11 things you should skip at your wedding reception

• Business Insider asked wedding experts about trends and traditions they don’t like at receptions.
• Favors, big cakes, and champagne toasts can end up being a big waste of money. 
• Trends like fireworks and food walls look better on the internet than they do in real life.

Most people’s wedding receptions are the biggest and most expensive party they’ll ever throw.

Business Insider asked wedding professionals what reception trends and traditions couples can skip to save money and stress.

Skip individual place cards in favor of a big seating chart

The award-winning wedding master of ceremonies Artem Lomaz told BI that place cards can add unnecessary expense, clutter, and confusion to a reception.  

“Place cards often get lost or mislabeled and leave guests unsure of where to sit,” he said.

Instead, do a seating chart that’s easy to personalize and allows guests to orient themselves in the space. 

Champagne toasts can be a waste of money

Renting a fancy car to make a grand exit from your reception can be pricey and lead to missed opportunities to connect with guests. 

“Getaway cars can be great for photos, but couples often feel rushed to leave and miss out on saying goodbye to guests,” Nickel told BI. 

Instead, the wedding planner recommended using that money for the bar tab at the after-party instead. 

Fireworks can be smoky and dangerous

Fireworks are an exciting way to end a wedding, but they can be loud, smoky, and hazardous to the environment. 

“The air and noise pollution created by fireworks can wreak havoc with the local environment and interfere with animal life,” Lomaz said. 

If you want something similar, try passing out glow sticks or sparklers (with safety introductions) to guests.

A giant wedding cake isn’t necessary or cost-effective

“Customized favors can often feel forced,” Nickel said. “Plus, the majority of favors are usually left behind by guests.”

If you really have your heart set on favors, consider something consumable like chocolates or jars of local honey.

You shouldn’t serve more than three courses at the reception 

Even if you and your partner are foodies, a wedding reception isn’t the best time for a seven-course dining experience. 

“Don’t make your guests sit through four or more courses,” Willard said. “A long meal is time consuming and takes away from the guests’ ability to let their hair down and have some fun at your wedding.”

Focus on choosing an incredible main course and some interesting appetizers for cocktail hour. 

Dance-floor props can look out of place next to carefully chosen decor

The wedding photographer Amy Kolodziej said that dance-floor props can detract from the elegance of a wedding reception. 

“Strobing headgear and neon glow sticks very rarely match the vibe from the rest of the wedding day,” she told BI. 

The photographer suggested serving a signature cocktail or fun snack during the reception instead.

The bouquet and garter tosses might alienate some guests

The bouquet and garter tosses are longstanding wedding traditions that can make some guests feel uncomfortable.

“Unless you’re getting married young or before most of your friends, asking your guests to self-identify as single can be awkward,” Kolodziej said. 

Skipping the flower toss can also save money by eliminating the need for an extra bouquet.

This story was originally published in July 2021 and most recently updated on August 28, 2024.