Wording > Order of Service Wording

Orders of Service sheets provide guests with a program of the ceremony if you are getting married in a church or other religious establishment. They can also be used for civil ceremony marriages but it is worthwhile checking with the minister beforehand because some are not happy with the title Order of Service used at a non religious venue. Under these circumstances you may find it more appropriate to have an Order of the Day card.

> Typeface
All our Order of Service designs have a fixed standard typeface (similar to the text on this page) for the body of the service text. However the title page ( the part has the venue and bridal couples names) can often be printed in a typeface to match the rest of the stationery. This is often no bad thing because you will want your guests to be able to read your service clearly. You do not want any excuses for your friends and family not to be singing the hymns at the top of their voices. In fact, you will find most vicars will insist on a clear to read order of service booklet. Because the thermographic printing process used to produce raised ink has a heating process it is not possible to print on both sides of a piece of paper. Raised ink printing is therefore not possible for any insert inside the Order of Service.

> Length of Service
For most standard Church of England ceremonies your Order of Service wording will fit on a single folded insert printed both sides. The insert is then stapled or glued to the outer cover of your chosen design. If your service requires an extra insert (making 8 printed sides) an additional fee usually applies to cover the extra proofing and printing involved. Some of the classic printed designs often make use of the card cover itself to print the title page of the service (often in raised ink). This allows an extra page inside for the body of the service and can make this style of card very economical.

> Hymns
In order to help you choose the hymns for your wedding we have compiled a selection of those most frequently requested. These can be selected during the ordering process to save you having to type the full wording. We will print all wording when we send you your Order of Service proof. The hymns we have selected are without copyright but if choosing your own hymn than you are requested to obtain permission from the copyright holders.

> Example Order of Service
A basic Order of Service layout is shown below. There are other popular choices for the Processional (Bride's Entrance music), Rescessional (exit of the bride and groom) and Interlude (music whilst signing the register) are shown underneath. The best guidance you can get is to talk to your vicar or religious minister who will usually be able to provide you with example Order of Service sheets and give you guidance on choice of hymns. This last point is particularly important because most hymns have different versions and verse numbers so its a good idea to follow the version that the Church organist or musician is familiar with.