Are place cards and wedding programs really necessary ?

Neither are necessary. We did have both, we could have lived without the programs. The only reason we did place cards was that one of my DS's very few request, was to have place-cards on the tables, but if he hadn't that request, we would have been fine with a seating chart only.

I was thinking of doing the board only for seating at the reception, but a friend and I were talking about the need for place cards as far as serving meals goes (b/c the name cards would have chicken, veg., beef, etc. written on it somewhere so they'd know who got what). So now I'm rethinking the place cards ... I dunno ... so many decisions!

Lanai, I am in the minority. But I expect a program at a wedding. I want to know who these people are. I want to know what is coming next, what scripture that is, what song is being sung, your grandmother's name so that I can speak to her by name when I see her at the reception. I like a program. I do not think they need to be fancy, but a single folded piece of paper printed at home will do it. As for everyone throwing them away, all of us don't. There may be some sentimental people like me that if I care enough to come to your wedding, I care enough to remember it by holding on to your program.

I think place cards are a nice touch but if you are doing the board, not needed at all unless you need a way for the wait staff to identify meal choices.

I made my own escort cards. I cut cardstock (bought at Staples) 3-1/2" wide by 4" tall, then fold in half so the card is 2" high by 3-12" wide. I will print the names on white card stock, then cut them out and glue them to the escort card (because my handwriting isn't that great). But, you can just write on them.

I am also making my own program. I'm using Microsoft Word to do that. I am going to print them out (with that left over white cardstock I bought at Staples. I bought a cute clear stamp at JoAnn's for $1 and a $1 pad of ink to make a little decorative element in the corner and just print in black and white.

We are not doing place cards, however I am doing a table chart.

I am not assigning seats just tables.

I have made my programs however, as I have included a IN MEMORY page to honor my mother and father who have both passed away.

I did escort cards (free business cards from VistaPrint and just paid for shipping).

I was planning on skipping programs. Now with the wedding in three weeks I think I might make program fans the week before the wedding if it is going to be hot outside.