Ceremony programs and reception menus

Why is it necessary to have ceremony programs? Just curious since most of he time when I go to weddings I quickly glance at the program and then throw it out later. Is there a reason to provide these??

Also, do most couples print out the menus for their receptions?

Many thanks!

Ceremony programs IMO, are 'useful' when you are having a less than traditional ceremony or a ceremony that not everyone is familiar with.

In my case, we are having a Greek Orthodox ceremoney (FH is Greek) but we will be adding the vows into the ceremony, and a catholic priest will be present.
We are going to have programs that not only title everyone in the BP, but will also have the different parts of the ceremony broken down, with a little blurb explaining the significance of each part.

In most cases tho, u are probably right, everyone just ends up throwing them out. But I'm sure some people will keep it and you can always add it to your album.

I think programs are something that are both helpful and wasteful at the same time. I am also have a greek orthodox ceremony and since most of our guests aren't greek we are adding to the program what each part of the ceremony means.

As for the menu cards i don't know if i am having them since for weddings in PA you have to choose what you are eating before the reception, you reply with what you are eating on the response card. if i do it it will just be to look pretty on the tabel...personally i think it's the only real purpose it serves...

I have to say that i find menu cards REALLY helpful at weddings and othe events...most of the time when the server says what's on the menu i can barely him/her, or i can't remember what the choices are if there's more than 4. Most menu cards also explain how the item is prepared and what comes with it, which is important for my Fh who's lactose intolerant because the servers don't know if there are milk-based items in the food.

I may actually do the menu cards myself if my hall doesn't provide them...we had them provided at our engagement party and ordering was SOOOO much easier for everyone!

We didnt do programs for the church, alot of people told me it was a waste so i just didnt do them. I am one of those that goes to a wedding, looks at the program and doesnt take it with me. I do think its personal choice.

I also did not do my own menus, i used the ones the hall provided. Its a nice touch but I dont think making them match your theme is absolutely necessary.

JMO

if your RH already provides menu cards i dont think its necessary to make your own - unless you are dead set on making them match your theme.....

i like the programs.....we are having our ceremony at the RH and it will be a little different than the traditional ceremony - so I am going to make them myself. Its something I want to make b/c it has to do with the most important part of the day - the ceremony! but its mostly b/c I want to have it as a keepsake....I know more than half will end up in the garbage but I want to make them anyway - its the only DIY i want to do actually

I don't think either is necessary though, its just personal preference......

Neither are necessary, although I think they are both a nice touch. I did both.

We did programs to outline cultural traditions guests may not be familiar with, to outline the non-traditional music choices we made, and recognize DH's late family members. I had menu cards as a convenience for the guests and so the waitstaff wouldn't have to repeat themselves, although I they were a last-minute decision.

But if they're not a high priority for you, skip 'em. The guests will definitely survive and have a good time without them.

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Posted by chrissem

Why is it necessary to have ceremony programs? Just curious since most of he time when I go to weddings I quickly glance at the program and then throw it out later. Is there a reason to provide these??

Also, do most couples print out the menus for their receptions?

Many thanks!

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I am not doing programs but I am doing menu cards. My actual wedding is about 15 minutes (hopefully no more) so I don't think there is a need.