Undoubtedly, weddings require a lot of things. We are talking about everything from the obvious, such as a wedding dress, to the unavoidable, such as knives and forks. However, among the essentials, the industry thrives on all the extras. As a rule of thumb, ask yourself if you would miss it when you were a guest at another wedding. Then you can decide if it's worth it. We are not suggesting that these are things that you don't want to include, or more importantly, shouldn't include - but things that you might forgo if you're on a tight budget.
Favors: We have seen everything from the classic cookie bar to the less classic but quite trendy succulents. When choosing a favor, there are a few things to consider - including the fact that you bought them dinner, they gave you a gift, and you will send them a Thank You card. So, maybe this extra gift-giving moment is unnecessary. Most people won't take a favor unless it's edible and they can eat it on the way home in the shuttle or car. We find lots of well-meaning favors abandoned in the parking lot once guests realize they can't fly with a plant.
Programs: While we appreciate the fact that you want to keep your guests informed, usually, the program only covers the ceremony. But what they actually want to know about is when they can eat, drink, and dance. If you do spend the money and get them printed, your guests will use them as fans if it's hot before ditching them as soon as you guys kiss. They are useful if your ceremony is over thirty minutes or if you have multiple readings. But we find that a big central sign with some ceremony information, along with times of other events like sparkler exits and cake cutting, seems to be the most effective way of providing information.
Place-cards at the table: We believe in assigning tables but not a place at the table. The place-cards are helpful to your caterer so he/she can get the right meals to the right people. But, this can usually be done just by knowing how many beef, chicken people are on each table. We do bow to caterers preferred thing on this however!
Candle lighting in the ceremony: It seems awesome, but it is one of those 'better in theory' ideas. For one, it is very hard to get them to stay lit during an outdoor ceremony. And when you're doing a ceremony to symbolize your love, and the symbol is lighting a candle together, and it won't light, it's not a wonderful symbol of anything. Consider pouring wine or sand instead.
Signs for every little thing: We know they are really in right now, and who doesn't love a rhyming poem to ask them to take some flip-flops. But, hopefully, your guests will be able to tell the difference between a guestbook and a seating chart. They take up a lot of time, imagination, and then after the wedding, you're stuck with random signs that make no sense in your house.
Personalized things: See above. These are a lot of fun and can be super cute, but they can be overwhelming. If your guests' enjoyment is based on your name on a napkin (or worse, they need a name on a napkin to remember whose wedding they're at), then no offense, but you're not doing a wedding right.
Huge invitations: They are expensive to buy and cost a lot to mail. Look into "Send and Seal" invitations. They are fun and easy. You can also save money by making everyone use your website to RSVP. That way, you don't need to pay for RSVP cards when you order your invitations, and if you're like me and can't keep track of food options, the software will do it for you.
One thing that is totally popular - and the one favor we always love to see - is a cookie bar.