Creating the ceremony booklet, the secrets of wedding graphics.
Ceremony booklets do not only refer to the traditional religious mass booklet. This graphic element has evolved over time, also involving civil and symbolic ceremonies.
Originally, the mass booklet allowed guests to follow the religious celebration, including readings, gospels, prayers and songs chosen by the bride and groom. Today, it is also used for civil and symbolic ceremonies, including readings, vows, witness speeches and more.
In addition to being a useful tool for following the ceremony, the booklet is also a special souvenir for guests and a decorative element for the celebration venue.
But is it compulsory to do the ceremony booklet?
No, absolutely not. However, making a personalised booklet can be a gesture appreciated by the guests, allowing them to better follow the function and learn about the bride and groom's choices.
Even if your ceremony is civil or symbolic, you do not have to do without a booklet. For a civil ceremony, you can create programmes describing the order of the day. If you have chosen a symbolic ceremony with a romantic text prepared by a celebrant, a personalised booklet will be a meaningful keepsake for everyone.
But how many booklets to print?
It is not necessary to print one for each guest. Usually, about 60% of the total number of guests is sufficient. There are some key participants of the ceremony who must have their own booklet:
- 1 for the celebrant
- 1 for each singer and musician
- 1 for each groom
- 1 to be left on the lectern, for readers
- 1 for each witness
- 1 for each seat in the first rows reserved for families
DIY ceremony booklets
At plumacreativa we offer two different services: you can decide to print only the cover or the complete booklet.
We always use the highest quality paper: 200 g cover and 95 g inside, always hammered paper so the colour of the whole booklet will be uniform.
Sometimes, for economic reasons or due to lack of time because it is very close to the wedding, there are couples who prefer to make the booklets themselves. Don't panic! Below I will leave you a step-by-step guide to explain how to print your own booklets correctly, even at home!
Step-by-step guide to creating your own booklets
In the link below you can download a correctly set up guide file
which you can customise with your names, readings and other data.
1. Set the document
Open your writing programme (e.g. Word / Pages / Google Doc). Set the page size to A5 (14.8 x 21 cm). This is very important, because 2 sheets per page will be printed; an A4 sheet folded in half results in an A5.
2. Write and format the text
Uses clear and legible fonts. Centre headings and adjust spacing between paragraphs.
3. Review
Have someone read the text for typing errors or misprints. Check that names and details are correct. It is very important to have the celebrant's approval, so send the booklet to him/her for the final OK.
4. Pages multiples of 4
The total number of pages in the booklet must be a multiple of 4. This is because you will take A4 sheets and print four pages per sheet, which will then be folded in half to make up the booklet.
Add pages with introductions, poems, quotations or acknowledgements to reach the necessary number, or know that there will be blank pages at the end to always respect this rule of 4.
Do not go beyond 28 inside pages because it would then be very difficult to bind. Including the cover (4 pages) the maximum number of pages is 32.
5. Print
Printer with automatic duplexing:
- 4-page booklet: 4,1,2,3
- 8-page booklet: 8,1,2,7,6,3,4,5
- 12-page booklet: 12,1,2,11,10,3,4,9,8,5,6,7
- 16-page booklet: 16,1,2,15,14,3,4,13,12,5,6,11,10,7,8,9
- 20-page booklet: 20,1,2,19,18,3,4,17,16,5,6,15,14,7,8,13,12,9,10,11
- 24-page booklet: 24,1,2,23,22,3,4,21,20,5,6,19,18,7,8,17,16,9,10,15,14,11,12,13
- 28-page booklet: 28,1,2,27,26,3,4,25,24,5,6,23,22,7,8,21,20,9,10,19,18,11,12,17,16,13,14,15
Printer without automatic duplexing:
- 4-page booklet: 4.1 then 2.3
- 8-page booklet: 8,1,6,3 then 2,7,4,5
- 12-page booklet: 12,1,10,3,8,5 then 2,11,4,9,6,7
- 16-page booklet: 16,1,14,3,12,5,10,7 then 2,15,4,13,6,11,8,9
- 20-page booklet: 20,1,18,3,16,5,14,7,12,9 then 2,19,4,17,6,15,8,13,10,11
- 24-page booklet: 24,1,22,3,20,5,18,7,16,9,14,11 then 2,23,4,21,6,19,8,17,10,15,12,13
- 28-page booklet: 28,1,26,3,24,5,22,7,20,9,18,11,16,13 then 2,27,4,25,6,23,8,21,10,19,12,17,14,15
Creating the cover
Set up a new A5 file for the cover. Create the design by including names, date and pictures, maintaining a style consistent with the invitations. The cover should be printed double-sided with the second page blank.
6. Assembly
After printing all pages, following the correct order, proceed with the staple binding. Carefully fold the printed sheets in half, creating a booklet. Place all folded sheets on top of each other in the correct order. Use a long-arm stapler to secure the centre of the booklet with two staples. Make sure the staples are well aligned and secure. For further details, please refer to the assembly diagram below.
Printing tips
- Use 90g paper for the inside and at least 200g cardboard for the cover.
- Pre-fold the card for a professional result.
- Use a long arm stapler or ribbon binding.
Making ceremony booklets at home takes time and patience, but can be very rewarding. Consider the costs of materials and time, but also remember that a personal touch makes every wedding detail unique.
If you would like me to take care of the printing of your booklets, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Do you like the photos?
All the photos you see in the blog are photos of newlyweds who chose plumacreativa to take care of their wedding graphics, yours can be so beautiful too!
Photo: Giulio Pugliese
