This married couple went viral for sharing 6 things they did not do for their wedding and do not regret—proving “Your Wedding, Your Rules.”
Weddings are undeniably beautiful, but they can also be a minefield of expectations, expenses, and stress. Recently, a married couple went viral for sharing the six things they didn’t do for their wedding—and why they have absolutely no regrets.
The story, shared by a woman named Dr. Ethel Yiranbon on her TikTok page, struck a chord with millions. Her caption, “Our wedding, our choice; do it your way,” became a rallying cry for couples seeking to break free from traditional wedding norms. The post quickly gained traction, amassing over 1 million views and sparking a flood of reactions. At the time of writing, the video has garnered more than 9,000 comments, with people sharing mixed feelings. While some were stunned by the couple’s unconventional choices, others applauded their boldness and vowed to follow suit.
Their story is a refreshing reminder that your big day doesn’t have to follow a script to be meaningful. Whether you’re deep in wedding planning or simply love a good “think outside the box” story, here’s a closer look at what they skipped—and why it might inspire you to ditch the rulebook and create a celebration that’s uniquely yours.
1. No Pre-Wedding Photo Shoot
Pre-wedding photo shoots are all the rage, but this couple decided to pass. Why? They realized the costs—fancy outfits, professional makeup, and photographer fees—were adding up fast. Instead, they focused on capturing the magic of their actual wedding day. Not only did this save them money, but it also made their wedding photos feel more authentic and less staged. As they put it, “We didn’t need a dress rehearsal for our love story.”
Why This Worked for Them
Pre-wedding shoots can cost anywhere from 1,500 cedis to 3,000 cedis, depending on the location, photographer, and outfits. For this couple, that money was better spent on other aspects of their wedding—or even their honeymoon. They also avoided the stress of coordinating yet another event before the big day.
What You Can Learn
If you’re on a tight budget or simply don’t see the value in pre-wedding photos, it’s okay to skip them. Instead, invest in a great photographer for your wedding day. Those candid moments—walking down the aisle, exchanging vows, and dancing with loved ones—are the ones you’ll treasure forever.
2. No Printed Wedding Invitations
In the age of smartphones and social media, printed invitations can feel a little outdated—and expensive. This couple opted for digital invites instead. They shared the details with guests ahead of time via email or messaging apps, which was not only eco-friendly but also super convenient. No RSVP cards getting lost in the mail, no last-minute address changes, and no hefty printing bills. Plus, it gave them more time to focus on the fun parts of wedding planning.
Why This Worked for Them
Printed invitations can cost anywhere from 5 cedis to 50 per piece, depending on the design and paper quality. For a guest list of 100, that’s 500 to 1,000 cedis—just for paper! Digital invitations, on the other hand, are often free or cost a fraction of the price. They’re also easier to track, as you can see who’s opened the invite and who hasn’t.
What You Can Learn
If you’re tech-savvy or environmentally conscious, digital invitations are a great alternative. There are plenty of beautiful templates available online, and you can even add a personal touch by including a video message or photo slideshow. Plus, your guests will appreciate the convenience of having all the details at their fingertips.
3. No Bridal Party (Yes, Really!)
No maid of honor, no best man, no bridesmaids or groomsmen. This might sound shocking to some, but for this couple, it was a game-changer. Without a bridal party, they avoided the costs of outfits, makeup, transportation, and accommodations for additional people. More importantly, they felt free to plan their day at their own pace, without the pressure of coordinating a large group. As they shared, “It was just about us and the people who mattered most.”
Why This Worked for Them
The average cost of outfitting a bridal party can range from 1,000 to 3,000 cedis, depending on the number of people and the level of formality. By skipping the bridal party altogether, this couple saved a significant amount of money—and a lot of stress. They also avoided potential drama, as there were no hurt feelings about who was (or wasn’t) chosen to be in the wedding party.
What You Can Learn
If you’re not close to a large group of friends or simply don’t want the hassle of a bridal party, it’s okay to go without. You can still involve your closest friends and family in other ways, such as asking them to give a reading during the ceremony or help with DIY projects. Remember, it’s your day—do what feels right for you.
4. No Wedding Reception
Wait, no reception? That’s right. Instead of a traditional post-ceremony party, this couple handed out bagged snacks to their guests as they left the ceremony. The next day, they hosted an intimate dinner at home for close family. Not only did this save them a significant amount of money, but it also allowed them to enjoy a more relaxed and personal celebration. As they explained, “We didn’t need a big party to prove our love was real.”
Why This Worked for Them
The average cost of a wedding reception in Ghana is around 8,000 to 15,000, depending on the venue, catering, and number of guests. By skipping the reception, this couple saved thousands of cedis—and a lot of stress. They also avoided the pressure of entertaining a large crowd, which allowed them to focus on what really mattered: celebrating their love with the people closest to them.
What You Can Learn
If you’re not a fan of big parties or simply want to keep things low-key, consider skipping the reception. You could opt for a small gathering at home, a picnic in the park, or even a brunch the next day. The key is to create a celebration that feels authentic to you and your partner.
5. No Wedding Cake
Wedding cakes can be a stunning centerpiece, but they’re also often a huge expense—and let’s be real, a lot of it goes uneaten. This couple decided to skip the cake altogether, especially since they weren’t hosting a reception. Instead, they focused on other ways to make their day special. Their take? “We didn’t miss it at all. The day was sweet enough without it.”
Why This Worked for Them
The average cost of a wedding cake is around 7,500 cedis, depending on the size and design. For this couple, that money was better spent elsewhere. They also avoided the hassle of choosing a flavor, design, and baker—and the disappointment of seeing half the cake go to waste.
What You Can Learn
If you’re not a cake person or simply don’t see the need for a traditional wedding cake, consider alternatives. You could serve cupcakes, a dessert bar, or even a cheese wheel “cake.” Or, if you’re skipping the reception altogether, you could skip dessert entirely. The choice is yours!
6. No Weekend Wedding
Most weddings happen on weekends, but this couple chose a Friday instead. Why? It helped them keep their guest list smaller and more intimate. Plus, they avoided the chaos of tired, bored, and hungry kids (and, let’s be honest, some adults too). A Friday wedding also meant they could enjoy a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere, which perfectly matched the vibe they were going for. As they said, “It was small, classy, and totally us.”
Why This Worked for Them
Weekend weddings are popular, but they’re also more expensive. Venues and vendors often charge a premium for Saturday events, and guests may feel more stressed about attending. By choosing a Friday, this couple saved money and created a more intimate atmosphere. They also avoided the chaos of a weekend wedding, which can feel rushed and overwhelming.
What You Can Learn
If you’re looking to save money or create a more relaxed vibe, consider a weekday wedding. Friday weddings are a great option, as they give guests the weekend to recover. You could also opt for a Sunday brunch wedding, which is often more affordable and family-friendly.
The Takeaway: Your Wedding, Your Rules
This couple’s story is a powerful reminder that weddings don’t have to be expensive, elaborate, or traditional to be meaningful. By focusing on what truly mattered to them—and ditching the rest—they created a day that felt authentic, stress-free, and uniquely theirs.
If you’re planning a wedding, take a page from their book: don’t be afraid to break the “rules.” Whether it’s skipping the cake, ditching the bridal party, or saying no to a pre-wedding shoot, the most important thing is that your day reflects you. After all, it’s not about the traditions—it’s about the love.
