10 Things You Absolutely Do Not Need at Your Wedding
When planning a wedding, it’s easy to get caught up in traditions, trends, and endless Pinterest inspiration. But the truth is, not everything that’s “expected” is actually necessary—or even practical. In fact, some things are just a waste of money, time, or energy. We are Hudson Valley Wedding Planners who specialize in luxury weddings, not only in NY but also all across New England and Destinations around the world. We have planned hundreds of weddings and events, and we are happy to share with you what is and isn’t necessary. If you’re looking to simplify your wedding day and focus on what truly matters, here are 10 things you can confidently skip.
1. Ceremony Programs
While they may seem like a nice touch, ceremony programs are one of the most unnecessary wedding extras. Most guests either already know who’s walking down the aisle or will figure it out quickly. Plus, programs introduce a logistical challenge that many don’t consider—paper is lightweight and will fly away in even the slightest breeze. If you’re set on having them, be sure to place them in a weighted basket at your welcome station or secured on chairs with something substantial, like a (not-to-light) fan.
That said, if you’re considering ditching the programs, run it by your parents first. For some reason, parents tend to have strong feelings about them!
2. Wedding Favors
Favors seem like a sweet way to thank your guests, but in reality? Most are forgotten, left behind, or tossed out later. Unless they’re edible or genuinely useful, they’re likely a waste of money. If you do opt for favors, choose something consumable—like locally made treats, mini donuts, or traditional family recipes (one wedding we planned featured beautifully boxed slices of family-made black cake).
Whatever you choose, make multiple announcements about them. Whether it’s your DJ, MC, or signage, guests need to be reminded several times—otherwise, you’ll end up with a pile of leftovers.
3. A Wedding Cake for Every Guest
Gone are the days when every guest needed their own slice of wedding cake. Not everyone loves cake, and dietary restrictions can make this an impractical choice. Instead of ordering a full-size cake for everyone, consider a small-tiered cake for an intimate cake-cutting ceremony and supplement with a dessert station. This way, guests can choose what they actually want, and you won’t be stuck with 50 uneaten slices of cake at the end of the night.
4. Individual Place Cards at Every Seat
While assigned tables are necessary, assigned seats are sometimes overkill. A seating chart or escort cards directing guests to their table is all you need. Guests are perfectly capable of choosing their own seat within their assigned table, and this eliminates the hassle of last-minute seating swaps. Though I love place cards for the added design element is can bring to a place setting.
Pro tip: If you’re using long, banquet-style tables, make sure each individual table has its own number. A single number for four connected tables will only cause confusion.
5. Professional Hair & Makeup for Everyone
Gone are the days when every member of the wedding party had to have professional hair and makeup. With Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok tutorials, some of your friends may actually be better at it than the pros. If anyone in your crew feels comfortable doing their own, let them! It’ll save time, money, and keep things more relaxed.
Of course, you can still have a pro for the bride and a few others, but don’t feel obligated to do it for everyone. Your wedding day should be about what works best for you and your squad.
6. The Bouquet Toss
Ah, the bouquet toss—once a beloved tradition, now a rare sight. If you do choose to toss your bouquet, consider using a smaller one than your bridal bouquet. That way, if it ends up flying off into the crowd like a projectile, no one’s losing an eye, and you are able to keep yours pristine. Also, be mindful of anything overhead, like chandeliers—no one wants to be responsible for wrecking the venue! (Just imagine the horror of a $10,000 light fixture crashing down mid-party.)
7. The Garter Toss
Once a wedding staple, the garter toss has definitely fallen out of favor. Honestly, most people have forgotten about it entirely, and let's be real—it's not exactly the most tasteful tradition. If the idea of tossing a garter around doesn't excite you (or you just really want to skip it), go ahead and leave it out! No one will notice, and you’ll have one less thing to worry about. Plus, you won’t have to explain what’s going on to Aunt Mildred.
8. A Blusher Veil
The blusher veil—the small veil that covers the bride’s face before being lifted—is a tradition that’s become, let’s say, a bit outdated. Unless you’re super into it (and hey, no judgment if you are), it’s one of those things that might just be better left in the past. If you’re not feeling the whole “mysterious bride” vibe, just skip it. No one’s going to remember if you didn’t have one.
9. A Staged "First Look"
Pre-ceremony photos are a lifesaver—they save time and reduce stress (trust me, you want to knock out those shots before the ceremony!). But a staged “first look”? That’s completely optional. Some couples love capturing the dramatic moment of seeing each other for the first time all dressed up, but if that’s not your style, no worries! If you’d rather keep it more natural, go for it. Just do what feels right for you and your partner—after all, it's your day, not a Hollywood movie set.
10. Welcome Bags for Every Guest
Unless you’re hosting a destination wedding, welcome bags are usually an unnecessary expense. Most guests don’t expect them, and while they may appreciate the gesture, they probably won’t use half the items. If you do want to provide something, consider a small basket of essentials at the check-in desk of your hotel block. It’s a much more practical (and budget-friendly) option.
If you do go this route, make sure the contents are actually useful. A schedule for the weekend with shuttle details, Liquid IV to help with hangovers, ibuprofen, and snacks are all great additions. Trust me, after a long night of dancing, your guests will appreciate having something to snack on when they realize there’s no more room service at midnight and they’re starving. You’ll be the hero of the evening without breaking the bank!
Your wedding should reflect you and your partner, not outdated traditions. If there’s something you’ve been thinking about skipping, consider this your permission to do what feels best for you. Your wedding day is about celebrating your love, not checking off a list of must-do traditions.
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