13 Items You Don't Need at Your Wedding
13 Items You Don’t Need at Your Wedding
There are so many things that go into planning a wedding, so many details that can be overlooked. But what about those details that bring more headaches than happiness? Those tedious things that no one cares about anymore, because they are outdated or too expensive, or even just lame?
Here are 13 things that you most definitely do not need to stress over!
1. A Weekend Wedding
That beautiful Saturday wedding you always dreamed of can be just as beautiful on a weekday! Think about it… planning a weekday wedding could not only save you a lot of cash on your venue but also on your honeymoon airfare! Weekday weddings are becoming more and more common these days so don’t stress over needing a Saturday wedding date!
2. All the Music Bells & Whistles
Your DJ or band is going to help set the stage for your entire wedding so I would definitely not cut it out completely, but consider most bands charge per person per hour. That can add up quickly and wreck your wedding budget. So that being said I would suggest maybe looking at a three piece band instead of a ten. Or go with that DJ and let him/her play your ceremony and reception. Whatever you do, just keep dancing!
3. Programs
Every time I go to a wedding there are always programs left either in the seat or on the front table. Every time all I can think is “wouldn’t this be so much simpler (and more personal) just written on a chalkboard at the entrance?” The programs might be useful if they pull double duty during your ceremony as a fan, coloring book for kids or map to the reception but otherwise, it isn’t normally used. If you are going to do programs I highly recommend only doing about 60-70% of the number of guests you expect, and I highly recommend Minted if you want a fun cohesive look for all of your paper materials.
4. STDS, Am I Right??
Save the dates, silly! Though the concept of saving your wedding date is obviously very important, usually this piece of paper is going to get mailed then end up on someone's fridge if you’re lucky! Save the trees, and send an email or heck, have a wedding website that matches your other stationery, start a Facebook group instead of mailing traditional save the dates!
Want to learn more about all things inviting? Check out this wedding invitation guide!
5. Separate Seating Sides for the Groom and Bride
It’s 2020, I think this one is just plain out of date. What is that cute saying? “Pick a seat not aside, you are loved by both the groom and the bride!” I think this is so important. You’re getting married not divorced, why would our friends and families separate like the Hatfields and McCoys?
6. Designer Wedding Dress
It’s okay if your wedding dress does not cost an arm and a leg, you will still be stunning and you will still be the absolute center of attention! Go get that dress you fell in love with at The Barefoot Bride or Azazie and just enjoy yourself and your amazingly priced dress!
7. Weight Watching
With so many people telling brides what size they need to be, it's hard not to feel the need to fast or obsessively work out in order to fit the mold these strangers want us to fill. But I say.. forget them! Why in the heck are brides told to lose weight for their wedding? You are beautiful honey, do what you want, but make sure you are comfortable! It's about feeling your best on your day; that could include a mile run once a week, or eating grilled CFA nuggets instead of fried. Do you!
8. Everyone You’ve Ever Met
Think of those you really want in attendance to celebrate your day. Make sure its those special friends/family…. Like the ones you hang out with outside of work, those who frequently check in on you because they love you. Surround yourself with people you love and those that love and support you! Not Karen from HR who let you have her leftover tacos in the break room fridge last month.
9. A Full Bar
That fully stocked, fully funded bar that is taking up 10% of your budget is not worth it! You don't owe your guests unlimited booze. This one has many alternatives you could choose… tell your guest to BYOB, simplify it and have one specialty drink and one beer choice. Maybe skip alcohol all together! There…bim, bam and done!
10. Servers
Why pay extra for servers when you can easily have a buffet, or taco bar! Who doesn’t love a buffet, your guest can pick whatever they like and eat whenever they want!
11. Bouquet/Garter Toss
This is an awkward, century old tradition that quite frankly can be done away with all together! No more forcing singles into the front center to catch a keepsake, they just won't keep. Keep your bouquet, get it pressed and framed, or give it to your bestie who should get a ring next!
12. Party Favors
I don't know why this was ever a thing in the first place. Little goodies that no one really wants to take home? A candy or snack of some sort I can get on board with, but a key ring that says, “Love you times infinity,” ... um no thank you. Protect your wallet, and do us all a favor, don’t worry about keepsakes for your guests! Write that handwritten thank-you card, give a food goodie and everything will be a-okay.
13. Traditions That Aren’t Sentimental For You
You know those century-old traditions that aren’t appealing to you, like maybe cutting the cake or a unity ceremony? Well, you don’t have to do them. That’s right, you heard me, you do not have to do them. You are a grown adult! If you would rather dance with your hubby than cut the cake, then let the caterers do it! Beside they are trained cake cutting professionals.
These little headaches can be done away with and trashed, in order to help you focus on the parts of your wedding that mean the most to you like your vows, or first dance! Moral of the story, don't get so caught up in these minuscule details that you lose sight of the important things… your bright and happy future with your spouse, and your amazing day surrounded by those you love most!
