Wedding For Cheap – Cut Out the Chochkes

If you’re going for an affordable wedding, leave the chochkes at home.

What are the wedding chochkes, you may ask?

Trinkets, baubles, knicknacks, kitsch.  Especially the useless, tacky kind.

I know everybody’s telling you what you’re “supposed” to do for your wedding.  You have to have wedding favors.  You have to have your names printed on cute little tags that cost $5 a piece.

I say, SCREW ‘EM.  You don’t have to do anything.

And until you man up and speak your mind and make your own decisions, you CAN’T have your dream wedding.

But you’re already there with me.  Right, girlfriend?

My List of Wasteful Wedding Chochkes

1) “Wedding” Versions of Regular Stuff.  Remember: as soon as you say “wedding” the price triples!  Don’t buy a special unity candle; any old candle will do.  Skip the “tears of joy” tissue packets.  Please, don’t buy an engraved “wedding” cake knife!  Borrow one from the hall or your parents or buy one and put a nice bow on it yourself.

2) Bubbles.  It’s a cute idea, but your guests never remember to use the bubbles.  Believe me, I’ve attended over 300 weddings.  The best you’ll get is a few lonely bubbles sliming your train.  Plus, your catering hall will have to mop them up if you use them indoors or your guests will slip on them.

3) Personalized Napkins.  Do I really have to explain this one?

4) Photo Frame Favors.  I know I’m flying in the face of tradition here, but your guests WILL NOT use them, and they’ll feel guilty for throwing them out.  If you must provide an inexpensive favor, give them something edible, as long as it’s not Jordan almonds.  Don’t even get me started on Jordan almonds…

5) Name Change Kits.  It’s really not that difficult.  Don’t pay money to have someone give you information you can find free right here at How To Change Your Name When You Marry.

As always, if you’ve got your heart set on having one of these chotchkes at your wedding…have at it.  I fully support your right to choose.  Just make sure you do it for you and spend your money where it matters.

If you’re ready for more money saving tricks and techniques, you owe it to yourself to check out my book on How To Plan Your Dream Wedding On a Budget.