Five Wedding Gimmicks That Have Got to Go

Haters gonna hate, sure. But there are some wedding decisions that are so "Why?!" that even the least-judgmental guest can't shake 'em off. Here are five of the worst staid traditions.

Releasing Doves
A photo opp that even Instagram can't make look cool, releasing two doves is considered a symbol of unity. For the sake of not diving too deep into PETA territory, let's assume you hire a company that respects the animals' safety. Even after taking proper precautions, there are still only two thoughts your guests will have: 1.) "Those poor birds. How long were they stuffed in that basket?" and 2.) "Am I going to get pooped on?" In a matter of seconds, people are now thinking about animal rights and poop. Not very bridal.

Wedding Favors with Your Name on the Front
We'll get right to it: Put your name on the back or the bottom of whatever it is you're giving out. It's as simple as that. Your guests love you, but no one wants your names front and center in the middle of their home. This is included but not limited to: coasters, candles, ornaments, mini photo frames, luggage tags, and itty bitty boxes. Exceptions to this rule are shot or drinking glasses and photo booth strips.

Dollar Dance
If you've never heard of this, it's a dance during the reception in which guests can pay $1 for a few seconds to dance with the bride or groom. Even if you think this is a sweet tradition, consider the guests who have already spent money on travel and gifts — and how awkward it is that you're asking for an extra buck.

Tiaras
You're the princess for the day. We get it. But must you have a literal crown atop your coiffed hair? Instead opt for something more modest (and stylish) like a headband or flower crown.

Prison Sentences for the Groom
The cake toppers with the bride dragging the groom. The groom's shoes marked "Help" and "Me." A ring bearer carrying a sign that says, "Uncle [Groom], Last chance to run!" It might be funny to a guest in a miserable marriage or your single friend who has never had a serious relationship, but it's otherwise a lame way to demonstrate the bride's authority in the relationship. A confident bride happily in love and having a good time is the very best way to say, "Yep, I'm getting what I want!"

Original Story from Brides Magazine:
http://www.brides.com/blogs/aisle-say/2015/03/cheesy-wedding-trends-traditions.html?mbid=social_facebook

5 Reasons It's Still Cool to Have a Photo Booth at Your Wedding

It seems like every time a fun new trend hits weddings, someone is already declaring it "over." The photo booth is one of those trends; it's gone from a fun novelty to a common occurrence at every wedding. Now many couples are worried it's played-out. But before you put away the funny props and fake mustaches, here are five reasons it's still worth it to have a photo booth. 

1. It's a good source of entertainment. Having a few activities besides dancing at your reception is a good way to make sure all your guests have fun. Sometimes people just want a break from busting a move, and the photo booth provides a nice escape. It's also a good place for people to gather and socialize.

2. It creates a wedding keepsake -- for you and your guests. A lot of guests will appreciate having a photo of themselves with their friends, their kids, or their date. But even if they don't care about that, you will love having fun pictures of your wedding guests. If you think of it like a modern guest book, it seems silly to skip it just because it's been done before. 

3. Your guests don't spend hours looking at online inspiration. While your also-engaged maid of honor might think photo booths have become a wedding cliche, that's probably because she's got wedding planning (and attending!) fatigue. But your older relatives and guests who don't attend many weddings will likely still find the photo booth totally delightful and fun. 

4. Just because a wedding trend is popular doesn't mean it has to be abandoned. If think your photo booth is going to be the coolest thing ever that none of your guests have ever seen before, you may need a reality check. But if it's just a new wedding tradition that you happen to like, who cares if it's been done before? Some elements of your wedding will be personalized and unique, but many others will be part of bigger traditions that started out as hip trends before becoming ubiquitous. 

5. Every photo booth is different.  The vibe at every wedding is so different, thanks to everything from the time of day and the venue to how strong the bartender is mixing drinks. That means every photo booth will be different too. Even if people are over taking pictures with their dates, they might love a chance to take silly pics with old friends or relatives whom they haven't seen in a while. Also, it's 2015...we're pretty sure no one is over taking pictures of themselves.

(article by Rachel W. Miller)