Compiling a list of things you DON'T need... please contribute

Original post by pa56

Jul 09, 2009 09:48 AM

My friend is getting married later this year and asked me for things that aren't necessary. Here's my personal list and my reasons, please add your own so I can print and send to her. I know everyone has different things, so please put your reasons on there too! Thanks!!

- Engagement Pics: I know a lot of brides get them and are very happy with them, but I personally saw no need for them. I figured after the wedding, we'd put wedding pics up in our apartment anyway. And since they were included in the package, I just traded them for 2 professional albums, which I gave to each set of parents.

- Limos: We had pics taken before the ceremony at the ceremony sight, so there was no need to 'arrive in style' since no one would see us arriving.

- Upgrades no one would notice: I used simple silverware and linens. I figured with the lights dimmed at night, no one would notice fancy tablecloths versus regular ones.

- DIY placecards/programs/guestbook: People look at the programs during the ceremony and then toss them. Why spend $$$ on something so temporary so I made them myself. I made one and then went to Kinkos to have them duplicate 150. Total cost was less than $50 for materials + Kinkos for 150 programs. As for the guestbook, I made it on picaboo.com for $32 and brought it with me to the rehearsal dinner so at least the 'important' people got to sign it.

- Wedding shoes: My dress is very long and there's no way anyone would see my shoes unless I lifted up my dress. So I didn't buy shoes, and instead wore my very comfy high heels that I wear to work everyday.

futuremrsjc2010 Posted: Jul 23, 2009 11:10 AM

Re: Compiling a list of things you DON'T need... please contribute

Wow this becoming like a battle. We should be here to help eachother :), not to downplay eachothers opinions or what we have or do not have (for our wedding)

AngnShaun Posted: Jul 23, 2009 11:22 AM

Re: Compiling a list of things you DON'T need... please contribute

Posted by futuremrsjc2010

Wow this becoming like a battle. We should be here to help eachother :), not to downplay eachothers opinions or what we have or do not have (for our wedding)

I dont think its a battle at all... i think this thread is more helpful than most of the threads that ive seen... at least people can get different oppinions and different ideas... and they can find ways to save money if they need to

Its2Snappy Posted: Jul 23, 2009 11:32 AM

Re: Compiling a list of things you DON'T need... please contribute

I had actually never heard of slipper baskets before coming to LIW or seen them at any wedding I'd been to. However, I absolutely love the idea. I know it is extra $$$, but I just think it is fun.

The personalized matchbooks was my first wedding purchase. I got them for $16. I don't think it is something you need to have, but just a little addition to the favors. (I'm doing a donation, so I wanted something personal besides a scroll or bookmark stating the donation).

futuremrsjc2010 Posted: Jul 23, 2009 11:32 AM

Re: Compiling a list of things you DON'T need... please contribute

I agree with it being helpful as well :)

bag19 Posted: Jul 23, 2009 12:12 PM

Re: Compiling a list of things you DON'T need... please contribute

Posted by gina409

geez..we did alot on this list..but w wanted to to so i say to each his own...u may not like bathroom baskets,but the girl who just got her period might

love this! haha cuz that would totally be ME!!!!!!!

oldladybride Posted: Jul 23, 2009 05:58 PM

Re: Compiling a list of things you DON'T need... please contribute

the items that have already been mentioned seem to be a pretty good list of things you can exclude yet have a lovely wedding.
besides you, the groom, witnesses and the officiant the basics are a nice RH with good food, a good photog and good music.
if you have the ceremony at the church you might want a limo for 3 hrs to take you to church, then both of you to RH. I had a small BP where not both of the couples were in it so I asked if they'd be ok to go with spouse in that car to rh. all said ok so that can save you.

video?? that might be keeper - - since I cringe at me on bank monitors we didn't do video .

all else . . I think you need to ask yourself if you want to do DIY do you have the time for it w/o it pushing you into bridezilla mode and if it's an expense, do you want to be paying it back for however many years it takes to pay off the wedding?

the little things like cry packs ,slipper baskets while you think they are nice, I think guests put most importance in lots and lots of good food and booze!!! and they all noticed the floower centerpieces - - go figure.

one thing I didn't see on the list were the WE DO letters. personally I did not use them and used lots of icing flowers for my cake topper. if someone else can do the work I let them.

same for rh menus and omitted church programs.

hth

FutureMrsLMS Posted: Oct 26, 2009 09:50 PM

Re: Compiling a list of things you DON'T need... please contribute

ITA to a lot of the above. I am not doing programs, flowers for the church, stretch limos, e-pics, bathroom baskets, or even a bridal shower (I dont have a bridal party, go figure!). Its just a personal preference because I don't want all that extra stress. The major things are the venue, the food, the entertainment, the ceremony/church and making sure my guests are comfortable, happy and able to have a good time at my wedding.