We are having a fairly short ceremony, but it's going to include at least a couple of elements that some guests won't be that familiar with. Namely, in Viking tradition, the couple exchanged swords, along with rings, which we are doing. I'm also hoping to have an Old Norse marriage blessing as our singular reading, and I was thinking of putting the English translation in the program.
I'd rather not do programs, just because they are a waste of money and paper, but I also don't want guests to feel confused or like they have no idea what is going on. Maybe I could have the officiant say a few words about the sword tradition and then scrap the Old Norse version of the blessing and just do it in English? Other suggestions?
Additionally, if we DO have programs, are there any requirements for what has to be in them? I wouldn't mind mentioning the individuals in the wedding party, musicians (my brothers) and reader, but do I then have to mention my parents, etc? There are some complicated family dynamics that I don't really know how to handle in that regard which is another reason I wanted to avoid programs entirely.