How many wedding programs do you really need to order? You’ll find out in today’s post! If you’re planning out your ceremony order of events and you’re wondering how many wedding programs do I need, read this before you buy! We have the secret formula to avoid buying too many (or not enough) ceremony programs for your wedding.

And while you’re here, we’ll even divulge the little-known secret to skipping wedding programs altogether… well, almost. You’ll see what we mean! We’ll also share a few pretty programs and signage ideas. Read on for the details!

How Many Wedding Programs Do I Need?

Before you place a huge order for programs, it is helpful to ask yourself how many wedding programs you actually need. Many couples assume one per guest, but how many programs really works best as a percentage. As a rule of thumb…

The reason why you only need to order for 75% percent of your guests is because it is a pretty accurate approximation. Not every guest will be able to make it to the ceremony, and not every single guest will take a program.

With the 75% rule, you won’t have too many left over. When you do the math, you can round slightly up to the nearest tenth if it gives you just a little cushion (for perhaps last-minute RSVPers). Seriously, they should just RSVP online, it’s so much faster.

Anyways, figuring out how many wedding programs you’ll need sounds easy enough! Here’s a handy chart.

You get the idea.

And another thing: if you don’t want to buy individual wedding programs at all, here’s a clever trick you can do instead and save paper.

How to Skip Traditional Wedding Programs

If you don’t want to order, say, 200 wedding programs, do the next best thing: use a wedding sign instead! One sign will give guests all the information they need to know. Plus, you don’t need to pass out any paper programs. Win-win. All you need to do is place your wedding signage on a sturdy easel (something like this works great) at the entry way of your ceremony.

This example of a wedding program sign is by SweetNCCollective and looks beautiful!

Personally, I love a traditional wedding program, but a wedding sign is a great way to avoid programs if that’s not your style (or you want to save some serious money).

And there you have it! Another big question crossed off your to-do list.

P.S. While I have you here… here’s a pro tip: take one program right off the top of the stack when they arrive. Put it in a memento or keepsake box so you have it to keep after the big day. Many couples skip this and never have a copy of their wedding program to look back on. ;)

Discussion on: “How many wedding programs do I need?”

Did this answer your question? How many wedding programs are you ordering? Do you have any tips or additional questions to add? Tell us in the comment box below! Also, are you offering programs at your wedding? Why or why not? Tell us in the comment box!

Happy Planning!

xo
Emma