Just in case you aren’t caught up: we’ve established that we’re skipping a wedding website, and we’ll be modifying the garter toss. Now for the next thing that we’re skipping: the programs.
Photo by: Carl Zoch on Bridal Guide via Lover.ly (From PaperMaids shop on Etsy)
I love the way the wedding party looks in these programs—such a fun way to personalize the programs to your own wedding party!
Photo by: Carl Zoch on Bridal Guide via Lover.ly (From PrintYourParty shop on Etsy)
If I can’t have glitter—then why not confetti!? I love that these come in little bags with confetti to toss. That idea may just stick…
Image via Style Me Pretty / Photography by PUO Photo
I really love this third program in particular. I think it’s just the right combination of simple and fun. It immediately stood out to me because that whole part about the bride choosing the songs? Yeah, that’s very Mr. Otter and me. 
And if I decided I wanted that confetti tossed, I could easily incorporate that with this style of program.
But, the more I thought about it, the more I wondered if it was really worth it in a practical sense to print programs.
While I certainly would love to have programs, that’s another cost to factor into our budget. It also loses some practicality to me because I think of programs as more for the summer when it’s hot—give your guests something to fan themselves with! Since our wedding is in Indiana, in April, there’s really no telling if we’ll have rain, chilly weather, or mild weather. So fans, not really necessary in our case.
I do like that it introduces all the members of the wedding party, but again, the more practical side of me says that people aren’t going to keep the programs—they’ll either get tossed or forgotten by the end of the night. (And I mean forgotten in the best way possible, like people are having too much fun dancing to remember their programs!)
The more I thought about it, the more I just wasn’t sure if it was really worth it to print programs. But I still wanted something to tell people how it was going to go, especially since we’re asking for an unplugged ceremony. (That post coming soon!) That’s when I turned to one of my most coveted items: the chalkboard.
Image via 100 Layer Cake / Photography by Lowe Photos
Now, while I would still try to use some of the fun language in the paper program I love, I think this is the perfect way to display information without spending a ton on something that won’t be kept. It’s also a great way to let guests know that (weather permitting) there’s going to be a sparkler sendoff later in the evening. And OK, bonus feature: once we buy and use the chalkboard, it’s mine forever! *evil laugh* I know could put this to good use in our home, so it would be well worth the investment…
What do you guys think? Paper or chalkboard?
Chalkboard!! 
I agree, it’s much more cost effective. And I can tell you exactly how many wedding programs I’ve saved over the years: zero! You could probably just get two pieces of plywood and use a bracket to make a sandwich board, and then paint with chalkboard paint!! Good luck!
We had a Catholic mass, it is generally useful for people to have a program in front of them to see what is happening when – mass can be a bit confusing to people who aren’t Catholics!
The chalkboard idea is very cute if you are having a simple ceremony, though!
There are so many cute & clever programs out there to copy but we are skipping it too. We are having a small beach wedidng and only a MOH on my side and 2 best men on his side. We aren’t having chairs or music either.
And I have never kept a program from a wedding I’ve attended either!
I wish I could have programs as fun and cute as those confetti ones! Unfortunately, we’re likely also nixing programs as our paper budget is pretty low (who keeps that stuff? not me!) and we’d rather focus our resources on the party!!!! WOOOO!!!
The chalkboard idea is super adorable though, and I just might steal your compromise there!
I say for you two, the chalkboard program seems the best option. You get to utilize a super cute chalkboard to display your wedding ceremony info! Plus, wouldn’t the chalkboard make an awesome keepsake?!? Image it displayed in your home
We chose paper since we weren’t having a traditional ceremony and wanted the opportunity to explain some things, but I looooove the chalkboard signs!
That last sign is super cute! I am on the fence as to if I want to do programs or not, this may be a good alternative.
the sign does seem to make a lot of sense if you don’t have that much to tell people. I’m just not sure if we can fit everything in that little space, I’m way too verbose!
I’d have liked to have paper programs, but we had to skip programs altogether, but I really like the chalkboard idea.
alas, we are an outdoor june morning-wedding, and program fans are a must-have. 
I’ll echo @Mrs. Candy Apple: on the Catholic bit. I do love how programs give the couple a chance to discuss how each person in their wedding party is special to them. I designed one playbill-style program that featured a funny paragraph by the bride about each bridesmaid and groomsman, which was very entertaining. I suppose you could cut down on the cost by putting just one similar piece on each table at the reception – gives guests something to read and they can just pass it around.
Really dig the chalkboard – and you can DIY it so cheap! Did you know you can convince the guys at Home Depot to make it out of any color (even though they’re not supposed to)?
I had the same idea to cut out the programs. I can’t see spending an extra $100 or more on something that will end up tossed around the pews and on the floor.
My alternative idea: Use the brand new projector screens added this year to display a personalized powerpoint! As long as I can get permission from the church (which I don’t foresee a problem) I can create a powerpoint complete with pictures of us and our bridal party, flash reception location information, and add anything else I need. I think it’s one of my more brilliant ideas!
I’m not a big fan of programs because it’s a lot of paper that ends up getting tossed, but since our ceremony had a lot of untraditional elements, we created a program to keep guests clued into what was going on, and to explain the sofreh (which my in-laws spent hours and hours and hours planning and creating). I would’ve done the chalkboard program otherwise, though, and I made a lot of other chalkboards! Big tip: make them way in advance! Do NOT wait until the week of the wedding. Chalkboard writing is very tricky and takes time!!!
I didn’t plan to do programs, but Mr. Hyena thought they were really important, and it wasn’t worth fighting over. I love the chalkboard idea!
Oh, man. We’re in the ‘not traditional so should explain some things’ camp and I’m JEALOUS of your ability to use the chalkboard! So cute and personal!
Chalkboard! It’s genius! I might do this, but have one instead of a ceremony program, then another later with the Reception menu/info with the sparkler time at the bottom! Man, you can really get away with slashing your printing budget in a really cute way! 
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Mrs. Otter, Indianapolis, IN Age and Occupation: 22, Freelance Social Media Consultant Fiance's Age and Occupation: 23, CVS Shift Supervisor Engagement Date: November 11, 2011 Wedding Date: April 2013 Venue: Mustard Seed Gardens About Me: I'm a born and raised Hoosier girl, but a diehard Michigan Wolverines fan. I have a tendency to take too many photos and spend full days having TV marathons. Mr. Otter and I met in high school, started dating a couple years later, and moved in after a month of being official. He is easygoing and makes plans on a whim, while I'm color coordinating my planner and organizing everything in sight. He hates glitter, but it's my favorite thing. I have tattoos and he still won't get one, despite my attempts to convince him. We're planning a small, rustic, and (hopefully!) peony-filled wedding to get our married life started. (And yes, there will be glitter involved!)
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