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10 things your wedding doesn’t really need

Weddings are expensive affairs, and it is not worthwhile to spend money on the so-called “must-haves,” which end up being not so essential after all. It is quite commonplace to get caught in a rush, and tick things off your list as quickly as is possible when planning your wedding. In all this hurry, you may easily overlook what is actually necessary and what can be done without.

So, we suggest you take a break from all that wedding planning for a bit and actually look at that long list you have. A few minutes is all it will take to analyze whether you need to do everything that is in there but definitely does this. This well-spent time will help your budget go further.

We have some tips from our wedding planning experts, who have seen enough weddings to precisely tell us what we can do away with, and still have a fantastic wedding day. So, in no particular order, here is the list!

Save-the-date cards

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Save-the-date cards are just another expensive piece of stationery, that you can do without. This is very true if you have a short engagement. Your wedding invitation, on the other hand, is a must-have! Almost everyone has an email or social media account these days. So, just send out an email once you finalize your wedding date, and that should be enough for everyone to mark their calendars. In case there are those who don’t operate online, you can inform them with a personal letter or phone call. Or, if there is little time left till the wedding, just send the invitation as soon as is possible. When you think of the postage and printing charges for a bunch of save-the-dates, don’t you think it is worth spending that money on something else?

Guest books

wishing well

Your guest book may not cost you a significant amount, but when planning your wedding, every bit counts. It will, in the end, just be a book that will be stashed away and hardly remembered. How many of your guests will do much more than just sign their names into it, and what purpose does that really serve anyway? Now if you were opting for a guest book alternative, like a wish well or a wish box, it would be nicer. You could use this in your new home as a wall or mantel display. This will certainly be more enjoyable than a guest book that will be put away with the rest of the wedding stuff you may never touch again.

A fancy cake-cutting set

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When you spend a huge amount on a designer wedding cake, do you think it is necessary to get a fancy cutting set to do the honours? This is an item with a one-time use, but it can be pretty expensive. What is more, your caterer may even have one that you can borrow. Or it may be available at the venue if the place hosts weddings regularly. So, check this option out before you go shopping. Or, you can just ask family and friends. If any of your friends have bought a brand new set for their wedding, they may lend it to you for your cake-cutting ceremony.

A big bridal party

Image Credits: Micadew, via Flickr
Image Credits: Micadew, via Flickr

There is no right or wrong number of members in your bridal party. If you have plenty of friends and relatives who must be beside you when you say “I do”, so be it. Otherwise, keep the numbers small, and many, including you, will be relieved. It is expensive for you as well as your bridesmaids when they are at a wedding party. The bridesmaids will have to put aside a considerable amount for their dresses, accessories, hair, makeup and wedding gifts. Similarly, the couple will also feel obliged to buy special wedding party gifts and share some of the bridal party expenses. Instead of all this, if you keep your wedding party small and include just those who are essential, you save everyone a lot of trouble. Not only do the potential bridesmaids candidates just have to worry about getting you one wedding gift, but you can also skip the extras like expensive wedding party gifts. And the lesser the number of women, the lesser the drama! Have a Maid of Honor and a bridesmaid, or even two Co-maids of honour and you should be good to go.

Too many details

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An elaborate centrepiece with hundreds of intricate details works just as well as a budget-friendly simple and stylish smaller centrepiece. Similarly, party favours wrapped in cellophane, and then packed into a custom bag and topped with a fancy ribbon will do not different than one packed into a small box. And we don’t even have to get started on how expensive and unnecessary fancy linen is. When there are too many details in a wedding, it loses its charm. Your guests will simply get lost in the several things that they may not remember most of it at the end of the day. So, focus on creating only a few signature elements that stand out from the rest. Stay away from the smaller details that don’t contribute to the bigger picture, and you will save yourself a lot of stress. Instead, devote attention to making your wedding day fun and enjoyable, as that is what will be most memorable.

A band

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Let’s face it, a band is very expensive. So, unless you are very particular you must have a group of performing artists at your wedding, skip it altogether. A DJ with a playlist of songs that will entertain the guests at your party can make your party just as interesting. Perhaps even more, if you find the right wedding DJ or band. Also, it will mean a lot less to co-ordinate. Or, if you can manage a good quality sound system, you can create your own list of songs on a CD and have it played at the wedding.

A registry

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If you know exactly what you want in your new home, or you are particular about not keeping anything more than you actually need, a wedding registry may be a good idea. However, if you aren’t really sure of what you should have, or what you will find useful in future, skip the registry altogether. Trust me on this, creating a registry when you are unsure of things will only confuse you more. You already have so much going on for your wedding, and planning the registry is one tiring detail that you don’t have to add to it. Not having a registry will give your guests the flexibility to figure out something they think will be useful. Don’t you think the surprise of opening up each gift and discovering what they’ve chosen for you will be real fun? And, if you get lucky, your guests may even skip the idea of getting you a gift and give you cash or gift vouchers instead. That doesn’t sound so bad, does it now?

The latest designer wedding gown

Walking down the aisle as a beautiful vision of white is possible, even if you don’t spend a chunk on a brand new designer wedding gown. There are so many economical options that can still help you realize this dream. Choose a gown from the previous season’s collections, and you may get it at a discount. Or visit the clearance sale section of your wedding shop, to find what captures your fancy. You could even rent your gown or buy one second-hand, and nobody has to know. After all, it is a one-time occasion and not a dress you have to wear every day. If you can get what you want for a fraction of the cost of buying a fresh off-the-runway, designer wedding gown, you must be really smart and practical! Don’t worry about compromising on style or look, when you opt for this route. Check out our special offers page on Best for Bride for some fantastic offers that will definitely transform you into the beautiful bride you always dreamed of being, but without the hefty price tag attached to it.

Wedding programs

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Another piece of stationery that you can easily skip is wedding programs. It is common practice to hand out wedding programs before the start of the ceremony, and the paper that goes into making it is usually not cheap. However, have you ever noticed where these programs end up after the ceremony? In the trash, of course. So, why should you spend a fortune on getting them printed if they serve no real purpose? I like this idea on The Every Last Detail blog, to use large signage instead, noting the key participants in the ceremony and order of events. Not only will this detail have a huge visual impact, but it can also be done at a fraction of the cost of printing hundreds of wedding programs. Also, it serves the main purpose of providing the information that your guests actually need, and in a no-fuss, but classy way.

Personalized wedding favors

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Cute little trinkets, personalized tins, glasses and photo coasters may all be very attractive, but how many of them will actually serve any purpose for your guests? While you may have to spend a fortune on your wedding favors and pay extra for custom details like adding a photograph or message, will it ever be used or even saved for later? The best favors that wedding guests actually use are edible ones. So, if you must have a wedding favor that will please everyone, consider cookies, candy, preserves or chocolates. You can personalize these with a photo wrapper or printed message wrapper if you want that personal touch in there. If you don’t think this is good enough, the next best options are candle holders and potted plants, that can be established into any home easily. Not all your guests may appreciate displaying photo favors with your picture, so save yourself your hard-earned cash and stick with what will actually be useful for them.

A towering tiered cake

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Earlier we mentioned that you do not need a fancy cake cutting set, to cut your designer cake. Now we tell you that you do not even need a fancy towering cake to impress your guests. You can do the same with a smaller couture cake, that will be just as spectacular, sans the size. Firstly, this means you can have a gourmet cake done with excellent details, just for the cake cutting ceremony. Sheet cakes done in the same flavor can be served to the guests at their tables. Not only does this minimize wastage, but there are also no compromises on style either. Or, if you are feeling bold enough, skip the cake altogether and choose an alternate dessert. For options, check out this previous post.

A weekend wedding

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Sure, you want everyone to be at your wedding! But, if a weekday ceremony saves you a tonne of cash or helps you get your dream venue which is booked for all weekends, so be it. This article on the Huff Post tells us that guests who want to be at your wedding won’t really mind taking a day off work for it. If you plan the event on a Friday, it would also help them kick-start a long weekend. Nobody will be complaining, I am sure!

So, tell us now, which of these things will you be eliminating from your wedding plans? Or, is there something that you have decided to skip, but we have missed in the list. Do let us know in the comments below.

Best for Bride helps prospective brides and grooms find everything they need for a fantastic wedding. From wedding dresses, dresses for the bridal party and essential wedding services, we have everything bridal under one roof. Check out our website today, to find what you seek, and come one step closer to having the perfect wedding day.

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10 alternate wedding dessert ideas

The wedding cake has, and will always be, an irreplaceable wedding icon. The size, shape and structure may change, but it will undeniably be a wedding symbol that cannot be switched out.

Nevertheless, more and more couples are choosing to look beyond the traditional wedding cake for their wedding dessert. The reasons are plenty—they may not like cake, they want something more budget-friendly, it could be to make it more unique, or simply because they want more than just cake.

Whatever be the reason, there are plenty of dessert options out there, and this is what we will look at today. Whether you want to use just these desserts at your reception, or add it to the dessert bar along with your wedding cake, we are sure they’ll be smashing successes. So, hop on and find out what your deliciously indulgent and sweet choices are.

1.Donuts

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They may be fried, they may be sweet, but everyone knows that donuts are a favorite in the world of desserts. Everyone from young children to teenagers and adults love donuts, and this is precisely why you should have this treat at your wedding. Whether you keep it simple, or dress it up and vary the mix, it will be a great addition to your dessert spread. You can also experiment with the size. While spongy soft, big donuts will be ideal as a snack or an edible party favor, the smaller dressed up versions drizzled with chocolate or sprinkled with colorful cake accessories are bite-sized treats that everyone will partake. For a more elegant finish, have the donuts glazed with frosting that matches the colors of your wedding palette and stack them up on a tiered cake rack to resemble a wedding cake. This way you can make them the stars of the show.

2. Bundt cakes

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Trade off the traditional tiered cake for individual Bundt cakes at each guest table. This will be a refreshing natural dessert that can be enjoyed by one and all. Without complicated details and frosting, all your guests will love to snack on at least a bite of it, post dinner. Not only is this an economical option, it is also easy to create. You can also have a single dessert spread with a number of Bundt cakes in different flavors, allowing your guests to pick slices from the lot. And, don’t forget to experiment with various flavors to find one that will match your wedding theme and personal flavor preferences. Flavors like lime and orange are right for the warmer months, while ginger, cinnamon and chocolate are great for autumn and winter. Bundt cakes are particularly good choices for outdoor weddings in gardens and backyards, as they look just right in with the natural surroundings. Consider serving a luscious spread of cream and fresh tropical fruit slices to complete this great dessert choice, if your wedding is a spring or summertime affair in the outdoors.

3.Pies

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There are many bakers who specialize in creating spectacular looking and delicious pies. Pies are wholesome and hearty food options. You can pack in various flavors to satisfy all your guests, whether they have a sweet tooth or prefer savory choices. If you want to replace the entire wedding cake with a pie bar, consider using pies of various dimensions and dressing up the arrangement using platters at different heights. Bite-sized pies can also double up as wedding favors for your guests to take home. Or, you can have a couture wedding cake and devote the rest of the dessert spread to various types of pies. Having pies as part of your reception dessert will save you money, as you can easily whip up stunning flavors using any seasonal or locally available items. Think of flavors like berries for spring and apple for winter, and you will have several options that cannot go wrong. Just make sure that your pies are extra luscious and buttery and have lavish doses of sweetness, crunch and cream to make them just perfect.

4.Cupcakes

cupcake tier

Our eternal favorite, cupcakes are a dessert that can liven up any wedding reception. They allow you to customize to the finest detail, so these delightful little treats are just perfect for your big celebration. Experiment with not just the flavors and frosting, but also with accessories like the cupcake toppers and pretty cupcake cases in patterns and prints, till you find the right mix that instantly adds a dash of personality to your sweet spread. Whether you choose to serve cupcakes at the guest tables, or have it as part of the dessert buffet, they are a fantastic treat that will be appreciated. You can even order extra, for edible party favors that your guests can take home and indulge in at leisure. When you place cupcakes in a tiered arrangement, they will resemble a wedding cake. By tying the design to the colors of your wedding and using suitable textures in the frosting, you can easily make it the focal element in your décor. Our love bird damask display cake tower featured in the picture here will allow you to create a stunning extravaganza with up to 75 cupcakes of your choice.

5.Mixed dessert platter

platter

Instead of a single dessert, how about serving an assortment of fanciful treats for the last course? This way, your guests can choose the ones that they favor from the platter that is placed on the table. It also gives your chef the option to perfect each sweet treat in its own special way, and create a marvelous arrangement by assorting them. Your guests will appreciate the opportunity to pick the one they love from the convenience of where they are seated. Bite-sized treats like mini cheesecake slices, festive macaroons, creamy mini-donuts and frosted cookies are all suitable desserts for the purpose. Make sure that each platter will have different types of desserts in terms of flavors, textures, colors and sweetness. This way, there will be something to satisfy every one of your guests. Arrange to have more of the popular ones, so nobody misses the treat they like from the spread. With a little clever planning, you can have the whole thing done on a much smaller budget than the typical wedding cake would cost you. Despite this, the impact will be even more strong, as a yummy dessert course is often unforgettable.

6.Smore station

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Bring the fun of camping to your wedding with a s’more station as your key dessert feature. You can also arrange individual hibachis at the guests tables, if your venue allows it. Although it may involve a little effort for your guests to toast their own marshmallows, we are sure they’ll enjoy the experience, which is still quite uncommon. After all, who doesn’t love this campfire staple. Upgrade the humble snack by choosing different flavors like coconut and caramel for a different taste. You can also switch out the standard Graham crackers for biscuit thins and add a few extras like syrups and sauces, to make it a wholesome dessert.

7.Waffles

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Perfect for a wedding brunch, fresh and warm waffles are a great dessert choice. You can also consider adding this to your dessert spread, even when you host your reception in the evening. More suited to casual style weddings, waffles are a delicious treat that most of your guests will like. The best way to have waffles is when they are made to order. Consider setting up a number of waffle stations at your reception venue, so everyone gets their waffles without having to wait for long. Add extras like syrups, chocolate sprinkles, berries, fruits, cream and ice cream on the side, and let your guests help themselves to it. Think of how wonderful this dessert idea would be on a cold winter evening. So, if you have a winter wedding on the cards, this is one idea you should definitely consider. If you have a small wedding, you can have a waffle platter like the one shown here, with various flavors for your guests to choose from.

8.Cheese tier or platter

cheese

Not really a dessert in the true sense, but we think cheese can end a meal on a beautiful and satisfying note. Some people are ready to switch out the sweet for a beautiful platter of rich cheese. If you belong to this group, the idea of a cheese platter or tiered cheese wheels may appeal to you. Make sure you choose from the best and most delicious cheeses you find, so you make a signature statement with your choice. Whether you serve cheese platters at the guest tables, or stack up cheese wheels to resemble the traditional tiered cake, it is entirely up to you. Nevertheless, remember that at least some guests will look forward to a sweet ending to the meal. So, don’t disappoint them. Add a small dessert to the spread, so that the focus still stays on the cheese, but everyone is happy.

9.Pancakes

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A close competitor to waffles, pancakes are now a trending dessert favorite. Particularly suited to reception brunches, when you want your guests to devour the warmest and fluffiest soul-stirring treats, pancakes add that casual and homey touch to any setting. Like waffles, pancakes too must be served warm to keep it fresh. It is a perfect dessert idea for casual weddings. Although a stack of pancakes may not be as grand as a wedding cake, these are the sweet little things that your guests will never say “No” to. Either serve up the thick breakfast variety, or go with rolled up crepes that are garnished and stuffed with sweet goodness. Add a dusting of castor sugar, or dress them up with syrup, cream, fruits and honey, or give your guests the honor of choosing the toppings themselves. You can also make these pancakes special by adding in flavors like banana, cinnamon or cream cheese, for extra taste.

10.Fruit tarts

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Deliciously summery and refreshingly sweet, fruit tarts are like little drops of heaven after a heavy wedding meal. They are loved by everyone. Rustic and organic looking, everyone will instantly take to this dessert, and a fruity tart adds the perfect finishing touches to a grand wedding meal. While it isn’t too sweet or sticky, it still has the power to satisfy that sweet craving your guests will have at the end of a meal. Find a baker who can create some drama by whipping up the tart topping so it looks interesting and isn’t something your guests would expect to see. You can also set up a display of tarts in different fruit flavors, so all your guests have the option to dip into the one that they love most. This way you can bring together the sweetness of apple with the citrusy freshness of orange and the punch of berries, all to your dessert table. The other option is to have individual bite-sized mini tarts in a range of flavors, and add it to your dessert buffet as the masterpiece. Be lavish with the spread of cream, fruits and drizzles of sweet syrups, and your choice will be one that your guests will always remember.

This brings us to the end of some of the alternate wedding desserts you may like to consider for your big celebration. Which of these did you like? And can you think of any more that you would love to have at your wedding, in place of the tiered traditional wedding cake? If so, do let us know in the comments below.

For the latest trends, ideas and advice on everything wedding related, don’t forget to keep checking back here. Also visit our online wedding shop at Best for Bride for everything you need for your big day, from your wedding dress to accessories and outfits for the entire bridal party.

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[2024] For the Bride Who Loves Color—10 Ways to Add Interesting Pops of Colors to Your Wedding

For the Bride Who Loves Color—10 Ways to Add Interesting Pops of Colors to Your Wedding

White and weddings are synonymous—the bride in a white gown, white shoes, white cakes, white seating arrangements… This may work for many brides, but some genuinely love colour and feel stifled by the stark whiteness that dominates most weddings. Nevertheless, they do not want to play with too much colour, as it can quickly overpower the entire setting and make it just another party. Or, it may be that they do not want to disappoint their families and friends who expect them to stick to the standard white wedding style.

For those who think and dream about colours, here are some practical ideas to add vibrant pops of brilliant shades to your wedding. From bright bouquets to colourful dresses and vividly coloured wedding cakes, we have you covered in every way. So, read on and find out which of these ideas you will love to add to your wedding.

Continue reading [2024] For the Bride Who Loves Color—10 Ways to Add Interesting Pops of Colors to Your Wedding