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Invitations and stationery · Order of service, menus and place cards

What is the inside layout of a wedding order of service?

Answered by the UK Wedding Websites editorial team · Updated 2026-10-12 · For the bridal party

Short answer

The inside layout follows the ceremony in order. Start with the entrance and welcome, then the readings, hymns or songs, vows or promises, rings, prayers or blessings, and the pronouncement. Finish with the signing and the recessional. Each part gets a line or two, with names where relevant.

Your order of service is a running sheet for the ceremony, so the inside pages should mirror exactly what will happen. Begin with the entrance, often called the processional, and note who walks in, for example the couple, parents, or bridal party. Then list the welcome or opening words, and the first reading if there is one. If you have a hymn or song, put the title and the first line, so guests can join in.

Next come the vows or promises, the exchange of rings, and any prayers, blessings, or symbolic acts like lighting a candle. Then the pronouncement, where the celebrant or registrar declares you married. After that, the signing of the marriage schedule or register, which is usually a quiet moment, so you might add a short piece of music here. Finally, the recessional, where you walk back down the aisle, often with a closing song.

For each item, keep the wording brief. You do not need to print the full text of a reading, just the title and the reader's name. For hymns, include the verse numbers if your venue uses hymn books. Leave space for the celebrant's name and the date at the top. The layout should be easy to follow, with clear headings like 'Welcome', 'Reading', and 'Signing'. Use page numbers if the service is long. The aim is to help guests feel included, whether they know the service or not.

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