Since I’ve been looking at programs for the past couple of days, I thought I’d put a small collection of ideas here.

As I mentioned in my last post, I’m probably going to try making fan programs. They’ll serve double-duty as a guide to the ceremony and as a way to keep our guests cool in the hot Virginia weather.

You can print your program on one sheet of paper and roll them into scrolls, tying them up with a pretty ribbon that coordinates with your color-scheme. This is an oh-so-simple project that looks exquisite and expensive and can go with nearly any wedding style.

If you have a bit more time on your hands, or a lot of help, you can do a variety of folded programs. One bride even made her program into a spiral-bound notebook. Add a handful of blank sheets to it and you have a favor and program all in one!

For the Easter bride, consider printing your program onto white or colored paper bags. On the reverse side, let your guests know that there will be an Easter egg hunt between the ceremony and reception. Their bags will serve as their “Easter baskets” for the hunt. You’ve covered programs, favors, and that awkward time between ceremony and reception all in one fell swoop!

Here’s a collection of program photos to give you more ideas. All photos are taken from The Knot.

Michael and I are planning a July wedding here in Virginia, so I’d like to provide a way for guests to keep themselves cool during the ceremony. Since we’re going to have an “upscale picnic,” I thought fan programs (DIY, of course) would be a great option. Two birds with one stone is always a good idea in my mind.

I’ve been digging through internet search results and finally came up with this gem: http://www.wedding-paper-products.com/Fan-Programs.php.

As much as I love the idea of the fold-out fans, I struggle with scissors (and I’ll have 300 of these to make!) so I might just save my sanity and go with the simpler popsicle stick fans. My mom and I found a paper cutter in excellent condition at a thrift store yesterday for just $1.50. It’ll be perfect for making invitations and these lovely programs.

I think the old-fashioned style will fit just beautifully with the look of our wedding. Now to go download those templates . . .