Like a lot of others, I’m skipping everything that serves no real purpose and would cause extra hassle. Also, I’m in my thirties and some of the “traditions” (big bridal party, bouquet toss) seem more appropriate for younger brides. Just my opinion!
I’m ditching:
– Bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girl, ring bearer — no people to coordinate!
– Unity candle/sand/whatever — these have always seemed a little…rinky-dink to me; isn’t that what the vows are for?
– Readings, songs, etc. — as a guest I feel like these are usually pretty dull to sit through and I’d prefer to keep things simple and sweet
– Programs — a program is a signal that the ceremony will be long! Mine will be short, so waste of paper and effort
– Decor — I chose my ceremony and reception venues because they are beautiful, full of character and need no decorating. I didn’t want to have to create the ambiance myself.
– Centerpieces — My reception will be cocktail, mix-and-mingle style with a mixture of regular tables, high tables, couches and armchairs; there will also be lots of tables on the large balcony. Plenty of seating available, but not in the standard format, so centerpieces are pointless. Which means I will also have no:
– Table numbers or
– Flowers — Since I’m doing no centerpiecs/decor, they would only be for my bouquet, which I also don’t see the point of.
– Guestbook or any variations thereof — Don’t really see the point as my wedding is going to be small enough that I’ll remember who was there, and I don’t like being put on the spot to come up with something clever. There are only so many ways to say “We wish you the best!” Might get a photobooth and have that serve as a visual guestbook.
– Bouquet toss/garter fetching — utterly incompatible with my notion of a good time; besides there will be no bouquet or garter
– Wedding industry “stuff” like a cake carving set (just…why??)
– Toasts — not going to request any. If the spirit moves someone to talk, fine, but it won’t be planned for
– Special dances — We are taking dance lessons so we can dance at the wedding, but I haven’t decided whether we’ll do a first dance; they can be a little uncomfortable for guests. Parent dances only if the parents in question WANT to do them; otherwise, we’ll dance with our parents along with everyone else
– Special exit — I figure we’ll just walk to our hotel next door whenever we feel like it!
I DO plan to ply my guests with lots of good food, an open bar, good entertainment and a couple of fun extras that are specific to where I’m getting married. All I care about at the end of the day is that I’m married and everyone had a good time!
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