Are programs necessary?

I don't think you need them at all unless you are having a very long, complex ceremony.

It's nice to have especially if you are doing any special readings or unusual things during the ceremony. It's also nice to list out the members of the bridal party so guests who aren't familiar will know who everyone is.

They can be a nice guide for your guests...I like them but they don't have to be expensive either. I did a 4 side bi-fold program the cost of 150 programs was $30 or $35 bucks and another $20 for the printing at Kinko's. As long as you stay away from color ink you can probably get it cheaper than that. Good luck!

I am a scrapbooker so I want programs and we are doing only enough for the adults not the children.

They're a nice touch, but honestly, most guests will leave them behind, so they're not really necessary.

If you do make them dont spend much money on them bc everyone throws them away. presonally i dont think they are needed.

I don't think they are necessary although I personally just think they are a nice touch. I wanted some for our wedding but since I was DIYing ours I ended up running out of time to make them and so therefore didn't have them and it was okay without them.

We won't be doing them. I agree that all of them will probably just end up getting thrown away anyhow.

I think they are optional, but there are two things typically on the programs that are important to people after the wedding: (1) Bride & Groom's Full Names, and (2) Your future address together.

I've been to several weddings, and there is always someone's granny wanting to write a check, and not knowing how to spell the bride's new last name.

Also, some people will want to send cards (and Christmas and Birthday cards) after the wedding and need the new address.

This is just something to think about. I also did programs for my sister's wedding on thick white card stock printed on my printer at home in black ink. It cost all of $10. It's not something you have to do, but you might want to consider sending out announcements out after with your new name and address on it so people have it.

I was just thinking about this the other day. Obviously they cost extra money, and if can afford it then do it, but they aren't necessary. Honestly, I like programs because, like Former MDLS said, they're a nice touch. I've been to weddings where I had to sit and wait a while until the actual ceremony started, so looking at the program gave me something to do. Also, it gives names to faces. FS and I usually look at the programs and say "Ohh.. the blonde is the brides sister" ..etc etc

Only if it's going ot be long, or have parts in which guests wouldn't understand. Hand fasting, hand cleansing, marital blanket ceremony, etc. Things that are ethnic traditions, etc. I thought about doing some cute fan programs, but our ceremony lasted 15 mins top. I spent the money else where (hello GORGEOUS reception)

1 Jessie Lyn!

There are a LOT of frivolous things brides can't be lured into purchasing...after a few hundred weddings...I've seen it all. But a wedding program isn't one of them. Sure, most of them will be trashed or left behind, but they're VERY functional. Many guests have not even met either the bride or the groom, and often don't know one of their names...let alone who anyone in the bridal party is. And like Jessie says, don't forget to put your mailing address on it!

Professionally made ones are really nice...I've seen some great ones! But I think my favorites are the DIY ones where the bride puts their engagement picture on the front, and prints the program on a folded piece of 8.5x11 paper. You can make them easily in MS Word/OpenOffice, and print them for cheap down at Kinko's to save your expensive printer ink.

I compulsively collect wedding programs...I've got hundreds of them on file from over the years! Keep a copy of it in your photo album...or DVD case!

I am not having them either. Not sure your location. But here is what I am doing for mine. I am having an outside reception in my FFIL's backyard.

Thanks for all the input guys!! I think I'm still on the fence I can see how they can be helpful in helping everyone know who the bridal party is. I just know that they end up in the garbage, just seems like such a waste.

@ Mindy

If you have a wedding website. You can list your Briday party there, we did that and introduced everyone at the head table at the reception. Majority of the guests knew who was who from being close to either or both of us, the website or what have you. I honestly don't think it's that important that the guests know every single person in the bridal party. As long as they know the bride/groom and parents. It's all good! And if they don't know any of those people, why are they there? LOL

@ Barefoot wife...haha you are so right thanks

@Cindy C...I LOVE that!! I actually just might steal that idea. I think that is so cute!

@ Mindy Z Go for it.. When I found that pic online I was SOLD! I have a BM who has amazing handwriting so she will be doing all the writing on the board.

I don't think they are necessary if you prefer not to have them but like KK said they are helpful to guests who don't know everyone. I'm making mine they are fans and since we are having a summer outdoor ceremony they will do double duty to help keep everyone cool... total for materials was about $20 plus ink for the printer..

You're welcome! Literally, there was maybe, 5 people at the wedding I didn't know. And I liked it that way. I've been to weddings where the Bride and/or Groom go up to people and ask "Who are you? And how do I know you?"

You can include directions to the reception or your photographer's website/blog for a sneak peak at photos.