- Blog
- Bios
- Boards
- Classifieds
- DIY
- Gallery
- Vendor Reviews
- Shop Weddingbee
Weddingbee boards
I think you could easily do without programs. I've been to many weddings were the programs had no useful information in them and they seemed to be something the couple did because they were "supposed to". I've also been to many that did not have programs and I never missed them.
We're having programs but it's because we're having a few unusual elements (i.e. there will be no "who gives this bride" and I want to explain why. Also we're having a "handfasting ceremony" and I want to explain that since most of our guests will have no idea what it is). Plus I'm a dyi addict and needed another project.
If you don't have anything you feel you need to explain, you don't have any directions from the ceremony to the reception that need to be handed out and you don't have any special people you want/need to highlight (example: folk who you are honoring who have passed away), then I'd say feel free to skip the program thing.
Good luck!
Nope. Programs aren't needed. While we would have liked them (to introduce the small wedding party), we didn't do them. It was a choice of time and stress for us. It was only a bonus that we saved money by not doing them.
On the other hand, they're a nice keepsake for the guests. Still there's a good chance that anyone younger than you, and not planning a wedding, isn't going to know what half the ceremony parts are.
backview.jpg (42.2 KB, 838 downloads) 3 years old frontview.jpg (15 KB, 948 downloads) 3 years old side_view.jpg (59.5 KB, 561 downloads) 3 years old 
No, but they can come in handy if you're having readings or want to write a thank-you message to your guests. I made sure I had directions to my reception location (different from ceremony location), for people who may have lost their invitations.
Remember, you'll only need about half as many programs as you have guests, so it's not a huge project if you decide to do it.
l_4c4eece22ece124bf3819f235.jpg (35.4 KB, 147 downloads) 3 years old 
In short, NO! I think no programs would fit well with your "low key" style. If you think some people might be confused you could do a "master program"...perhaps a 11X17 frame with your program printed out at the entrance to your ceremony site just to let people know what's in store for your ceremony.
8371cl1_20.jpeg (56.9 KB, 456 downloads) 3 years old 3405n20_20.jpeg (57.8 KB, 186 downloads) 3 years old
Or it could just be a surprise. I mean, they basically know you're getting married...everything after that is gravy. :D
Definitely not, but as penguin suggested, a larger one piece signage may work as an alternative just to let people know the procession.
--
Lisa
Thanks for all the ideas! I heart the suggestion for a master program. :)
The master program is a lovely idea, though you may want to make sure you have two so a crowd doesn't develop. Or, if you don't have anything to explain but still want to give guests a keepsake, you could print up a small card with "your story" on it--many guests won't know it, and they'll probably love reading it to get them even more in the celebration mood.
you don't necessarily need to hand out programs to everyone - i like the single program idea. but i suggest having something, contrary to what most people here have said. we went to a friend's wedding that was super casual, but we didn't even know when it started. 150-200 of us sat there not knowing when to be quiet - there were those awkward silences where people think it might start and then it doesn't. the whole ceremony lasted literally less than 5 minutes (i guess that's how they do it down south?). it was still a happy occasion, but we didn't really know when we were supposed to sit and stuff. and i had seen it the day before during the rehearsal!
I don't think you HAVE to have it, but I personally like it for introducing the parents, bridal party.
I will 2nd haselwand on introducing the parents, bridal party, etc. We may also have one non-denominational reading done and I'd like people to know where that's from..Also to introduce the music if anyone is curious. :)
It's another way to tie in your potentially artistic selves or to put a nice touch but I don't think programs are necessary.
A program is not neceessary but as a guest I prefer one.
It's nice to have a little background about the bridal party. Is the MOH the cousin you have heard so much about and have always wanted to meet?
Also, if people are of a different religion the ceremony will be different from what they are used to. There are differences between a Catholic and a Baptist or other protestant ceremony not just non Christian religions.
A program is not required - but there may be a good reason to have one. I decided not to based on:
~ It was an intimate family/close friends only wedding. We'd spent three days bonding so everyone had gotten to know each other.
~ We only had a MOH and best man which were my mom and his step dad - so no explaining/introductions needed.
~ We included our memorial to our parents and loved ones who had passed as the first part of the ceremony - said by the preacher.
~ There were no solos, songs, readers, or readings that needed to be explained. My s-i-l read 1 Cor 13 - but again that didn't needed to be explained.
~ The wedding/reception were both at the B&B - so no directions were needed.
~ The guests didn't even sit down - they gathered around a deck/railing to watch the ceremony - so it would have just been somthing for them to hold/keep track of.
If there is something that you'd like said - the preacher can always say it. Like at the end of the ceremony "Please join us on the side deck for cocktails while the bride and groom take pics" etc. "Cocktail hour will begin at 6 at ____ , the wedding party will be taking pics and joining everyone at 7 for dinner" There are other ways to direct guests - but you will have to make sure it is clear and someone (day of coordinator) is in charge of making sure everyone knows.
As far as thanking the guests - the preacher can also do this - or you can do it yourself at the reception.
I just suggest weighing the pros and cons. What will the guests be missing if you don't do a program? Is there another way to accomplish those goals. If it's only directions to the reception - you can always just print a pretty little card with directions to hand out :)
For me - I had planned to have one, and started working on it - but then was like - what do I have to say? That's when I realized I didn't need one.
dr_MG_6322_copy.jpg (87.7 KB, 30 downloads) 3 years old brsunsetb&w.jpg (102.7 KB, 21 downloads) 3 years old _MG_5364.JPG (127.3 KB, 23 downloads) 3 years old _MG_4989.JPG (128.2 KB, 25 downloads) 3 years old l367485366_e60b7a68e7.jpg (39.6 KB, 73 downloads) 3 years old a_MG_1986.JPG (112.7 KB, 84 downloads) 3 years old
Here's a cool way to present a master program. They have a picture of a menu, but I think it could work...
personally i think it's a waste of paper and not only that but who the hell keeps the programs afterwards? so many were found lying around after the wedding at my sisters wedding i thought, why even bother? especially when you're having a very tiny wedding like ours.
:)
You must log in to post.
| Visit our sister sites | eHarmony Online Dating |
eHarmony Advice Dating Advice |
Project Wedding Wedding Songs |
JustMommies Pregnancy Calendar |
Create the honeymoon of your dreams.
Hi ladies, I have a question about programs. Namely - are they really needed? We're having a secular ceremony that won't be longer than 30 minutes or so. No readings, no hymns or prayers, all in all a low key ceremony. Do you think it will be noticed if I don't have programs? Thanks for any advice!