Post # 1
Member
52 posts
Worker bee
If my ceremony and reception are in the same place, I am not having a bridal party, and we don’t really want to include a reading or anything, is it necessary that I have programs?? Most weddings I’ve been to either didn’t have them, or I forgot to grab one so I’m not all that familiar with what’s usually included in them.
Anyone have any input? If you’re having programs, what information is going in yours?
Post # 3
Member
456 posts
Helper bee
I was debating the same thing myself, and I have a bridal party and all that. We are going to do them, but I’m still not sure it’s not a waste of time. Oh well. Usually they have the order of ceremony, bridal party, special readings/music acknowledgements, some kind of thank you message, etc. We’re planning on including our new address too. HTH!
Post # 4
Member
1045 posts
Bumble bee
Nope, they’re definitely not necessary. If you don’t think you need or want them, I’d just save the money and/or time. I’m sure people will be able to follow along, without a piece of paper in front of them with the order of how things are supposed to go! 🙂
Post # 5
Member
214 posts
Helper bee
I had the same question. I was leaning in the direction of not having any since the wedding is pretty small and the ceremony/reception are in the same location. But I wondered whether it was considered "bad form" not to include them.
Post # 6
Member
796 posts
Busy bee
I was not going to have one until I saw one on Martha Stewart Weddings that I really liked and wanted to copy (I still may not have the skills to do it, though). I think it’s fine not to have one, especially if you have no bridal party. My mother was telling me (I haven’t been to many weddings so I don’t really know) that the helpful part of a program is seeing who it is doing what (like, oh, that’s so-and-so, the groom’s friend doing the reading).
Post # 7
Member
948 posts
Busy bee
- Wedding: May 2021 - Coyaba Resort, Montego Bay
I’d say don’t worry about it! If you don’t have a bridal party or readings that you want to share written out for everyone, save yourself some money and skip this part.
I’m still debating on whether or not we need/want one & we have a large bridal party and readings. It’s definitely not our top priority.
Post # 8
Member
121 posts
Blushing bee
I’m in the same boat as you with no bridal party and wedding and ceremony in the same place. I am planning on not having one. I think you’ll be fine.
Post # 9
Member
52 posts
Worker bee
Thanks for the advice guys! That saves me a bit of money and a whole lot of time! I guess maybe another reason to have them to is carry out some sort of theme that may be present at the wedding too, but I think I can be more creative when trying to do that 🙂
Post # 10
Member
2007 posts
Buzzing bee
Even with a bridal party we won’t be having one. Instead, we little blurbs and a picture of each member on our wedding website.
I think the only times where you REALLY should have them is if the ceremony is complicated and your guests won’t know what to do or if it’s interfaith/cultural, etc. and you want to explain something.
Post # 11
Member
1356 posts
Bumble bee
We will be having programs, but probably wouldn’t if I were in your shoes. For an intimate ceremony like that, there doesn’t seem to be any real need.