Reception Program

jennalynn24

Hi!  I'm not new to the knot, but I don't really post on here a lot.  I have noticed a lot of really good ideas from you girls on this board, so I feel like this is the best place to ask my question.  My fiance and I are getting married at a private ceremony (in VA) and having the reception for family and friends later in the week (in NY).  We are incorporating a lot of Italian traditions in our reception and some of these traditions have meaning or a story behind them.  I have been considering doing a "program" for the reception that could explain some of the traditions that will take place throughout the evening and could also give the names of the parents.  I was thinking it could be something that is either in a basket for those interested to pick up next to the escort card table or a few could be placed on each table for the guests that are interested to read through while waiting for dinner.  I just picture some puzzled faces when we break glass at our reception- we're not Jewish, but a lot of people may wonder if we are because it is not as well know that there is an Italian tradition to break glass (for very different reasons& its at the reception)- for example.

mbcdefg

Are you asking a question here, or are you just sharing your (good) idea?

jennalynn24

Lol I guess both. What I put in my previous post is my idea so far (&feel free to copy it). I am looking for anyone's input- perhaps someone has done this for their wedding reception? Just thinking outloud...

brynhild

Lol to previous posts. I'm doing a reception program with the evening's program, menu, seating map with numbers at each guest's seat, list of the guests according to that number (name and who they are to the bridal couple), some other fun stuff too. It's very common nowadays where I come from to do this. It would be an excellent place for you to explain some of the traditions! Our invitations go to eight countries, so it's a wonderful mix of different "expectations" as far as wedding traditions go and we try to mix and match without it being too much. GL!

danieliza1127

Sounds like a good idea!

jbnbridal1

I think it's a great idea! I think I would put one at each place setting. I never knew anything about the Italian tradition of breaking glass until I saw a TV commercial from a shipping company! LOL I'd love to read the story behind that.

MrsNFB

We had an 8-page program used as a program for the entire evening that was distributed at the ceremony by the ushers.  I like the idea of letting people know what's going on and the approximate time it will occur.Ours included a poem, list of bridal party, ceremony order, cocktail reception info (menu, signature drinks, seating card info, Polaroid guest book info, entertainment info), Filipino money dance explanation, translation of our Filipino money dance song into English, dinner reception order, dinner menu, and special thanks.I used boxed program sets from Crane's & Co. (all I had to do was print, everything I needed was in the box) and they turned out beautiful.  PIB.Good luck!

laurening

It's a nice idea since you're incorporating some lesser known traditions that a lot of guests may not understand. In general, I don't think programs are ever required, but they're never a bad idea. Kind of like favors. Programs won't ever make or break a wedding and some brides forgo them to save money and to have one less item on the to-do list. Here, it sounds like programs would be pretty informative and definitely a conversation starter for your guests. Go for it.