Do I need a reception program?

For a formal wedding i would say so. I am having a casual wedding so im not but I think it would be a nice addition.

I agree with Desi. I am having a formal wedding but not doing a separate program. the reception program will be a page in the regular program. Hopefully that will encourage people to hold onto them! :-)

I dont know that ive heard of or seen a program for the reception. I think its just assumed that certain events happen first and the rest are to follow. I think the dj can inform your guests of whats to come.

No program for us even for the ceremony- I thought it a waste! It will only be half an hour which shouldnt be long enough for anyone to wonder "OMG when is this gonna end"

The programs are typically for the ceremony. Are you having a DJ? They typically act as the Master of Ceremonies for your reception and announce the order of events as they take place. You certainly CAN do programs for the reception, just be sure to check with your event professionals about their ideas for your day before having them printed.

I had a 2 page programme with both the ceremony and reception details (even though I wasn't going to bother with a programme initially as my ceremony was short and relatively casual but I caved to the pressure last minute).

My reasons for including the reception is because

1. It is traditionally done on programmes here (Jamaica)

2. We wanted to acknowledge one of our friends who were performing, as well as the family members who were giving the toasts to our parents

3. IMO, the reception tends to have more variation in timeline than the ceremony in terms of what is standardly done (our 1st dance was one of the last things we did because we wanted to go straight into dancing and partying whereas it is often 1 of the 1st things couples do)

I've never been to a wedding with one, so I mean in my circle it's not common and I don't feel the need..You can have the DJ announce when things will be, like 10 minutes from now is the first dance etc..although I was just at a wedding and I was annoyed by that, i was like "why can't it just be now?" I was kinda bored tho, that's probably why lol

Although I know that for a formal ceremony I should have a wedding program. I'm beginning to wonder if this is just money wasted. How many people really keep them as a keepsake. Just like the invitation (that I spent over $500 on) small rant. LOL
Very few people will actually hold on to them.

-IMO .....either way no one will care. I'm sure you won't have people say...OMG that was a horrible ceremony. They didn't even have programs.

I don't think it will be missed