Wedding are beautiful, of course, but they can also be overwhelming… and expensive. The good news? There are plenty of “traditional” wedding details that you can leave out of your big day. If you’re looking to save time, money, or a bit of your sanity, here are 10 things you can skip without anyone batting an eye.
1. Fancy Invitations
Yes, the pretty, gold-embossed invitations with all the inserts and sealed with wax are a lovely touch, but usually end up straight in the trash after your guests RSVP. Save money on the invitations and on postage (those things get heavy!) and send a simple one instead.
2. Party Favors
Party favors, especially customized ones, are another thing that will either end up collecting dust or in the landfill. Guests would rather you put that chunk of your budget into the bar or the dessert table. Trust me.
3. Custom LED Name Signs
They might look cool in photos, but… everyone at your wedding knows who you are. The signs are pricey and will often never be used again. So, unless the sign fits in with your home’s decor, maybe skip the glowing surname.
4. Custom Table Settings
Having a printed menu, customized cocktail napkins, and even centerpieces, is a nice touch for your guests. However, the cocktail napkins will be used and thrown away, along with the menus. Plus, having large floral arrangements in the middle of the table can block views and conversations—and take up space for your guests’ dinner plates!
5. A Guest Book
It sounds like a cute keepsake, but most traditional guest books will just end up collecting dust. If you’re wanting something you can display, or something a bit more meaningful, consider a photo book for guests to sign (new coffee table book!) or the newest trend: a guest book phone for your loved ones to record voice messages.
6. The Cake
Wedding cakes are often beautiful, with several tiers of deliciousness and intricate designs, but they’re also expensive. The cutting of the cake is a tradition that is slowly fading out. Instead of spending your dessert budget on the elaborate cake, get some (just as delicious) sheet cakes, cupcakes, or your personal favorite dessert. If the cake cutting tradition is important to you, get a smaller cake for just you and your spouse to enjoy!
7. A Second Outfit
Having a new outfit for the reception is fun, but totally unnecessary. If you’re comfortable in your dress or suit, stay in it! Why spend that much money on your attire and not wear it the whole night? No one expects a wardrobe change.
8. The Bouquet/Garter Toss
This is one wedding tradition that is fading away fast. They take up party time in your reception, and can feel extremely outdated and awkward. Your single friends will thank you for skipping this one.
9. A Large Bridal Party
It might seem like everyone has 6+ bridesmaids and groomsmen these days, but spoiler: you don’t have to. Coordinating outfits, schedules, personalities, and expectations for a big group can be stressful, expensive, and, honestly, unnecessary. The truth is, your closest people will show up for you no matter what title they have.
10. The Grazing Table
They look beautiful on Instagram… for about five minutes. After that, it’s just a crowded table of half-eaten cheese and questionable finger foods. They’re expensive, tough to keep fresh, and not exactly germaphobe-friendly. Some simple snacks and refreshments are enough to hold guests over during cocktail hour.