“Do I really need wedding programs?”  Couples ask me this question all of the time.  And, that question is usually followed by the statement, “People are just going to throw them away!”

My answer is always, “Yes and No.”

Yes. You need a wedding program if your ceremony includes traditions unique to your religion and/or culture.  Guests who don’t practice your faith or guests who aren’t members of your culture will find the program helpful and enlightening.

Yes. You may want to have a wedding program that doubles as a hand fan if your ceremony is scheduled to take place outdoors during a warm weather month.

Yes. You may want to have a wedding program if you intend to invite your fellow church parishioners to the ceremony only.

Yes. You may want to have a wedding program if your ceremony includes sections where your wedding guests are expected to respond, sing along or participate.  The wedding program will act as a guide.

Yes. You may want to have a wedding program if you have a large number of vendors performing during your wedding ceremony, such as your officiant, soloists, musicians, dancers, and/or readers. These individuals will expect to see their names listed in your program so they will be known by the guests as well.

No.  You may not need a wedding program if you don’t intend to have a wedding party and you don’t intend to have a wedding ceremony with religious-specific or culture-specific rituals.

No.  You don’t need a wedding program if you have no intention of putting any effort or creativity into it.  I don’t mean to sound too frank, but no one wants a poorly created program.  Let’s be honest — That’s the primary reason why people throw them away!

No. You may not need a wedding program if you choose to list your wedding party on a sign near the ceremony entrance and your ceremony doesn’t contain any elements unique to your religion or your culture.

So, what are you going to do with your wedding program?  Let me know on Instagram!

For more helpful details related to your wedding stationery, check out our Wedding Stationery Guidebook.

Love and Soul Always, Kawania