Ceremony Programs - Necessary or Not?

I don't think they are necessary for shorter ceremonies. Perhaps if you are having a long ceremony that involves guest participation, they would be helpful, but otherwise I think they're a waste of resources.

Nope, waste of paper. Unless you are having a ceremony that has elements that people are unfamiliar with - skip it.

Necessary for us. Our families belong to different religions and the ceremony will probably be different than what my family is used to, so I want everyone to fell included.

We made a big chalkboard program. We're putting it up near the front, but off to the side where everyone can see it and it won't be in the way. We thought paper ones would be a waste. And then when you turn the chalkboard around it has the whole evening's itinerary, starting with Cocktails, followed by Ceremony, Dinner, Cake, etc., and ending with Go Home.

Not usually necessary. Though I did go to a Jewish wedding last year where it was really helpful that they did programs. They wrote descriptions of each part of the ceremony, so we understood the significance of each moment. We're doing them because I want to keep one as a momento after.

Unnecessary as long as the ceremony is standard. When you have a super long ceremony with specific traditions it can be nice to have a program though.

It's not a need for me. Everyone should know how a wedding works, although all weddings are not the same but for the most part they all go though the same motions. The Officiant will announce everything anyway.

Yeah, I definitely think a program would be super beneficial for your guests, and even a chance to explain the meanings behind the traditions and further share your story.

I'm still thinking about having these. I guess they're not really necessary, especially since yeah they're not kept/saved by many. Though as a guest, I've liked seeing the names of the wedding party, making connections with what I already know of the couple, learning more about the bride/groom whom I might not know very well.

But if I do, I'm planning for them to be super simple. I'll print them myself on slightly fancier paper, and 3 per page (so like a brochure, but cut apart) to save on paper and ink.