Wedding Programs and Menus...

There are so many options now. Chalkboards (which I personally think are over done) and big windows (think old farmhouse) use paint pens and hang them up...if they go with the theme.

Some people like them, most just toss them after the wedding is over. I was looking for a cheaper alternative so I went with the chalkboard idea but used a canvas and paint instead. Our wedding is outside so I don't have to worry about the wind blowing paper programs all over the place either.

I never really understood the point of menus. Don't people make their menu selection typically with the RSVPs? We printed programs, but they really aren't necessary, unless you are having some super long and complicated ceremony.

Nay- waste of money and paper... Unless you are having a rare ceremony where people will need to follow along then I would say it's needed. Other than that, I wouldn't bother.

Thanks ladies!

You might need menus; I really like it better when they make their choices at the reception, and most of our venues here offer that.

Programs? No.

I did 50 programs for about $1 (love oriental trading!) and opted for them because it's a catholic mass.

menus no because they are choosing

I made ours. We have a ton of information in them that couldn't be relied on word of mouth.

I.E. Photo booth hours, Venue Touring hours (We're getting married in an old house that's now a museum, we paid extra to rent it for the night), A little history on the house so people can read about where they are while they wait for the ceremony to start, Shuttle hours from the venue to the hotel for OOT guests, Bridal party, etc. etc.

I did put the "menu" on there, but we're doing a bbq and the grill guys will be there for 2 hours so I wanted people to know what they could choose to have cooked up fresh.

It didn't take me long, maybe 8 hours to write/design it, and will only cost like $15 to have it printed at Staples. I will just have to invest a bit more time since I ill have to fold them into pamphlets. Spending the time on them doesn't matter to me though because for one, I have so much time and two because it's the little personal touches that make your wedding truly special.

I personally think its a waste, however, we are probably going to do a small program just so everyone can know who is in the wedding party.

I think it depends on your wedding. They're not a necessity.

We're doing programs and menus, purchased inexpensive paper and we're designing/printing them ourselves.

Programs yes - they will be in the shape of a fan so guests can stay cool in the spring heat. Menus -- our venue is providing them so we don't have to worry about that.

Programs yes - I want my guests to know whats going on during the ceremony.

Menus - I want people to know what will be served at the buffet before they get up to get their food.

Mrscountrylace, Ditto

I am not doing menu it feels like a waste. I actually didn't want to do a program but FH did. Which I am fine with now because it spotlights are wedding party. My FH severed in Iraq with a few of his groomsmen so we are actually putting their military rank in the program to acknowledge that.

I'm skipping programs and not doing a menu card either. I think our venue may offer them but I think I will ask them to skip them. I don't find it very "green." Too much paper that won't get used again.

Nay.

Im doing menus to bring the table together color wise

Waste of budget. Unless ur serving a 7 course menu with multiple options it's a waste.

I'm a big fan of deciding whether you have anything that needs saying before you decide on how to say it. So:

* Programs: Yes if you have a bilingual guest list, a ceremony that is unfamiliar to your guests, or anything else that needs explaining. Otherwise no.

* Menus: Yes if you are having a sit-down dinner, and your guests need to make choices of menu items. Otherwise no.

Mrs_M To Be - where did you get the pic for the wedding party? I've seen similar on pinterest and love them.

As for the original question: I personally like the program.

One of the weddings I was at this summer didn't include the time for the reception... and after asking several guests, it was clear nobody knew. We ended up asking the bride during the line. With a program, anything and everything guests want to know can be in it (better yet if you can include some interesting information to keep them entertained during the waiting periods).

As for the menu, if they are choosing, yes. Otherwise, as many people seem to be stating, it's not very green.