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The new year has brought a return to wedding planning as couples that had to postpone or cancel their vows in 2020 are finally able to celebrate their love with family and friends. The events of the past year, though, will result in ceremonies and receptions looking a bit different–at least for the time being. With that in mind, wedding items that were once popular are now unnecessary. Here are 11 that planners recommend you leave off your to-do list.
A Saturday Date
With all of the postponements and cancellations that took place in 2020, available dates for 2021 are few and far between, especially Saturdays, notes Bri Marbais of The Bridal Finery. "Couples should not get hung up on what day of the week their wedding will take place," she explains. "With most of the workforce still working from home, the flexibility to travel and get out of the house on an off day is better than ever."
Invitation Suites
With COVID restrictions changing on an ongoing basis, it makes sense to go digital for invitation suites, says Marielys Garcia Daniels of Elle Events. This will allow you to send updates and information as it evolves, and is also cost-effective!
Matching Bridesmaid Dresses
Requiring your bridesmaids to purchase a specific dress may put some of your wedding party in a tough situation since it's been a financially difficult year for many. Instead, Matt Campbell of My Wedding Songs recommends giving bridesmaids a specific color and have them select the dress of their choice.
Veil
This year will be about simplification, and that includes the bride's wedding day style. Don't feel the need to wear a veil or an elaborate hair accessory. "Keep it simple with a simple pin or nothing at all. Go for a classic textured updo and let it stand alone," recommends Shani Gailbreath of Canvas + Coif.
Wedding Programs
According to Joan Wyndrum of Blooms By The Box, printed wedding programs are unnecessary--especially if you're having a shorter ceremony. No matter how good they look, the programs are usually left behind or thrown away after the vows, making them a waste of paper and money!
Buffet
Michelle Wood of Meraki Wood Events says that the better choice for serving meals at your reception for 2021 will be plated style or stations. And the same goes for the large self-serve stations at cocktail hour. Instead, ask your caterer to create mini cheese boards and lots of bite size hor d’ oeuvres to be passed or picked up from a table.
Guest Book
The traditional guest book is outdated, not to mention that people might not want to share pens. A better idea could be setting up a video booth for your guests to record a special wedding greeting, add props for some extra fun, suggests Andrea Smith of The Band Method.
Favors
Favors are often left behind by wedding guests. "Given the COVID-19 wedding environment, you may be better off allocating those resources to COVID safety items such as masks, hand sanitizer, etc for guest use, says Garcia Daniels.
Send-Off Items
Garcia Daniels suggests ditching the sparklers, rose petals and confetti on your wedding day. "While the send off is slightly enhanced by these rituals, it can often create extra clean up needs (and potentially costs) that may not be worth it in the end," she says.
Transportation
If couples choose a venue that has both the ceremony and reception space on-site, wedding transportation will not be needed, explains Marbais. Remember social distancing guidelines will still be in place for most of the year, so people will not be able to be packed on to shuttle buses anyway.
Cash for Tips
As Smith points out, it's all about the Venmo or Zelle! "It's the safe and easy way to send tips or any balance owed--and bonus, it's better for the environment- green and clean!" she says.
