Ceremony Program Substitutes?

If you really want them, You could do programs printed on fans! Those are functional and will get used!

If you decide not to do programs, that's also fine as well! I personally think they aren't necessary unless you have something special going on during the ceremony.

Since it's a traditional ceremony, you don't need to replace the programs with anything. Most guests should know what's going on. If you wanted to, you could put together a sign listing your wedding party members or other info, but it's certainly not required. You could also maybe do paper fans since the ceremony will be outdoors, but otherwise, I'd save the money instead.

Maybe a sign with any info on it ? I just typed in “program sign wedding” on Pinterest and there are a ton of different ideas ! This way you can have something with any info on it without wasting money on a ton of programs !

I don't think guests keep programs really, the point is to make sure they know what's going on. If you're having a straight-forward, secular ceremony all in English, you can skip them

We didn't do anything and it was fine. Most weddings I've been to, people just skip the programs entirely and don't replace them with anything.

Definitely no need for programs. Actually, it has been a long time since I have been to a wedding that had programs! I think they are one of those trends that is slowly disappearing. One thing you may consider doing are small, handheld battery operated fans. I’m not sure what the weather is like where you are, but here it is absolutely sweltering in June! I’ve started noticing people providing these fans during outdoor summer ceremonies. I’ve seen them placed on each guest’s seat, and I’ve also seen a decorative vintage Bucket (? Probably not the right word LOL) full of them at the entrance, that guests could take if they would like. There are sites where are you can get them for like a dollar when you buy them in bulk

It’s not necessary so I’d skip it. It’s been a while since I’ve been to a wedding that had them.

Programs aren't necessary but if you want them you could do infographic ones like we did or a sign instead of programs. Below is what ours looked like. I bought the template from Etsy and had them printed at Office Depot.

Like PP said, programs are not necessary. The only times I have appreciated them was when I was attending a long, religious ceremony with many unfamiliar (to me) components. It's nice both to have something to read and to be able to understand/follow along with what is happening.

If you're having a secular ceremony then you can absolutely skip programs altogether! The only time when programs are a must is when you're having a religious ceremony.

Agree with PPs: no need for programs if your ceremony is not a religious one

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This is about the only time I like programs.

Generally, people know how a wedding ceremony is going to go. Unless you are doing something very offbeat, or having a religious ceremony that several guests will be unfamiliar with, they aren't necessary.

If you have something fun or quirky to share, like these infographics, they can be a nice touch. But if you're already questioning whether or not to bother with them, then don't. You don't need to replace them - guests don't have to have something in their hands during the ceremony. That said, fans might be appreciated at an outdoor summer wedding.

Unless guests need to follow along, recite lines, skip the programs. You don't need replacement signage either.

Those who do have them, why not recycle the leftovers like you would do anywhere else with paper instead of tossing in the trash?