One big "board type" program instead of 200 individual ones?

Don't... then you will have everyone crowded around a chalk board instead of in their seats. Programs are something for people to follow during the ceremony or something to read while waiting for things to start.

I'm totally for a chalk board or window pane for a Seating Chart... because you read it once and walk away... but for a program, it just doesn't make sense to me. You need the wedding to start on time, and I don't think you want people hovering around a chalk board instead of taking their seats.

This is what I am going to do. I'm having a beach wedding that's pretty laid back so I'm more than likely going to use a chalkboard with some shabby chic frame.

I love this idea; I am doing something similar,,,, This option is not only eco friendly but it will save you a ton!!!! I am using vintage looking chalkboards....

I would say not the best idea. People crowding around a board might be kind of strange when they should be finding seats..

Bad idea. The whole point of programs is so guests can reference them at any time. With a big board, they can't figure out who the bridesmaid is, or whatever...

Waste of time and money.

I see your point in that......but I guess it depends on the type of wedding you are having. We are having a small wedding, there's only 1 MOH and 1 BM. No out of the ordinary things in the ceremony. It's pretty much all family and very close friends so they all know each other.

There are inexpensive ways to do programs for under $20

50 free rack cards = $7.84

cost $3.00 for colored back side plus $4.84 for 21 day delivery

do a second order on the same day (for 50 more free ones) = $9.58

$3.00 plus 14 day delivery. They should (but don't quote me) put all 100 in the same box and deliver them within 14 days

(cost only a dollar more for 7 day delivery = $10.60

100 for $17.42 - 14 days (can't find a kit and printer ink for less than that)

$18.50 for 7 day delivery

https://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-forums/ideas-for-free-vistaprint-items/2abf6902970b601e.html?page=2

Then I would skip them if it is a small wedding, or hand out fan programs if it is outdoors.

What type of information are you planning on having on the chalkboard? If it's just bridesmaid/groomsmen information I say go for it! It will save you time & money from making the programs & I don't know who ever really cares about the names of who is in the wedding party. I would be sure the information is kept light to be sure people aren't crowding around.

I *really* like that idea. I know the veteran wedding planners among us will disagree, vehemently I suspect, but I think programs are such a waste! 200 dyed, printed pieces of paper whose utility is about 10-20 minutes. Ugh. Maybe you could do a couple of boards. I've seen people write wedding menus that way - on mirrors, on old windows (that looks great for a shabby chic wedding), chalk boards, posters, you name it. I would get more than 1, though. At least 2, maybe 4, so people can glance at it on their way in without blocking the entrance.

If it's a SHORT program - as in, it only takes a few seconds to read - I think it would work fine.

I'm going with it, depending on how much info will be on it it may or may not work.

I don't really look at the programs if they have one. I might glance at a board and then walk away. or maybe if i heard a really pretty song i might look after to see if it says the name of it. But for the most part just don't care.

But if you want to put a lot of info I would do individual programs.

And either way doing 2-3 boards would be a good idea.

I'm just curious if programs are even worth doing at all?

I've been to three weddings, and one of them had a program, and I don't even think I read it- if I did, I certainly didn't remember it or really care who the bridesmaids or groomsmen were... So we're not planning on doing programs at our wedding at all.