Wedding Programs

ethelbeavers

Hi all!
I've been to weddings where there are programs (explaining who is in the wedding party, order of the ceremony, etc.) and weddings where there are not. I know I personally prefer  programs because it let's me know exactly what is going on (or when the ceremony will end) and my fiance doesn't care either way. Are we supposed to have programs at the church for the guests or is it okay if we do not? I'm really not sure what to do in this situation. Please let me know if you have any suggestions!
Thank you!

mysticl

If you are having a ceremony where they need to know things like responses or what hymn is being sung then they would be very helpful.  Otherwise, it's really up to you. I wanted to do them but I left them to last and dealt with everything that was more important first.  I ended up running out of time.  I was originally going to buy blank programs that matched the invites and print them myself (like I did the invites) but decided to hold off.  I had good quality resume paper that was the same color and decided just to use that if I had the time.  Really glad I didn't spend the money.  

VerizonGirl

YES!  I love the programs.  Tells me who is who and what is what, so I don't have to guess or look stupid trying to figure it all out.

AddieCake

Unless your wedding is complicated, it shouldn't be all that difficult to figure out what's happening. I don't care who the bridal party is. I know they are either friends or family, and t's not like I am going to refer to the paper when talking to hem to remember or learn their names. I think they are a waste of money.

beachyone15

I'm only having them b/c our church provides them for cheap, and will make them for me!

Maggie0829

Like others have said, unless your ceremony is complicated and involved then programs really aren't necessary.  Also, count me in with the "I don't really care who comprises your wedding party" group. In fact, I don't really care what readings are done are which songs are played when.  If your ceremony is pretty typical (meaning officiant speaks, then you do vows and then you exchange rings and then kiss) I can pretty much follow along with out too much issue.

atlastmrsg

I'm just unpacking the last of boxes of decor, etc. from my May 31 wedding.  I expected 120 guests.  I think 3 ended up being no shows.  I had 130 programs printed.  I'd say at least a third of them are leftover, maybe even more.  I don't think people really care that much about programs.  Looks like a significant number of my guests didn't even take one from the person handing them out (or couples only took one and shared it).  If you're on the fence, I'd say skip it and put the money towards more food/drinks.

ohannabelle

I think they're a waste of time and paper. Any guest should be able to figure out what's happening just by watching. It isn't a play with a cast of characters. Save the money and effort.

Jen4948

ohannabelle said:

I think they're a waste of time and paper. Any guest should be able to figure out what's happening just by watching. It isn't a play with a cast of characters. Save the money and effort.

Not necessarily.  This is true only if every single guest is totally familiar with every single ritual and reading performed and there are no deceased loved ones to remember.  Most weddings aren't like that.

For example, I'm Jewish.  Much of a Jewish wedding ceremony is in Hebrew.  If I have a lot of guests there who are not Jewish and/or don't understand Hebrew, "saving the money and effort" may actually not be a good idea because they can't figure out what's happening just by watching. And I have never attended weddings in certain other traditions, so without a program, I wouldn't be able to figure out what's happening.

ethelbeavers

Thanks for all of the input! I really appreciate it!