Is it hacky or tacky?
Last week I shared a blog post about tacky verses hacky wedding choices. The list got so long, and it was so fun to write about, that I am keeping it going with part two. When you get married there will be a plethora of suggestions about how to make your wedding affordable, easier to plan, and unique. Some of those suggestions will be hacky, or truly valuable pieces of advice. Others will be tacky, and to be avoided.
At the end of the day you want to feel good about your wedding. It’s an important day, and an important event. Saving a little now isn’t worth a decision that your guests will talk about for years to come (in a negative way). Neither is doing something weird in the name of being unique. More on all that in the coming examples.
Is It Hacky Or Tacky? Nine More Controversial Wedding Choices That May Backfire
This post is going to share nine more controversial wedding choices that may be seen as hacky or tacky. Just as with my last post, I’m going to share my own thoughts on each choice. Some may be total wedding hacks, if done right. And others are awful and terribly tacky. Remember, these are my opinions. Do what feels right to you, always.
Let’s get into it!
1. USING WEDDING FUNDS ON HOUSING
Let’s pretend your family is going to give you a large amount of money that is supposed to be used on your wedding.
How do you use it? Do you spend it all on your wedding? Or do you save some for other items, like a house down payment? Maybe you pay off some student loans? Or, gasp, you do something else altogether with it.
Why It’s Considered Tacky:
- Some families have money set aside only for the wedding.
- May encourage a “cheap” wedding.
Why It Could Be a Smart Hack:
- Spending money on housing can be more practical than a wedding.
- May help further your financial goals as a couple.
Is it hacky or tacky? Honestly, if the money comes with no strings attached, this is hacky. Look, if your grandma left some money in her will for your wedding dress, I’d go ahead and spend that money on your wedding gown. However, if your parents are gifting you a sum of money and you’re okay with spending less than that amount on your wedding, you do you. As long as the money isn’t specified for something, you should be able to parsimoniously spend it how you see fit.
2. WEDDING HASHTAGS & SIGNS: CRINGEY OR MODERN FUN?
Okay, this one doesn’t have to do with money at all.
Hashtags are how you can get guests to take photos at your wedding and then share them online in easy to find ways. Wedding hashtags are often funny or clever, and sometimes they are broadly used among guests. However, some people find them cringy and overdone, and it’s rare that guests even use them.
Why It’s Considered Tacky:
- Overly punny or awkward hashtags can feel forced.
- Signs with phrases like “Pick a seat not a side” or “Drunk in Love” may feel overused.
Why It Could Be a Fun Hack:
- Hashtags make it easy to collect guest photos from the event.
- Clever signage can add personality and lighten the mood.
- Reusable signs save money and reduce waste.
Is it hacky or tacky? I think hashtags are hacky, if done right. Keep yours tasteful and personalized. Don’t spend too much on signage, but do share the hashtag with guests. Don’t spend a lot of time on this because the return may not be that great.
3. PRE-RECORDED CEREMONIES OR STREAMING: LAZY OR ACCESSIBLE GENIUS?
Is it hacky or tacky to have a livestream wedding ceremony?
Since 2020, many weddings have incorporated live-steaming or pre-recorded elements to guests who aren’t there in-person. And while this made sense during the pandemic, these days it may be seen as a way to keep costs minimal while still receiving gifts from remote guests.
Why It’s Seen as Tacky:
- Some feel virtual attendance diminishes the specialness of the day.
- Might seem as a thinly-veiled way to have a “big wedding” on a small budget.
Why It’s a Brilliant Hack:
- Allows family and friends abroad or with health restrictions to attend.
- Saves money and travel logistics for large or destination weddings.
- You can replay the ceremony anytime!
Is it hacky or tacky? This is hacky, if the setting is right. If you choose to have a digital wedding, be sure to hire a professional to stream the event. Share your reasons for keeping your wedding remote with your guests. Keep things classy by sharing that gifts are not expected, providing downloadable programs and a digital guestbook, and send a thank you to those who streamed.
4. GROCERY STORE FLOWERS
Have you looked closely at flowers from your local grocery store? How about flowers at Trader Joes or Costco?
Sometimes the flowers are fantastic, and they are pretty cost-effective when purchased from the right place. Many couples are opting to keep their flowers simple these days, and get them from groceries instead of florists. It helps them save money, but there are some catches.
Why It’s Considered Tacky:
- Not really supporting local florists.
- May need help putting together bouquets and centerpieces from your bridal party or wedding guests.
Why It Could Be a Smart Hack:
- Saves a lot of money.
- The flowers look great.
Is it hacky or tacky? I think this is hacky, but you have to be realistic. If you want elaborate floral arrangements, hire a florist. If flowers are super important to you, hire a florist. You never know what you’re going to get from a grocery store, so if you go this route, keep it simple, have a solid plan, and don’t expect others to help you with the arrangements unless they insist.
5. EVITES: TOO CASUAL OR PLANET-FRIENDLY?
Are digital wedding invitations hacky or tacky?
Honestly, I used to think this was a major faux pas. I mean, a wedding deserves a paper invite, right? Well, during the pandemic, digital invites seemed to be the way to go. Things changed, and guests needed to be informed in a simple, convenient way. Keeping things online made sense, then. But does it make sense, now?
Why It’s Considered Tacky:
- May feel too casual or less formal than printed invitations.
- Older guests may struggle with online RSVPs or emails.
Why It’s Actually a Hack:
- Saves money on printing and postage.
- Environmentally friendly and easy to update.
- Centralizes information like hotel blocks, gift registries, and timelines.
Is it hacky or tacky? I think evites are tacky now that we are past the pandemic. If you are having a tiny wedding, a simple wedding, or a casual wedding, go for it. However, if your wedding is in the least bit upscale, don’t do a digital invite. Keep things classy with a paper invite. If you want to save money, do a digital Save the Date and let guests RSVP online.
6. RECEPTION GAMES: TOO CHEAP OR TOTAL CROWD-PLEASER?
Based on my most popular blog posts, I’m going to assume that there are many, many couples out there looking for reception game ideas.
Here’s the thing. Not everyone loves dancing all night. Wedding games and interactive stations can elevate reception experiences, without necessarily costing a lot. There are tons of ideas out there, too, and you can find some of them in this post and this one.
Why It’s Considered Tacky:
- Lawn games or trivia might feel too casual for formal events.
- Can distract from the main celebration if overdone.
Why It’s Brilliant:
- Keeps guests of all ages entertained.
- Encourages mingling and interaction.
- Adds personal flair—especially if tied to your story.
Is it hacky or tacky? This is hacky. And look, know your audience. If you think your guests are into entertainment other than dancing or table games, give them what they will enjoy. Don’t overdo it, and keep things minimal and stylish.
7. SPARKLER SEND-OFFS: OVERDONE OR PHOTO MAGIC?
Have you ever participated in a sparkler send off? You know, where all the guests form an aisle while holding sparklers and the couple runs through them?
I have, and I see some pros and cons to them. Though sparkler send-offs can provide some great photos, some argue that they are all too common. Plus, they can be difficult to coordinate with guests, and very rarely does the couple actual exit afterwards.
Why It’s Considered Tacky:
- Feels staged or “forced fun.”
- Can be messy or dangerous if not well-managed.
Why It Might Be Worth It:
- The photos are magical when timed right.
- Creates a memorable moment to end the night.
- Alternatives like bubbles, confetti (biodegradable), LED fiber-optic or ribbon wands can work, too.
Is it hacky or tacky? Sparkler send-offs are not tacky, but they aren’t hacky either. If you go for them, hand out the sparklers with instructions, and designate a coordinator to manage the moment. It may help to leave a sign out for your entire wedding letting guests know what the plan is. And don’t be afraid to use items other than sparklers.
8. DISPOSABLE CAMERAS OR POLAROIDS: CHEESY OR CHARMING?
Are disposable cameras hacky or tacky?
On one hand, leaving disposable cameras or Polaroid stations on guest tables is so nostalgic. They bring back the past in a really fun way. However, on the other hand, the photos may not be that great. Are they a good idea?
Why It’s Considered Tacky:
- Guests may forget to use them, or images may be poor quality.
- Can feel redundant with smartphones everywhere.
Why It Might Be a Hack:
- Offers candid moments from your guests’ perspectives.
- Creates instant keepsakes or additions to your guestbook.
- Fun interactive element for kids and adults alike.
Is it hacky or tacky? I think this one is a wash. Buying disposable cameras and then paying for the film to be developed won’t save you any money. But, it can give some “easy fun” to guests. If you have the budget for it, I suggest creating a sign for your guests with some suggested photos to take, and let them have go for it.
9. CHARGING TICKETS TO YOUR WEDDING
Is your wedding an event? Yes. But is it an event that guests should pay to attend? I don’t think so.
There are some couples out there who actually sell tickets to their own weddings. Yes. You heard me right. They charge guests to attend. There might also be an expectation for guests to bring a present. The jury is out on that one.
Why It’s Considered Tacky:
- A wedding is not the same as an event. Guests are much less likely to come if they have to pay for themselves.
- Weddings are usually seen as a large celebration that is hosted by the couple and their families, not something that guests buy tickets for.
Why It Could Be a Smart Hack:
- Some guests will still buy tickets. Money will be recovered.
- Charging guests means that you may be able to afford a bigger event, with more entertainment.
Is it hacky or tacky? This one is so tacky. Friends, please don’t do this. Have the wedding you can afford, and invite the people you love most in this world. Don’t try to be clever and charge your friends and family for attendance. It won’t go over well.
THOUGHTS ON HACKY OR TACKY WEDDING IDEAS
I often preach that couples should have the weddings of their dreams. That they should never feel pressured to go one way or another based on what other people think. That said, sometimes there really are great ideas out there, and there are terrible ones. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t choose it. Go with your gut, every time. The goal is for everyone to have a great time at your wedding, on the budget you can afford. Happy wedding planning!
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