"Sending in Advance or Placing on the Table? The Right Timing for Distributing 'Family Meeting Booklets'"

2019.10.15 published

Important Item for Both Families' Meeting: "Program"

The "Family Meeting Program" is a handy paper item that allows not only the bride and groom, but also the parents and siblings of both sides to get to know each other's profiles. It provides an outline of the day's schedule, the program, and everyone's contact information and addresses, serving as conversation starters during the meeting.

Many brides are utilizing free templates and creating their own DIY programs.

It's not only useful on the day but also serves as a memorable keepsake♩

@___ohayoo

[Question] When should the program be handed out?

One common question about the program for the family meeting for brides who are nearing the event is:

"When should we hand out the program on the day?!"

While there's a strong image of setting it up on the table in advance, if that's the case, you have to arrive at the venue before the other party and arrange it.

Whether you hand it directly, is it right as soon as you arrive, when you first greet each other, or after the meeting has started and settled down?

There are various timing options, and it can be puzzling when is the best time to hand it out.....!!

In this article, we will pick up several optimal timing options for handing out the family meeting program.

@non.ayam

Please refer to it on the day＊

When to Hand Out the Family Meeting Program? ① Hand it out in advance

First, consider handing out the program in advance (before the day!).

If you live nearby, you could give it during a visit home or while having a meal together; if you live far away, mailing it is also an option.

By letting them read the program beforehand, it may build excitement for the day, and understanding the other family's profiles and interests can create a sense of reassurance like "Oh, this is who they are, I’m looking forward to meeting them."

It could also serve as a way to pass the time in the train or car on the way to the meeting.

If the content is substantial, mailing it may be the better option.

@hi__oto.wd

When to Hand Out the Family Meeting Program? ② Arrange it on the table

Next, consider arranging the program on the table in advance.

In this case, you will need to arrive at the venue before the other family so that you can ask the venue staff, "Is it okay to arrange these?"

Therefore, make sure to head to the venue with ample time.

(If you can confirm in advance through communication with the venue, it will be more reliable◎)

However, some parents of the groom may prefer to arrive first to welcome their daughter and her family, so it would be prudent to ask him to handle that.

Having the program arranged beforehand can make it feel like a real reception, elevating the atmosphere＊

@moo.shii.wedding_0222

When to Hand Out the Family Meeting Program? ③ Hand it over after greeting at the venue

It’s also recommended to hand the family meeting program directly.

After arriving at the venue and exchanging greetings with each other, you could say, "I created this program for today...! It has the family structure and interests of both sides, so I would appreciate it if you could take a look," explaining it verbally adds to the benefit.

If you share some of your highlights, it could make reading it even more enjoyable＊

This way of handing it out doesn’t require you to pressure yourself with creating it in advance or arriving at the venue early, eliminating any stress.

When to Hand Out the Family Meeting Program? ④ After the meeting has settled

The flow of the family meeting typically progresses as follows:

① Greetings from the groom's father

② Introductions of both families

③ Exchange of engagement gifts if any

④ Toast

⑤ Meal & Conversation

⑥ Commemorative photographs

⑦ Closing remarks from the groom's father and the bride and groom

One option is to hand out the family meeting program during step ⑤, the meal and conversation time.

However, since this is during the meal, and depending on the atmosphere and flow of the moment, distributing the program can go either positively or negatively.

While it would be fun and lively to read the program together, unless there’s a compelling reason to hand it out at this timing, it might be better to do so before the meeting starts＊

@ds_wedding2021

What is the Best Way and Timing to Hand It Over?

We have introduced four options for when to hand out the family meeting program to each family.

① Hand it out in advance (mail it)

② Arrange it on the table

③ Hand it over after greeting upon arriving at the venue

④ Distribute it during the conversation time

The most common options are the first three, which are standard＊

Consider the flow of your own family meeting and the amount of content in the program to choose the best way to hand it out.

➡ Fashion stylist's advice on clothing coordination for the family meeting dining event【8 patterns】

@nonnon_wd