14 Wedding Things You Can Cut Without Feeling Guilty (Even If Everyone Else Is Doing Them)
Let’s rip the lace off gently, shall we?
You don’t have to do what every other bride is doing.
And you definitely don’t have to do what your aunt, your planner, or that girl from high school’s Pinterest board says is “a must.”
This is your wedding, not a performance.
So here are 11 things you’re allowed to say “nah” to—and still have a beautiful, meaningful, unforgettable day.
Warning: these might ruffle a few veils.
(*Before we get into it—let me just say this real quick.
I’m not here to tell you your wedding day isn’t special or that you shouldn’t spend on things that truly matter to you.
I'm a firm believer in making your day feel magical in whatever way you want.
This blog?
It’s just giving you options.
Especially if your budget is tight or you just don’t care about them.
Some of these things I will still do at my own wedding
So if you do choose to spend money on any of these things, please don’t feel like you “wasted” it.
You didn’t.
You made a choice that felt right for you.
This is just here to show you that you actually have way more freedom—and way less pressure—than you think.*)
Alright, NOW let’s get into it.
1. The Wedding Dress Moment
You don’t have to fall in love with a $2,000 dress and cry in a boutique.
You can find something online.
You can wear a simple white slip dress.
You can thrift it.
You can wear a $60 gown and look like $6 million.
The bridal industry wants this moment to feel sacred and cinematic.
But let’s be real—it’s a dress.
Not an identity.
If the price tag gives you anxiety?
It’s not “the one.”
2. Wedding Favors
This one’s a classic.
And before anyone comes for me: yes, if your culture expects it, do it.
I’m Nigerian—, wedding souvenirs are a thing at almost all Nigerian weddings.
But if you’re not doing it for cultural reasons and just feel pressured?
You can skip it.
Most people forget them, leave them behind, or toss them later.
If you still want to give something, keep it simple: edible treats or something truly useful (like mini hand sanitizers or hangover kits).
But you do not need to spend $300+ on 100 monogrammed shot glasses.
You just don’t.
3. Bridesmaid Proposals
They know they’re your bridesmaids.
You’ve probably talked about it for months.
You don’t need to drop $60 per box with custom robes, champagne, and gold-crusted cookies.
If you want to do something sweet, a handwritten letter or a personal message is already perfect.
It’s the connection that matters—not the curated Instagram reel of opening a fancy box.
Let’s normalize saving money on the stuff that doesn’t need to be a production.
4. Florals That Could Pay Rent
Flowers are beautiful. But florals that cost $6,000?
That die the next day? That you’ll barely remember after the photos?
No ma’am. Do a mix of real and fake. Repurpose ceremony flowers at the reception.
Or skip florals altogether and go for candles, greenery, or fabric.
Your wedding doesn’t need to smell like a botanical garden to be beautiful.
5. Customized Everything
Napkins with your initials, drink stirrers with your wedding date, signage for every. single. moment... it adds up fast.
Some personal touches?
Lovely.
But over-customizing everything is not only expensive,
it’s... kind of forgettable.
People won’t remember if your bar napkins were monogrammed.
They’ll remember if they had a good time
6. Luxury Invitations
I know they’re beautiful.
I know.
But hear me out: how many wedding invites have you saved?
Like actually kept after the wedding.
Exactly...it dosen't matter how beautiful or regal it looks, eventually it will enter the trash
If it’s within budget and you love them—go for it.
But if it’s pushing you over, go digital or choose a simpler print.
Your guests care about the info, not whether it’s letterpressed on handmade cotton paper.
By the way —
If reading this blog post has you rethinking half your Pinterest board (and maybe breathing just a little easier)… that’s kind of the point.
You don’t have to do everything — especially when you’re the one holding it all together without a wedding planner, a big budget, or ten extra hands.
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That’s why I made the Wedding Planning Bundle — it’s just a super simple way to help you plan your whole wedding (especially if you’re doing it without a wedding planner)
without all the chaos.
You’ll be able to stay on top of the things that actually matter — like your guest list, budget, vendors, the RSVPs — so you’re not wasting energy on things no one even remembers.
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It won’t plan the wedding for you (I wish…), but it’ll take so much off your plate and help you feel like you’re not constantly behind.
I dropped the link right here if you want to check it out:
7. The Bouquet Toss, Garter Toss, All the Tosses
These traditions are dusty.
A lot of people don’t even like them
Some find them awkward.
I find them outright cringey.
If the idea of your husband fishing around your skirt in front of your parents makes your soul itch?
Guess what—you can skip it.
There’s no award for doing every wedding tradition just because it’s tradition.
8. Over-the-Top Venue Decor
If the venue is already beautiful...why are you paying thousands to cover it up?
Stop trying to force Pinterest on a space that already has its own vibe.
Sometimes less really is more.
Dim the lights.
Add candles.
Let the mood do the work.
9. Table Chargers & Layered Decor
The Pinterest tablescapes are gorgeous, yes.
But you don’t need charger plates, three layers of napkins, and personalized menus at every place setting.
What guests do care about:
☑️Being able to see across the table.
☑️Having enough space to eat comfortably.
☑️Good lighting and vibes.
You can create a beautiful tablescape with candles, simple linens, and a few thoughtful touches.
The rest is extra.
10. Printed Ceremony Programs
You know what people do with programs?
They read it for two seconds (if that), fold it in half, and forget it on their chair.
Save your time, money, and trees.
Instead, do a welcome sign with a timeline.
Clear, cute, and doesn’t end up in the trash.
One and done.
11. A DJ and a Live Band
If you can afford both and you really want both, great.
But don’t feel pressured to hire a full band just because someone said it’s “elevated.”
A great DJ can carry the whole night—from cocktail hour to dance party.
And it costs way less.
Invest in someone who understands the vibe you want.
That’s what matters.
12. Inviting People You Don’t Even Like
The most expensive thing at your wedding is your guest list.
Every +1 is money.
So why are you inviting your mom’s co-worker’s cousin you haven’t seen since 2007?
You are not a bad person for saying no to distant family, college acquaintances, or random plus-ones.
Protect your peace.
And your most importantly your budget.
Final Thoughts
You’re not a bad bride if you don’t do all the extra stuff.
You’re not cheap.
You’re allowed to make different choices.
Smart choices.
Unpopular-but-right-for-you choices.
If someone doesn’t like it?
That’s okay!
You are not the wedding industry’s puppet.
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