Keepsake or convenient fan – does it matter?
By Never teh Bride
Unless you are committed to using 100% recycled paper or that crazy paper made out of elephant poo, weddings require the sacrifice of many, many trees. There are the invitations and the various bits of paper that cushion the invitations, the save-the-date cards, the reply cards, the little notecards one sees at receptions, table numbers, seating cards, and thank you cards. And some brides and grooms also (ta da) print wedding programs.
What is a wedding program? Simply a play by play of the nuptials. They introduce the participants in the wedding, indicate the form the ceremony will take and the order in which its various elements will occur, and let guests know the title of any songs played during the whole shebang. See a sample here and here.
What does can one include in one’s program? EHow suggests you include : full name of bride, full name of groom, name of officiant, date, time, place, introduction, order of ceremony, words to hymns or songs, titles and composers of musical selections, names of performers (singers, musicians, readers, etc.), and names of the wedding party. Add an expression of gratitude to your ceremony participants, reception hosts and helpers, and family or friends who performed special services.
Some choose to use the program as a vehicle to thank guests, to share favorite quotes about marriage, and to recognize deceased or absent loved ones. If you’re having a religious ceremony that includes elements your non-religious guests may be unfamiliar with, a wedding program is a handy way to indicate that certain rituals will take place. It can also include an explanation of cultural traditions that guests of other cultures may find unusual.
Because, unlike wedding invitations (which stay home), most wedding programs will spend the duration of the ceremony groped by sweaty hands, laying on the floor under chairs or pews, or squished in tiny purses, they make a great DIY project. Companies like Westport Style and Cranes & Co sell beautiful printable program kits.
July 10th, 2006 at 3:49 pm
We did a program, but it wasn’t my idea. It was my lovely friend’s, and she handled the whole thing. She made a 2-sided, one 1/2 sheet program and it was very nice. It’s all a matter of taste.
July 10th, 2006 at 4:01 pm
“There are the invitations and the various bits of paper that cushion the invitations, the save-the-date cards, the reply cards, the little notecards one sees at receptions, table numbers, seating cards, and thank you cards. And some brides and grooms also (ta da) print wedding programs.”
Actually, a lot of these can easily be cut out. I plan to have bare-bones (but still elegant) invitations. Save-the-date cards are a relatively recent development, and most weddings can easily do without. You can do away with all the reception frou-frou by not having assigned seating (although I understand if people choose not to go this route) and I’ve never like programs anyway. So that leaves invitations and thank you cards, which cuts down on cost significantly!
July 10th, 2006 at 4:16 pm
I’m with you there, Style Graduate! Though I do love the save-the-date magnets friends of mine made up!
July 10th, 2006 at 5:50 pm
I went to a more casual wedding last year. Instead of assigned seating they had assigned tables. Guests walked in and viewed a pegboard with number 1 to 7. Under each number was the guests names. But, they were fee to arrange themselves at the table however they whished.
I like the freedom this offers, plus you save paper by not having place namcards.
Invitations-yes
Save the Date and Responses-Email versions
Programs-yes
July 10th, 2006 at 6:27 pm
That’s a wonderful idea, patient one.
July 11th, 2006 at 3:17 am
We call those “programs” the Order of Service, and they’re quite common here (Oz) as keepsakes in addition to your invite.
July 11th, 2006 at 5:59 am
I like the idea of having an ‘agenda’ as such. At work we have these for conferences so why not for a wedding.
Example: 4pm Reception, 5.30 Cutting of the Cake, 7.30 First Dance.
I like the idea of keeping the guests informed but dont wish to seem like a dragon bride!!
July 11th, 2006 at 10:15 am
I’ve found them to be so helpful when attending religious weddings where I am not familiar with the ins and outs of the ceremony. Then I don’t have to worry about when to sit, stand, etc.
July 11th, 2006 at 12:16 pm
I can’t believe how much paper I saved having a picnic wedding in the woods! LOL!
Of course, back then save the date notices weren’t done. Still, no programs, no seating charts, no place cards. The ceremony was civil, so there were no religious traditions that needed explaining to the guests.
We just had simple one-piece invites and thank you notes. Oh, and we covered the picnic tables with white butcher paper for a more festive look and easier clean up.
Of course, how much paper you use does depend a lot on what sort of wedding you’re having! Someone having a country club wedding, for instance, wouldn’t be able to get away with using that little paper.