10 Skippable Wedding Items to Save Money (Without Sacrificing Style)
Ever ask yourself… “What Can I Skip When Planning a Wedding to Save Money???”
Planning a wedding is a constant "pros and cons" weighing session. Is it worth it to book X vendor for Y price and cut Z from the list? Where can you save money without guests noticing?
After coordinating hundreds of weddings, I can tell you: some things are absolutely worth the investment, and others? You can skip them entirely without anyone missing them—including you.
Before You Start Cutting Your Budget
This could be extremely complicated if you haven't thought about your expectations and priorities first. Before diving into the details, I highly recommend creating two lists: your Must-Haves and your Skippables.
Must-Haves = Non-negotiables that matter deeply to you
Skippables = Things you can cut, simplify, or DIY without regret
Here's my list of what's genuinely skippable when you're looking to save money on your wedding.
10 Wedding Items You Can Skip
1. Save the Dates
Why they're skippable: In the age of texting and digital communication, paper save-the-dates feel unnecessary to many couples.
The reality: Yes, they're adorable, and sometimes they're an important method to let family know your wedding plans. But postage and stationery costs add up incredibly quickly.
Alternatives that save money:
Send a digital save-the-date (free or minimal cost)
Call or text family members and close friends directly
Post an announcement on social media
Send a simple postcard version and splurge on gorgeous invitations instead (like letterpress invites)
Create a wedding website with your date and share the link
When to keep them: If you have many out-of-town guests who need advance notice to book travel, if stationery is of high importance to you, or if your wedding is during a busy season (summer weekends, holidays), save-the-dates become more valuable.
2. Wedding Gifts to Each Other
Why they're skippable: You're giving each other the best gift already—marriage and a lifetime together.
The reality: I'm all for something sweet and sentimental, but don't feel pressured to drop hundreds on your soon-to-be spouse just because wedding blogs say you should. If you both agree to skip this tradition and put that money toward your honeymoon, new home, or savings, that's completely valid.
Alternatives:
Write each other heartfelt letters to read on the morning of your wedding
Create a small DIY gift that's meaningful but inexpensive
Give the "gift" of an experience on your honeymoon
Save that money for something you'll both enjoy
When to keep it: If gift-giving is your love language or you've found something truly meaningful and affordable, go for it.
3. Menu Cards
Why they're skippable: Your caterer will announce the meal, or guests will see what's served when it arrives.
The cost: $50-200 for printed menu cards
Skip it if: You're having a buffet, limited menu options, or a cocktail-style reception.
Alternative: Include menu info on your wedding website or a display sign at the entrance.
4. Aisle Runner
Why it's skippable: They're expensive, they bunch up, people trip on them, and they add nothing to the ceremony experience.
The cost: $50-300
Skip it if: You're getting married outdoors (they blow around), on carpet (unnecessary), or anywhere with a beautiful floor you want to show off.
The truth: I've coordinated hundreds of ceremonies, and aisle runners cause more problems than they solve. They wrinkle, shift during the processional, and often look messy in photos.
5. Designer Wedding Shoes
Why they're skippable: You're in a long dress—no one sees them except during getting-ready photos.
The cost: Designer shoes can run $400-1,200
Skip it if: You can find comfortable, beautiful shoes for under $100 that will serve the exact same purpose.
Better investment: Comfortable shoes you can wear for 8+ hours. Ballet flats, block heels, or even elegant sneakers if that's your style.
6. A Traditional Guest Book
Why it's skippable: Many guests skip signing them, and they often sit unopened after the wedding.
The cost: $150-400
Skip it if: You want to save money and don't have a strong attachment to the idea.
Alternatives that are just as memorable:
Sign a wooden print or canvas that you'll display
Jenga pieces guests sign and you play with later
Audio recording guest book (fun to listen back to!)
I love guest books, but there are both affordable and expensive options. Choose what fits your budget.
7. An Expensive Wedding Cake
Why it's skippable: Many guests skip cake, and elaborate designs can cost $800-2,000+.
Skip it if: You'd rather invest that money elsewhere.
Budget-friendly alternatives:
Simple, one-tiered cake from a local bakery ($200-400)
Dessert bar with cookies, brownies, and treats
Cupcakes or donuts
Skip cake entirely and do pie, ice cream bar, or another dessert you love
8. Post-Wedding Brunch or Elaborate Rehearsal Dinner
Why they're skippable: These add significant costs and extend hosting responsibilities.
The cost: Post-wedding brunch for 100+ people can easily add $1,500-3,000 to your budget
Skip it if: Your budget is tight or you want to keep celebrations focused on the main event.
Alternatives:
Casual coffee and pastries for out-of-town guests only
Simple rehearsal dinner at a favorite restaurant (close family only)
Pizza and drinks instead of a seated dinner
Brunch only for wedding party and immediate family
Keep it if: You have many out-of-town guests and want one more gathering, or if family tradition dictates it.
9. Wedding Favors
Why they're skippable: Most guests leave them behind or toss them later.
The cost: $3-8 per person adds up fast (150 guests = $450-1,200)
Skip it entirely if: You'd rather spend that money on better food, drinks, or entertainment that guests will actually enjoy during the event.
The truth from a planner: I've seen countless favors left on tables at the end of the night. Guests appreciate good food, open bar, and fun entertainment way more than a monogrammed candle or jar of honey.
If you must do favors: Make them consumable (cookies, hot cocoa mix, local treats) or donate to charity in guests' honor instead.
10. Chair Covers
Why they're skippable: They're expensive rental items that don't significantly impact the guest experience.
The cost: $5-15 per chair (150 chairs = $750-2,250!)
Skip it if: Your venue has decent chairs already, or you can rent prettier chairs (like cross-back or ghost chairs) instead of covering ugly ones.
Better approach: Rent beautiful chairs from the start rather than covering cheap ones. Or embrace the venue's existing chairs and invest in stunning florals or lighting instead.
The Bottom Line: Spend on What Matters to YOU
Here's the most important wedding planning advice I can give you: some of these items might be wonderful and important to YOU, and if so—spend away!
The goal of this blog isn't to tell you what matters—it's to give you permission to keep it simple and skip the things that don't resonate with you. You don't have to "pull out all the stops" on every wedding tradition just because Pinterest or wedding blogs say you should.
Questions to Ask Before Cutting OR Keeping Something:
Will we regret not having this in 5 years?
Will our guests notice or care?
Is this for us, or because we think we "should"?
Could we spend this money on something we'd enjoy more?
Just do what speaks to you. Your wedding doesn't need every single detail to be beautiful, meaningful, and memorable.
What You Should Invest In (Quick List)
While we're talking about what to skip, here's what's typically worth the investment:
Great food and drinks (guests remember this)
Talented photographer (your only lasting visual memories)
Good DJ or band (makes or breaks the party)
Comfortable timeline (don't cram too much into one day)
Wedding coordinator (especially for day-of peace of mind)
Spend on experiences and memories, skip the decorative details that don't matter.
Need help figuring out where to splurge and where to save in your wedding budget? Let's chat. As a wedding planner, I help couples prioritize their spending so every dollar goes toward something that actually matters to them—not just checking boxes on a wedding checklist.
xo, megan
Behind the Scenes Events specializes in luxury wedding planning and coordination for couples who want to be guests at their own weddings. After coordinating hundreds of weddings, we know what busy couples need: expert guidance, stress-free planning, and seamless execution.
Serving North Dakota & Beyond Since 2019