How to create your own DIY wedding order of service 

Wedding planning isn’t easy. You’ve got 101 things to think about, and that’s even before you’ve started to create your order of service. But it shouldn’t be stressful; it should be special. 

An order of service should be exceptional, which is why so many couples choose to tackle their own. Because while it’s great to have a designer’s help, nothing beats the personal touches when it comes to planning the most intimate moments of your ceremony. 

But if you’re lost for ideas on how to bring your wedding order of service together, if you’re a little stuck on what you should include or how it should look, then don’t panic. You’re not on your own. From save-the-date cards to RSVPs, we help people craft everything they need to host their dream wedding. 

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the process of creating your own breathtaking DIY wedding order of service, from choosing the right layout to adding meaningful touches that reflect your story. Let’s dive in. 

What is an order of service at a wedding? 

If you’ve been to a wedding, then you’ve most likely seen, held and read an order of service. It will typically be a printed programme that you’ll pick up on your way into the venue, or that will be placed on your seat when you arrive. 

Your order of service is a guide that details what will be happening in your wedding ceremony – it breaks down every part of the ceremony, from the arrival of the guests to the departure of the newly-weds and everything in between. 

While it’s not essential, it’s incredibly useful. But why do you need one? 

Why do you need an order of service for a wedding? 

An order of service is a must when it comes to a wedding, but why do you need one at all? Well… 

What information do you need to include in your wedding order of service? 

While there are no hard and fast rules for what to include in your wedding order of service – and every couple is different – there are a few general things to remember that can make your life much easier when it comes to creating your order of service. 

So, let’s take a look at some key elements for your... 

Front cover: 

Inner pages: 

Back cover: 

Top Tips for Creating Your Own DIY Wedding Order of Service 

If you include the above information in your wedding order of service, then you can’t really go wrong. But it’s not just the content that makes the order of service. Content, design, aesthetic, layout, and more all come together to create the perfect guide for your ceremony. So how can you get it all right? Here are our top tips for creating your own DIY wedding order of service. 

The theme and design of your wedding order of service should reflect your wedding’s overall aesthetic. While it’s not always easy to match a font with the feeling of your celebration, it is easy enough to embrace a theme.  

Whether it’s rustic, modern, vintage, or traditional, make sure the design aligns with the mood you want to convey. Consider your wedding’s style and formality when choosing the layout. A formal church wedding might call for a more traditional, elegant booklet, while a relaxed outdoor ceremony could suit a simple and modern design.  

Tip: You’re not expected to come up with it all yourself – browse Pinterest or search online for inspiration. When you see something you like, save the image and try to write a note summarising why you like it and why it could fit your DIY wedding order of service. This can serve as inspiration for your own order of service. 

We’ve already noted a typical page breakdown above, but these aren’t hard and fast rules. When it comes to essential information, you’ll need… 

Tip: Get your essential information finalised as early as possible. This allows for your timings and details to flex and change well ahead of anything going to print or pen being put to paper. 

Layout is key when it comes to formatting your DIY order of service, and not everyone’s taste or needs are the same. While some couples may prefer the classic A5 layout, others – opting for a smaller, quieter ceremony – may not have enough information to fill that space and may choose a single page instead. It really comes down to preference and how much information you need to feature. 

Tip: Try drawing your layout on a simple piece of A4 paper or card. Rather than guessing how much space you’ll have, this will give you a more accurate representation of how your wedding order of service will look. 

Too crammed? Try adding another sheet of paper and spreading your information out. Too much space? Add some decorative design. 

Once you have your theme nailed down and your information finalised, you’ll need to consider the materials that will make up your DIY order of service. And there’s a lot to choose from. You’ll need to decide on… 

You’re nearly there. You have everything you need to create your own DIY wedding order of service; now all there is to do is the final checks. Once you’re happy with your final plan, it’s time to put pen to paper. 

Tip: Read and reread your wedding order of service. Check that your grammar and spelling are correct, and make sure your timings are spot on – you’re almost at the point of no return. 

Do you need help crafting your own wedding order of service? 

So, there you have it – our top tips on how to create your own DIY order of service. Hopefully, now you can see just how simple it can be to create your own beautifully bespoke order of service. 

At Paperbox, we help people find the materials they need to create their dream wedding stationery, from invitations to orders of service and everything in between. If you need help finding the right envelope, card, or other craft materials to make your wedding day even more special, don’t hesitate to get in touch today.