25 Simple Things to Nix From Your Wedding Day
All the little details add up! Here are 25 things to cut from your wedding to ease your budget and your stress level.
By: Katelyn Helgeson
Superfluous Ceremony Décor
When setting your décor budget, focus your dollars on where your guests are going to spend most of their time — your reception. Less is more when it comes to the ceremony; go with just enough to bring out the beauty of the setting. Plus, most guests are likely not to see it — because all eyes are on you!
Photo Credit: Amber Green Photography
Cake Serving Set
A cake serving set can be a wonderful wedding keepsake, but they can also be pricey. This is a great way to involve family — use your parents cake serving set or any other family member that was gifted one previously. If this fails, ask your wedding cake vendor or caterer if they have a basic cake cutting set.
Photo Credit: Casey Fatchett Photography
Bathroom Baskets
Although a nice gesture, bathroom baskets filled with mini toiletries are one of those things that guests simply won't notice if they're missing. Plus, bathroom baskets will likely be forgotten about when you gather up belongings at the end of the evening.
Photo Credit: Appletini Photography & Design
Aisle Runner
Prior to the processional, numerous individuals inevitably step on the aisle runner, including guests with dirty shoes, which may muddle the fabric. If the aisle runner material is too thin, high heels may puncture the fabric as well. And if your aisle runner doesn't have proper traction, it can slip, leading to embarrassing falls in the middle of the processional. Avoid unnecessary headaches and skip the aisle runner all together. Utilize extra flower petals your florist may have on hand instead if you want to beautify your aisle.
Photo Credit: The Other Sister Photography via Oh Lovely Day
Sparklers
As beautiful as photos can be with sparkers, the execution is very difficult. By the time the last group of sparklers lit, the ones first lit are burning out. Similar issues occur with all varieties of send-offs — and these days, most couples are staying until the very end of the reception anyway.
Photo Credit: Rowanberry + Lavender
Late-Night Snacks
Guests may love late-night snacks, but they also won't miss them if you don't provide them. Unless you are still trying to meet your caterer's minimum, do not feel obligated to feed your guests again. Most guests have had plenty to eat during the main meal and do not expect a second round.
Photo Credit: Craig Paulson Photography on Craig Paulson Photography via Lover.ly
Ceremony Musicians
Call on your talented friends and family to fill this role rather than hiring other professionals. Most will be honored to play such a key part of your wedding day. A big perk is that having friends or family involved is much more personal! Don't have any musical friends or family members? Using your DJ for your ceremony can lead to significant savings over live musicians.
Photo Credit: Susan Baker Photography
In Loving Memory Tables
Unfortunately, these tables covered in sentimental photos or signs often get overlooked by guests at the wedding — and you risk damaging precious, irreplaceable photographs. Rather, when thanking your guests during your speech, acknowledge your loved ones who could not be with you on this special day.
Specialty Lighting
The right lighting has the power to transform your reception space, but you'll get the most bang for your buck by opting for standard uplighting rather than custom gobos or projections. Because uplighting is so popular, many DJs and venues include the colorful lights in their packages for little to no extra charge.
Photo Credit: Embrace Life Photography
Kids' Room Items
If you're inviting children, don't feel obligated to go overboard on entertainment for the young kiddos. Most likely, the parents will bring toys guaranteed to entertain their own children. Pick up a few coloring books, crayons, stickers, and little games from the dollar store to fill in any gaps.
Photo Credit: Rosapaola Lucibelli Photography
Guestbook
Sad, but true — the more creative the guest book, the smaller the number of guests who actually sign it, leading it to be an inaccurate reflection of who attended your wedding. Instead, ask your photographer to make sure he or she captures a photo of each guest (table photos are a quick and easy way), and save the cards with sweet messages inside.
Photo Credit: Captured Photography By Jenny on Every Last Detail via Lover.ly
Bouquet/Garter Toss
Garters can be costly, and many brides order a second bouquet as a "toss" bouquet so that they don't have to give away their actual flowers. But these traditions are phasing out in popularity, so it will hardly be a shock if you go without these activities.
Photo courtesy of JB Conaway/Etsy
Unity Candle
A unity candle (or similar variation, like a sand-blending ceremony) can be a meaningful addition to your ceremony and a great way to incorporate more family members in your service, but you may not realize how quickly the costs add up. The real highlight of your ceremony — your vows — are free, so focus your attention on that instead.
Photo Credit: Rhphotoarts on Munaluchi Bridal via Lover.ly
Toasting Flutes
Your caterer should provide champagne flutes for toasting. Specialty bridal flutes can be expensive and fragile, meaning you'll also spend unnecessary time worrying about them breaking. Additionally, you most likely will only use them once in your lifetime — for your wedding. If bridal flutes are something you strongly desire, request them as a wedding gift.
Photo Credit: Park Road Photography on The Wedding Chicks via Lover.ly
