In these trying economic times, there are some wedding expenses that could probably be dispensed without much love lost. This doesn't mean that you have to deprive yourself of the little luxuries you've been dreaming of such as: designer shoes, a chocolate fountain, the vintage car, fireworks or that cutting-edge photographer, but it just means that you-as a couple (and only you) should determine your own level of prioritisation based on your budget. Ask yourself, what is most important to you? And whilst everyone is entitled to their own opinion on this, here are my top three picks for wedding money-wasters:
Impractical wedding favours
I'm sure you all may have little trinkets from weddings that you attended-marked for instance, "John and Jane, August 28, 2004"-lying about the house. Let's face it, nowadays, only relatives and close friends will keep these mementoes. The majority of guests will cheerfully pitch them out with the garbage one day, in a flurry of spring cleaning. Edible favours or favours which can be used in everyday life are much better alternatives and a far better bang for your buck as well. If you decide to give favours, think about practical or edible ones such as: CDs, wine stoppers, mini ice cream scoops, metal bookmarks, mini recipe books, candles, soaps, chocolates, cupcakes, scented oils, gourmet teas, coffees, nuts and candies.
Ditch the wedding army
Tradition has it that the bride and groom give gifts or accessories to the bridal party and pay for their transportation. Your budget is therefore quite likely to be blown if your bridal party is very large. Unless your family is huge and you want to include all your sisters, brothers or cousins, there is really no need for an excessive entourage of bridesmaids and groomsmen, unless you prefer it that way.
Monogram mania
Those satin ribbons, cocktail napkins and cake boxes with your names or initials printed on them in gold or silver-foil certainly will look fabulous on the reception tables but are they really necessary? Or will colour-co-ordinated ones or more eco-friendly ones suffice? Perhaps a much better idea is to write and attach personalised tags onto them.