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You don't have to have programs if you don't want them! That was one of the things I left out to save money and I don't think people will miss them!
I agree with amandagrace that you don't necessarily need them. We also left them out of our wedding and they weren't missed.
We weren't going to have programs but in the last week I've decided to just so we can list our menu (served not buffet). So I've listed the wedding participants, ceremony timeline, reception timeline and then the menu.
To cut costs, I've made them in MS Publisher and am going to print them on regular white paper at work ;-) I work for a big company and everyone usually prints personal stuff and I only need about 80-100 so I'll just do it at lunch time when not so many people around.
If you want to see the program, PM me and I'll email it. It was VERY easy.
I nixed the wedding programs. Our ceremony is only going to be 15-20 minutes and it isn't religious, so I just don't see the need. If it is hot outside, I would suggest getting fans since most people use the wedding program to fan off in the heat.
At a religious ceremony I usually like to have a program just so I know what is going on. :-)
I don't think they will really be missed by most of the guests. But, the nice thing about programs is that they are usually the only place where the parents of the bride and groom and the wedding party are listed by name. So it's nice for them to get that recognition if you can find a way to make it work. There are certainly really cheap ways to make them like sunshine pointed out.
I am leaning toward not having programs too. It'll be outdoors, less than 20 min, non-religious, no readings and we don't even have a bridal party. The flower girls and ring bearer are my nieces and nephew.
you totally don't have to! we originally opted for not - they're usually a waste of paper and unless necessary - not that crucial info! We ended up making them since they'll double as fans and we're outdoors in the heat!
Favors and programs are the first thing on the cutting room floor if you need to trim something!
Interfaith ceremonies are about the *only* weddings that really need a program! Why? Because at every single moment there is half of the audience thinking "why are they doing THAT???".
I say skip something else!!!
PS: skip the menus instead!!!!
thanks ladies! and good point gionnetto... might make sense to explain some elements of the ceremony.
Sorry. I think they are totally not necessary. Most of them get left behind. Just one more project to tackle and most people just look at them and put them back down anyway.
I won't have them. I think it's kind of a waste because not many people even look at them, let alone take them! If I had more time/money/creativity I probably would make them though... so no slights to those who love programs :)
I didn't make them either. It just wasn't worth the effort and cost for something that people just toss out later. So I think you are ok!
I'm thinking about just doing one big DIY program to put at the entrance, if we don't get them, but you certainly don't need them.
My cousin's wedding was this past Friday, and someone had forgot to bring the programs to the ceremony. Honestly it was a little confusing following the service. It wasn't too big of a deal in the end, but as a guest it would have been nice to have.
Unless it is a religious ceremony, such as a Catholic mass which is very involved, where there will be guests who don't know what is going on since they don't follow that religion, programs are totally optional. Most ceremonies though are very easy to follow along without a program. A large number of weddings actually don't have any and guests are able to tell what is going on with no problem.
Programs, like favors, are one of the first things you can cut if you are on a budget and no one will miss them.
I don't find programs necessary at all. We're having a destination wedding with a smaller guest list (30-40) so I don't see the point of them for our wedding.
I've been to weddings with them and without them. I will say that the only time I actually used them was at weddings with different cultural aspects.
I rarely read through a whole program unless I'm very confused about the religious aspects of a ceremony, so I don't think they're necessary.
Do you have a wedding website? If so, you could post the program on your website so that people can read up in advance :-)
We are still up in the air about this one. I agree with the fact that it isn't a huge priority.
@julia... good idea! never thought to put the program on the website. I definitely plan on making a website once it gets closer to our date
We are going pretty small and intimate, I really do not think anyone will need a program to explain the who how and why.. if they do, then I think there are bigger things to worry about than a program, lol.
Plus, it saves us that little extra time, effort and money, so I am all for cutting them out.
I'm actually "skimping" on our invites for our programs... but that's only because we're doing a full Catholic mass and half the guests aren't Catholic. I want to be able to explain what's happening and give our guests the entire mass with directives so they can follow.
If we were doing a short wedding or a small one I would not even blink or hesitate at dropping them.
I was just having this conversation with myself.... being in a similar budget place as yourself. I don't want to spend anymore money and programs seem to be a good place to save. However, I've always LOVED programs when I go to weddings. They help set the tone for the wedding and bring guests into the event in a more personal way. Instead of wondering who is standing up in front - they'll know. It's also helpful to see what's coming and to anticipate the length, etc. I also think it's a nice spot to share your gratitude with your guests.
ALL THAT SAID.... do you HAVE to do it? Of course not. Some people will miss them, others won't. It's not a deal breaker - but, like others have said - there are ways to do them cheaply and well - so it doesn't need to break the bank.
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We're trying to nail down our budget . . . we're already a little over, so I'm trying to figure out ways to cut corners.
So I am wondering if it is ok to nix programs? We're planning on having 130-150 guests in an outdoor interfaith ceremony (hoping to keep it short-ish). Our "wedding party" will just be our cousins/siblings (3 on each side).