Hello Everyone,
I know this topic already exists in a of old threads but I'd like to revive the conversation. I'm planning to skip a lot of things in order to save money and to save time on the day of (which saves $$ 
). So what are you skipping or reducing and why? Also, anything big that you AREN'T skimping on?
I'll start.
Skipping:
*Garter & Bouquet Toss
*DOC
*Non-cake deserts
*Save the Dates
*Send Off
*Fancy bridal party introductions and jigs walking in (I loved being a bridesmaid but these were super awkward for me!)
*Programs
*Guestbook and favors are up in the air, leaning no on guestbook and maybe on favors
*Receiving line
Reducing:
*Time - Ceremony will be 30 min, reception/cocktail hour 4.5 hours
*Invitations will be paper but RVSP will be by phone/website
*Bar will be beer, wine and nonalcoholic drinks - 4 hour open bar for these beverages though. Last call a half hour before we pack-up.
*Flowers - will be minimal bouquets (maybe sola) with a few blooms each and greenery or all greenery
*Decor - center pieces will be greenery, candles and table numbers. Venue has string lights already - I may add a few. Considering skipping an arch (they're so expensive and renting with logistics is more of a headache then buying and close in cost).
*Signage - I'll have a poster seating chart and maybe a welcome sign. It's the sign stands that are holding me up as they cost so much. I found really great deals for custom signage that could really spruce things up but they need stands and frames! 
*Menu - will only be a small sign that lists the beer and wine options set up at the bar, hopefully to reduce time waiting while the bartender lists the options.
*Cake - going to focus on flavor and just have a plain white tiered cake with an inexpensive topper
*Guest list - mostly family. We each are inviting 3-4 friends (mine are all in the bridal party haha!)
*Toasts - keeping them to a few during dinner and advising our speech givers to keep it short (they'll be grateful for that I think!)
Not skipping/skimping:
*Food - will have a salad and plated meal and if we do a cocktail hour, trays of appetizers.
*Music - will have a DJ going from ceremony through-out the reception (and play some ambient music while he eats of course - not starving the vendors!)
*Photography - I got a good deal but it's still a lot! (second only to food and drinks!)
*We'll have a first dance and a cake cutting where we'll say a brief thank-you.
*Dress - I'm spending nearly $500 on a dress. I know for some that's a steal but for me, it's ridiculously lavish. Still, I really want it.
So what are you all skipping, reducing and going all out on? There's still a few things I'm debating on - would love suggestions. 
