Weddings have always been full of tradition—but more couples are confidently rewriting the rules. From Pinterest-perfect décor to Instagram aisle rituals, today’s celebrations are focusing more on what’s meaningful (and budget-friendly) instead of what’s expected. Here are 5 wedding traditions couples are skipping—and how ditching them is saving them money on their special day without losing the magic.
🚫 1. Matching Bridesmaid Dresses
Why it’s fading: Today’s brides want their party to feel confident and comfortable—not uniform.
Modern swap: Give your bridal party a color palette or fabric type and let them choose their own look. We love the casual cohesiveness!
Money saved: No need to buy multiple matching gowns from a bridal salon = $150–$300 per person saved.
🚫 2. Full Paper Stationery Suites
Why it’s fading: Between save-the-dates, invites, RSVP cards, menus, and programs—it adds up.
Modern swap: Use QR codes for RSVPs and details. Stick with traditional stationery for invites and menus!
Money saved: Stationery + postage for 100 guests can cost over $1,000. Couples are saving big with digital.
🚫 3. Formal Wedding Favors
Why it’s fading: Guests often leave them behind (believe us, they do!) or toss them later.
Modern swap: Skip favors altogether or offer an edible treat (milk and cookies, ice cream trucks, late night snack bar, or coffee-to-go).
Money saved: $3–$7 per guest = $300–$700 back in your budget.
🚫 4. Elaborate Wedding Cakes
Why it’s fading: Large, multi-tiered cakes can cost upwards of $1,000–$2,000. (And lots of it can go to waste!)
Modern swap: Couples are serving inexpensive sheet cakes, custom cupcakes, personal pies, or even dessert grazing tables instead.
Money saved: Often 50–75% less than traditional cake costs. Some items can even be found at your local grocer's bakery section!
🚫 5. Rehearsal Dinners for Everyone
Why it’s fading: Hosting a dinner for 50+ people adds another big event (and expense).
Modern swap: Keep it intimate with just the wedding party and immediate family. At the farm, we offer a casual pizza party dinner by the bonfire after rehearsal, a great option!
Money saved: Catering for 50 guests = $2,000–$4,000 saved.
Final Thought
The most memorable weddings we see are the ones that feel personal, not perfect. Ditching certain traditions isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about creating a day that reflects your love story, values, and priorities, and leaves your guests remembering your day for a lifetime!
So go ahead—skip some of those formalities. We promise, you can still keep the magic.
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8 Comments
Dec 31, 2025, 9:15:07 AM
Wood Acres Farm - Thank you, SGR Catering! We love to assure our couples that they are in full control and can celebrate their day, their way here at the farm!
Dec 31, 2025, 9:08:30 AM
Wood Acres Farm - Congrats on your recent engagement! We'd love to discuss how we can help you celebrate your special day!
Dec 31, 2025, 9:07:10 AM
Joyce Wood - We'll give you a call, Emily!
Dec 31, 2025, 5:08:19 AM
SGR Catering - Loved this thoughtful approach to personalizing weddings! It’s empowering to focus on what matters most and skip the rest.
Dec 30, 2025, 11:03:34 AM
Emily & Dylan - Hello! My fiancé and I got engaged in November and are starting to look at venues. We are hoping for a Fall 2027 wedding - ideally mid-late October. We are open to weekday weddings and will likely land at around 50-55 guests. We would love to learn more!
Dec 27, 2025, 6:04:57 PM
Emily Fitzgerald - I am interested in having a wedding in the fall of 2026. my # 203-802-8401.
Jul 7, 2025, 11:01:04 AM
Wood Acres Farm - Hello Amanda!
We'll be happy to send you over some info about our elopement packages, a perfect micro option for a celebration!
Jul 6, 2025, 6:36:05 PM
amanda Cambra - Looking into doing a micro style wedding and would love some information on your prices and openings for next year