wedding or a humanist ceremony. In England and Wales, civil ceremonies cannot include religious content, so check what the registrar allows. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, the rules differ, so confirm with your celebrant.

Once you have the order, write each section clearly. Use plain language that guests will understand. Include the processional, the entrance of the couple, any readings, hymns, songs, vows, ring exchange, legal declarations and the recessional. If you have chosen poems or non-religious readings, list the titles and the names of the readers. For hymns, include the hymn number if you are in a church, and print the full lyrics if you think guests may not know them.

Add a cover page with your names, the date and the venue. At the back, you can thank your families, your bridal party and your guests. You might also include a short note asking guests to switch off their phones. Keep the design simple and readable. Use a clear font and check all names and spellings twice. Ask your officiant to review the final draft before you send it to print.