Emily Flores
Weddings often walk a fine line between meaningful and overdone. With Pinterest boards overflowing and trends changing fast, it’s easy to feel like more is always better. But not every popular reception feature adds value—or joy. So, here are 10 common extras that tend to disappoint more than delight.
Bouquet Toss
The bouquet toss is becoming a thing of the past, and it’s easy to see why. Stopping the party for a tradition that singles people out can feel awkward in today’s more inclusive celebrations. Many couples now opt for activities that bring everyone together and keep the energy flowing.
Elaborate Wedding Cakes
These towering creations grab attention early in the evening. Later on, they’re usually left behind as guests drift toward dessert tables with more options. That’s why smaller cakes paired with crowd-friendly treats keep things festive without the leftover fuss.
Multi-Course Meals
A long, formal dinner might sound elegant, but it can kill the mood fast. Guests start checking their watches, and by the time the entree arrives, it’s gone cold. Planners say three courses are usually the sweet spot: satisfying, efficient, and short enough to keep the energy alive for dancing.
Fireworks Displays
Imagine dropping $5,000 for five minutes of boom and then explaining it to the budget spreadsheet. Fireworks fizzle out fast and often aren’t even allowed. Meanwhile, swapping in cold sparklers or fountains gives you the glow and the photos, minus the extra trouble.
Overly Long Speeches
How much speech is too much? More than three minutes per person, say veteran planners. Momentum drops fast when every cousin and coworker grabs the mic. So, keep your reception on track by limiting speakers, as guests travel miles not to watch a dinner dragged out by monologues.
Champagne Toasts
Here’s a secret: guests barely drink that toast-only Champagne. They’re more likely to raise their beer, spritz, or mocktail. Instead of overspending on glasses that go untouched, let things be flexible and save that money for something people will actually enjoy.
Personalized Favors Left Behind
Despite good intentions, keepsake favors mostly get forgotten. Monogrammed coasters and candles typically end up in the trash or left on tables. For guests who favor practical takeaways, think coffee bags or mini hot sauce. When favors double as snacks, they rarely go to waste.
Garter Toss
Somewhere between the awkward lifting and the fake enthusiasm, the room checks out. Even DJs admit it drains the vibe. Rather than pausing the party for a moment no one’s excited about, many couples just skip it, and the dance floor never suffers.
Food Walls
Donut walls look great when guests first walk in, which is exactly when photos happen. As time passes, though, the frosting softens, and the donuts lose their appeal. Since freshness matters more than aesthetics, planners suggest replenished dessert stations that actually get eaten.
Dance Floor Props
Does a plastic saxophone enhance a Beyonce hit? Probably not. Prop overload can cheapen a vibe that was otherwise tastefully curated. Instead of gimmicks, let lighting and music drive the energy. After all, your dance floor deserves personality without pool party leftovers with LED sunglasses.