Writing an Amazing Interfaith Wedding Program
It is already common to see mixed faith ceremonies nowadays. After all, the difference in religion shouldn't hinder the union of two people in love. Despite this, creating an interfaith wedding program can still be a daunting task as there are still a few guides and options available when it comes to design, paper, and print. Not to mention the difficulty of blending two traditions into a single celebration of love.
Interfaith Wedding Program Ideas
Deciding what to write and include in your program is probably one of the most challenging tasks as it is highly dependent on you as a couple. Nonetheless, we are here to guide you throughout the journey of your interfaith wedding planning.
What is an interfaith wedding?
Commonly known as "mixed marriage," an interfaith wedding is the union between couples professing different religions. It is the blending of their religious customs and traditions into one celebration.
How do you write an interfaith wedding program?
- Find inspiration online
Having an idea of how other people are creating their own program can become a visual guide for knowing what to write and include. It always helps to have a sample on a print of what it may look like. Although you might find a lot of sources on the web, we highly suggest directly looking at vendors like us who offer and specialize in producing a design made to fit an interfaith marriage. To have highly customizable templates as a guide is what you should be looking for online.
- Take time to understand each other's faith and beliefs
An interfaith wedding involves intertwining two lives. Combining each other's religions and traditions can be overwhelming, as the differences between you two might result in not knowing which ones to incorporate on the big day. The bride and groom should have a conversation between them to know which ones are important.
Besides having a conversation, giving a chance to immerse in each other's faith, customs and traditions will provide both of you a better perspective on what you can add to your ceremony. During your wedding planning, schedule a visit to each other's families and learn from them. You can also attend a course or religious classes of your partner's faith. By doing so, you will show how much you respect one another and show how much you care and value your union.
- Get the help of a counselor or interfaith guide
As part of getting to know each other, it is always better to have an expert guide you. It is essential to discuss the differences and issues that may arise beforehand as this may affect the marriage, especially for interfaith couples.
Having a professional guide you on incorporating and blending will make it easier to plan your celebration effectively. In addition to that, they can also assist you beyond wedding planning. Family matters that may arise as you move on with life together can also be referred to these counselors. Discussions like these are essential before you tie the knot.
- Discuss what you've learned
This is when you'll finalize what you want to include in your interfaith wedding program. Now that you have all the information about each other's religion have an open conversation about which elements are most important. Listening to your opinions will unfold what is more important for the both of you. Once you've discussed this, you can already create an outline for your program and start thinking about how your print will come out.
- Find appropriate officiant/s
Your interfaith guide or counselor must have given you tips on looking for an officiant. It is crucial to seek a person who can conduct your ceremony where both sides of the family are comfortable and respected. This is why considering you should also consider the personality of your officiant.
Have someone trained in interfaith marriages as they understand the rituals of different faiths. You can also opt to have two officiants for each religion if you want to. It is also better to have your officiant explain to your guests the importance of each tradition, allowing them to participate in your special day fully. The additional information from your officiant can also be included in your program for your guests to have a handheld guide throughout your big day.
- Include your family members during the planning
An interfaith blending of two families can be complicated and can result in a misunderstanding on both parts if not appropriately addressed. This is why it is essential to include family members during the planning. From deciding which ones should have a "role" and be listed on paper or not, making sure to have open communication from the start will make the process easier. If both sides feel respected with their traditions and customs, everything will work out flawlessly.
- Plan the tradition, customs, and rituals
Create a timeline that will show the bigger picture of your day. This should be done with your interfaith counselor or guide, officiant, and your families as well. Working with everyone will help you seamlessly plan your entire celebration as everyone involved is already present during the planning. That way, they already know their "part" better.
- Incorporate as much as you can
You can incorporate as much as you can into your program. Remember to take into consideration everything you've discussed and finalized into what you want to write. From the steps, text, and descriptions of your rituals, include everything you want and have a multi-dimensional vendor create your program for you. All you have to do is discuss what you want to be written on your program, and we can recommend the best design and paper for it. Everything will be done with utmost care and consideration to both of your religions.
- Enjoy the process
Creating an interfaith wedding program may seem like an immense task, but it is also a great time for you as a couple to be able to see each other in a brighter light. Although you might know each other for so long now, this experience will turn your relationship deeply rooted in terms of your faith and beliefs. Trust the process and enjoy every bit of it!
In addition to that, creating an interfaith wedding program shouldn't be that stressful with the right team to create it for you! You can get our free sample kit to see our lovely programs designed by artists. They can be completely personalized for your interfaith celebration!