Wedding programme outline in Ghana: church service and reception
Updated 6 October 2026
Quick answer
A typical Ghanaian church wedding runs: processional, opening hymn and prayer, readings, the sermon, the vows and exchange of rings, the signing of the register, the offertory, the benediction and recessional. The reception that follows usually has the couple's entrance, a prayer, the meal, toasts, cutting the cake, the first dance, gifts and thank-yous. Agree the church part with your officiating minister first.
Church wedding order of service
| Item | |
|---|---|
| 1 | Processional: entrance of the bride |
| 2 | Opening hymn and prayer |
| 3 | Scripture readings (e.g. 1 Corinthians 13:4–8) |
| 4 | Choir ministration |
| 5 | Sermon |
| 6 | Marriage vows and exchange of rings |
| 7 | Prayer and blessing of the couple |
| 8 | Signing of the marriage register |
| 9 | Offertory and thanksgiving |
| 10 | Benediction |
| 11 | Recessional and photographs |
Reception programme
| Item | |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival and seating of guests |
| 2 | Grand entrance of the couple |
| 3 | Opening prayer |
| 4 | Welcome address by the MC |
| 5 | Meal |
| 6 | Toasts and speeches |
| 7 | Cutting of the cake |
| 8 | First dance |
| 9 | Presentation of gifts |
| 10 | Vote of thanks |
| 11 | Closing prayer and dancing |
What to include in the printed programme
- Cover: the couple's names, the date and venue, and a photo.
- The order of service, with the names of those reading and ministering.
- Hymns and their words.
- The bridal party and the wedding committee.
- A short love story or thank-you from the couple.
Instead of printing a programme for every guest, upload it to Memora and share it by link or QR code on the invitation, in the WhatsApp groups and on a card at the entrance. Your invitation card and contribution link live on the same event; see wedding contribution messages.
Manage your wedding contributions with Memora
Share one link and QR code for contributions, confirm MoMo payments with SMS receipts, and share your invitation card and programme from the same place.
Questions people ask
What is the order of a wedding in Ghana?
Often the traditional marriage first (sometimes on an earlier day), then the church or court wedding, then the reception. Many couples now hold the traditional marriage and reception on the same day to save cost.
Who prepares the wedding programme?
Usually the couple with the wedding committee, with the church section agreed with the officiating minister.