Not having Programs....

rebecca+matt

My fiancé and I are very seriously considering cutting out programs completely.  We thought we had loads of money left in the budget – and then my mom spent almost a thousand dollars on table décor (not even including flowers) and didn’t keep any receipts so nothing can be returned.  Long story short: we don’t have much left in the budget and cutting programs would be so easy.  People normally look at them and think ‘how nice’ then trash them right after the ceremony anyway.  I’ve told a few close friends I’m probably going to cut this and they look at me, totally mortified, and say “But you HAVE to have programs!!!”  Is this really that essential?  We’re probably going to have to cut alcohol out entirely, I’d much rather cut things like programs than that!!! Thoughts???

BeachLover2885

I think it's fine to cut the programs. I've been to weddings where the bride and groom didn't have them. No one seemed to notice! You could also make the programs yourself to save money, but I agree, at the end of the day many people do throw them away.  I wouldn't worry about cutting them. 

aragx6

I definitely don't think they're necessary. I like them, because I like having something to read over, but I wouldn't be like "Oh my god, I mean the food was delicious and the music good, BUT THEY DIDN'T HAVE PROGRAMS!" Don't worry about it

Lisariqua

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_invites-paper_not-having-programs?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:cd062f89-8272-496a-b0ab-225e1f87acecDiscussion:5dcdd46d-be88-42e1-a916-fd73fa9d1414Post:de4c9643-fd7d-4628-9602-fb91433b0d5e">Re: Not having Programs....</a>:
[QUOTE]I definitely don't think they're necessary. I like them, because I like having something to read over, but I wouldn't be like "Oh my god, I mean the food was delicious and the music good, BUT THEY DIDN'T HAVE PROGRAMS! Don't worry about it :)
Posted by aragx6[/QUOTE]


I completely agree!!

beth34608

We are not having programs, I wouldn't worry about cutting them. They would be one of the first things I would cut if I had to.

caseyandlizzie

We got that response from family members so I designed some and had them printed through VistaPrint. For 100 programs it cost me around $8 for shipping since the rack cards I used were free and I got a free upload. Our programs were also very short and simple. I know my family members kept theirs as a keepsake of our wedding day, but I'm sure the majority of our guests just tossed them. Most people won't miss them, but if you do change your mind and decide to have them, I would suggest Vista Print as an inexpensive option.

tenofcups4me

Most weddings I attend don't have programs. As a guest, I couldn't care less if a couple has them or not. But not doing them is not going to save you the money for alcohol -- programs are really cheap. You can do them at home if you want for the cost of the paper and print cartridge(s) so eliminating them isn't going to save you much money.

In either case, stop discussing it with your friends. They'll probably never notice you didn't have them unless you've already put the idea in their heads (and just a point of fact that's probably going to make me sound obnoxious but I have to say it anyway: Mortified means humiliated. I doubt your friend will be humiliated or ashamed if you don't have programs. Maybe you  mean horrified?)

rlavach

Out of all the weddings I've been to, only 1 had a program. I have no idea what it looked like and tossed it immediately. Trust me, it's not that big of a deal. I'm not having them either.

On a side note, things like this can be averted by not talking so much about wedding details with others. People don't need to know everything. Plus, they will all have a different opinion & expect you to change your plans to accomodate their wishes. NOT happening. When people ask, I just say I want it to be a surprise. 

juma1111

I agree that if you have to cut something, programs are definitely something to cut. I designed ours and had them printed at office depot. The entire program fit on 1 page, just folded down the middle. For 120 programs it was less than $10 to have them all printed, all I had to do was fold them.

littlemoments324

We aren't having programs either...They just get thrown out and even thought it's only $8 for VP...for me it's $8 towards something else that is more necessary...

AllisonW423

Programs are only absolutely needed if guest need to participate with ceremonies with which they may not be familiar. For me, it would definitely be one of the first things to go when the budget is tight!