THRIFTY brides have lifted the lid on the wedding gimmicks to avoid - including three-tier cakes branded "a waste of money".
One woman about to tie the knot took to social media to ask others what they regret booking for the big day.
In a bid to help savvy couples who want to cut costs on their wedding day, fellow brides flocked to the comments with a host of "unnecessary" items they wasted money on.
And the suggestions might come as a surprise to some couples.
The woman wrote: "What added extras or gimmicks are you glad you didn't book/wish you hadn't booked for your wedding?
"We have done really well with our budget and booked everything we need and I'm desperately trying to keep it that way, but I'm also having the "but what if people don't enjoy themselves" panic leading up to the day.
"Please help me not buy into the trends and hysteria as I'd much rather put any extra cash towards the honeymoon!"
One bride replied: "Our best things were a magician and pick and mix station.
"Wish I hadn’t got a three-tier cake, it was such a waste of money and the majority went in the bin. Wish I had done cupcakes or something similar.
"But it’s your day and whatever you want to do will be perfect."
Another weighed in: "Many of the extras can be a distraction or have an alternative impact on your day and night.
"A photobooth and games in another room breaks up the party.
"Large LED letters can be a mood killer in the evening if they are too bright as it's like daylight with some.
"For the record, I actually hire both as people do want them, but many extras are a distraction with people not being in the same room celebrating together."
A third person added: "Keep it simple - neon signs, unnecessary stationary (menu, welcome sign) and photo booths are a cover-up in my eyes for people who don’t know how to just have a party and have a laugh!"
Meanwhile, a fourth bride even revealed they splashed out on an artificial cake to avoid food waste on the big day.
The woman also refused to arrange transport for guests given the close proximity of the venue.
She put: "We got a 'fake cake' and now have it displayed in our home.
"No waste of cake and we got to keep it! We just got some cakes from Costco to put on our buffet table.
"People are generally happy mixing and mingling as it’s a chance to chat with people you don’t see often.
"You do you and don’t let anyone else put in their two pennies worth.
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"I also didn’t have transport for guests as the venue was only 20 minutes from most guests, a huge saving and some guests organised their own bus."
We told how a bride has branded her fiance's ex-wife as "disrespectful" over a wedding picture - but people think it's really HER who's in the wrong.