Choosing the right binding type for your church or religious event program should be one of the easiest parts of your pre-order planning. We know that ordering print can seem overwhelming, but we promise to help you feel confident with your decision.
What are Church Programs?
No matter what your religious beliefs are or the proper name of your religious building, programs are the best way to connect and inform participants silently.
A church program is a printed handout provided to attendees during a religious service or event. It serves several purposes:
- Welcome and Introduction: This often includes a welcome message from church leaders and introductions to guest speakers or performers.
- Order of Service: Lists the sequence of events in the service, including hymns, prayers, sermons, and other activities, helping attendees follow along.
- Information: Offers details about upcoming church events, announcements, or special occasions.
- Reflection: May include scripture readings, sermon notes, or inspirational messages for personal contemplation.
- Community Building: Provides space for listing community news, birthdays, anniversaries, or other church family milestones.
Church programs help facilitate worship, keep the congregation informed, and enhance the overall experience for attendees.
Next Step: Choose the Binding Type
Each binding type has unique qualities that set them apart from the other. We’ve compiled the main points about each offering to help you choose the right binding type.
Brochures
When your church pamphlet has a limited amount of content, the simplest form of program is a single-sheet brochure. Brochures come in a select number of dimensions, but the most common is an 8.5” x 11” with an added fold. Half-fold, tri-fold, and z-folds allow for separate panels with different topics and information. If you need your church program to be 4 equal 8.5” x 11” panels, choose the 11” x 17” dimension.
Saddle Stitch Booklet
When your church program needs more than the four panels that a brochure offers, saddle stitch booklets are the next logical upgrade. The simple fold and “staple” securely hold all sheets for page counts that range from 4 to 144.
Saddles offer the option for a thicker cardstock cover that can be protected with lamination, making them ideal for programs you want to keep as a keepsake. However, if you are working on a budget, choosing a self-cover option gives you all the benefits of an affordable professional booklet.
Perfect Bound Book
Perfect bound books are an excellent choice for projects with 30 or more pages, offering a clean, polished edge and a professional appearance that stands out. This binding style is ideal for creating more formal or professional publications such as church annual reports, holiday guides, event programs, or commemorative booklets for funerals. The sleek design and durability of perfect bound books make them a popular option for creating evergreen content that can continuously inform and engage your audience over time. These books not only hold a significant amount of content but also provide a pleasing aesthetic that aligns with the dignified messaging often associated with religious contexts.
Spiral Bound Books
Spiral bound books offer flexibility and functionality with the added benefit of custom color spirals, allowing for personalization that matches your church’s branding or event themes. This type of binding is beneficial for practical applications, such as hymnals, choir books, or interactive workbooks, where ease of handling and the ability to lay flat or fold back upon themselves are essential. The bright and customizable spirals add a touch of personality, making these books not only functional but also visually appealing to your congregation or event attendees.
Choose The Right Paper
Choosing the right paper type is crucial to the overall look and feel of your printed materials. Standard options include glossy, matte, and uncoated finishes. Glossy paper is excellent for vibrant color reproduction, making it ideal for images and graphics. In contrast, matte paper offers a more subdued, sophisticated finish that’s easy to read under various lighting conditions. Uncoated paper offers a natural feel, making it perfect for writing and note-taking, and is often used in workbooks or service bulletins. Selecting the correct paper can enhance the readability and durability of your materials, ensuring they serve their purpose beautifully and effectively.
Printivity offers complimentary paper samples, allowing new and existing customers to select the correct paper type confidently. Whether you have questions about your church program binding or want to request a paper sample, please contact Printivity. Our customer service representatives are ready to help!
