Essential Wedding Planning: 10 Things You Don’t Need to Save Money and Stress

Wedding planning can feel like trying to assemble IKEA furniture without the instructions—frustrating, confusing, and likely to make you question all your life choices. And let’s be real, the wedding industry loves to convince you that you need everything to have the “perfect day.” Spoiler alert: You don’t.

I’ve been there—staring at a spreadsheet of expenses, wondering if gold-plated napkin rings are truly the key to marital bliss. (Spoiler #2: They’re not.) So, let’s cut through the nonsense and talk about 10 things you absolutely don’t need to save money and your sanity.

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1. Over-the-Top Invitations

Listen, I get it—you want your invites to look like they belong in a royal wedding. But here’s the thing: most of them end up in the trash.

• Save money: Opt for digital invites (they’re eco-friendly too!).
• Still want paper? Go for simple, elegant designs—skip the foil stamping and handmade calligraphy unless it’s really your thing.
• FYI: No one will remember your invitation, but they will remember if you run out of food.

2. A Giant Wedding Party

Do you really need 12 bridesmaids and 12 groomsmen? Unless you’re recreating Game of Thrones, probably not.

• More people = more drama. (And more bouquets, gifts, and hair/makeup costs.)
• Keep it intimate. A smaller wedding party means less stress and more meaningful connections.
• Pro tip: If Aunt Karen insists her daughter should be a flower girl, just smile and nod… then do what you want.

3. Fancy Wedding Favors

Let’s be honest—most wedding favors get left behind or regifted. Do you really need monogrammed mini jars of honey?

• Skip the trinkets. Guests would rather have an open bar than a tiny candle with your initials.
• Better idea: Donate to a charity in your guests’ names—it’s meaningful and clutter-free.
• Or just… don’t. No one will riot if there’s no favor.

4. A Multi-Tiered Cake (If You Don’t Love Cake)

Wedding cakes are expensive, and half the time, people just eat the frosting.

• Alternatives: Cupcakes, donuts, or a dessert bar (way more fun).
• Small cake for photos + sheet cake for serving = genius.
• IMO: If you’re not cake people, skip it entirely. Pie? Ice cream? A cheese tower? Do what makes you happy.

5. Excessive Decor

Pinterest will have you believing you need 500 candles, 200 hanging florals, and a chandelier made of dreams. Nope.

• Venue already beautiful? Let it shine! Minimal decor = less stress.
• DIY with caution. Unless you love crafting, those handmade centerpieces will haunt you.
• Focus on key areas: Sweetheart table, entrance, and maybe the dance floor. The rest? Meh.

6. A Designer Wedding Dress

Unless your dream is to wear a dress that costs as much as a used car, you have options.

• Sample sales, consignment, or renting can save thousands.
• Non-traditional dresses (white bridesmaid dresses, jumpsuits) are chic and budget-friendly.
• Remember: No one knows (or cares) if it’s Vera Wang or ASOS.

7. A Videographer (If It’s Not a Priority)

Wedding videos are nice, but if you’re on a tight budget, they’re not essential.

• Photos capture moments better for most people.
• Ask a friend to film key moments (ceremony, first dance) on a phone.
• Unless you’ll rewatch it yearly, skip the professional package.

8. Overpriced Floral Arrangements

Flowers are ridiculously expensive and die in a week.

• Use greenery instead (cheaper and just as pretty).
• Mix real and fake flowers—no one will notice.
• Pick in-season blooms or skip flowers altogether (candles, lanterns, or books make great centerpieces).

9. A Late-Night Snack Buffet

Unless you’re having a rager that goes until 3 AM, this is unnecessary.

• People leave early. Save the midnight pizza for your after-party.
• If you must feed late-night guests, keep it simple (sliders, fries, or a coffee station).

10. A Full Open Bar

Booze is a budget-killer. You don’t need top-shelf everything.

• Beer, wine, and a signature cocktail are plenty.
• Cash bar (gasp!) is acceptable if your budget is tight.
• Or… just do a brunch wedding with mimosas. Problem solved.

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Final Thoughts: Your Wedding, Your Rules

At the end of the day, your wedding should be about you—not about keeping up with Pinterest trends or Aunt Linda’s expectations. Cut what doesn’t matter, splurge on what does, and remember: The best weddings are the ones where people have fun, not the ones with the most expensive napkins.

So, what’s on your “skip it” list? Drop a comment or just take a deep breath and remember—you got this. (And if all else fails, eloping is always an option. 😉)