Tacky can mean differently, but most often it's associated with "poor taste", at times "cheap", and at the polar opposite, "exaggerated" or "over". In Filipino, "baduy" or "chaka" can be presumed.
What's wrong is often assuming tight budget events are automatically going to be tacky. Well, it will be if you ignore some of the essentials. And, it's not only budget events, even extravagant events can be tacky if the hosts or organizers have poor taste. Since the events industry is still going strong through the years and the competition continues to boom, there are increasing number of suppliers and smart & crafty DIY couples and celebrants who manage to pull off such beautiful events without breaking the bank, and that's because they know the drill.
It's actually challenging for me to write this article because this topic is highly subjective, such as saying the color or design is "it's tacky", but maybe for you it's not since we have our own point-of-views. So here, I stick to some of the important things that's "generally" considered tacky.
A. Attire
1. Steer Away From Too Much Shine
Personally, I initially thought it has something to do with the color choices, such as purple and lime green, bright fuchsia, and even black. But upon looking at several photos, they can be really elegant too! It boils down to the materials used, such as this fabric for instance.
Don't these look like different colored trash bags? Believe it or not, there are people who still choose these types of clothes, when there are more other better options at the same or even cheaper price. I just can't imagine my own entourage wearing these dresses. I'd die of cringing.
2. Cover Some Skin
There's nothing wrong with wanting to be modern, liberated and sexy in your special day, but don't cross the line or instead of looking like a bride or the debutant, you'll look like... something else. Mind the elderlies and kids! Also, consider your theme and venue. Your dress might be ok for beach weddings, but not for church weddings.
3. Less Is More
This one I see often, and ironically, more on those with tighter budget. Cut down on accessories especially if your dress has already a lot going on. Choose a plain veil if your dress is already mostly embellished. If you're neckline has a nice shape or design, loose the necklace. If you're wearing a fancy necklace or a statement headpiece, tone down your earrings and/or necklace. Never go all out. Short neck? Don't force yourself to wear necklines or bridal chokers like how Heart Evangelista pulled off on her wedding. It's not flattering for everyone. Faux fur boleros are pretty for winter themed weddings, but not so much for us especially if you're venue is on the contrary, hot and humid.
The neck accessory can be omitted for this type of gown since the surrounding areas are embellished. If you don't have a long enough neck, you'll look like you're choking. To pair it with huge earrings and headpiece? Too much!
This might just be me talking, but I was never a fan of bridal gloves (either full or fingerless), they're sort of distracting to me, especially when it's a mismatch to your dress. I tend to always look at the hands instead of the face of the bride in photos. If you want to wear one, research first and try on what suits your attire best because on the contrary, if you did it right, it does look glam. Also, if you have a watch you can't leave, you can put it in your bag or entrust it to your coordinator or MOH, because most everyday watches don't match the gowns. But, these might just be me talking. What's you're take?
Never a fan of them. Too distracting. But if worn right, can be a nice touch.
Watches... Yay or Nay?
Another overall example of too much:
I sincerely think the gloves and the necklace are not needed for this type of gown.
4. Appropriately Sized Petticoats
I can't comprehend ladies who managed to wear their gowns with an improper petticoat. It's really not a good sight to see and unflattering. It may also destroy the overall look of the gorgeous gown. I'm quite sure there are a lot of available affordable and budget petticoats. So if you're buying one or if it comes with your gown, why not get it in the right size?
See the line? My OCD's triggered. Just a few more inches long of the petticoat could have fixed it.
B. Decors
1. Spice Up Your Dull Venue
There are exceptions! Beautiful outdoor venues with surrounding scenery, garden, beaches, and even some of the posh interior venues are already beautiful event without decors, especially if you're after the minimalist look. But if your venue is quite old, with crack on the walls, fading paints and stains, at least have them covered up. It does not have to be elaborate, things like simple curtains, garlands, DIY crafts, etc. to bring the venue back to life is essential if you don't want your event to look sloppy or drab.
Just a little pop of color here and there, a nice cleaning job and coverings would turn these venues lovely!
2. Naked Monoblocks Need Dressing Up
If you have excess budget, upgrade to tiffany chairs or ghost chairs and tables. These furniture themselves are pretty enough as is. But if you're really tight on budget and would prefer sticking to monoblocks, rent simple seat & table covers, even just plain colors, could make a great difference. Also, usually these covers should already be included with your caterer's package.
Don't the second row of photos look more pleasing? The first 3 photos may make your guests look like they're dining at a canteen or public eatery.
C. Lights & Sounds
There are also a lot of lights and sounds companies nowadays that offer complete but affordable packages, just make sure you are getting the sufficient equipment for your venue and crowd size. I personally experienced this during our company party. Because we were scrimping on budget, we did not avail of the venue's stage lights because it's an additional add-on. It's not expensive, but still we wanted to save, right? Light effects are not essential, I thought. During the event, no matter how talented our musicians and how upbeat the songs were, they looked so boring and dull because the stage was dim. We only have static default venue lights. In the end, we still availed of it just to make the event more alive.
Same goes for sounds. Follow the professional advice of your supplier. Do not negotiate and reduce the number of sound system just to save a few amounts, because the effect can be very noticeable. Your guests at the back can't hear what's happening in front, and if the front speakers were forced to blast too loud, your guests in front would suffer and undesirable echoes may be heard throughout the venue. This can really affect your program, and worst, it's pretty obvious that you are trying to save. Your guests would highly likely comment on how you did not invest well for the lights and sounds system.
D. Settle with Reputable Suppliers
Reputable, experienced, excellent, proven... all these words should not scare you into thinking that these suppliers would automatically be expensive. There are A LOT out there that can do equal (or even better) job for a friendlier price. You just need to research very carefully. Sometimes, we have beautiful visions and inspirations for our events, and when we trusted the wrong suppliers, the output may turn... tacky. This is particularly applicable for "expectation-vs-reality" disasters on attires, cake, styling, etc.
Just the use of an unsuitable / low quality lace can make such a huge difference
I believe my regular Goldilocks or Red Ribbon cake that costs less than P1000 looks better than this.
If you can't afford the actual item or service you like from a particular supplier, and you can't find an affordable but good enough supplier to execute it for you, there is one more option that is often forgotten and underestimated:
Check The "Ready" Items
Try setting aside your pegs first, and focus on the excellent service / output of the supplier itself. If your customized order is too expensive for them to produce, try checking on their list of default offers. They might have "ready" items or services (RTWs, signature cakes, etc.) that could fit your bill. It might not be the same with your vision, but who knows? It might turn out better. What you're buying here is beyond the product. It's the 100% assurance and guarantee of the product/service that you'll receive exactly what you see. This time, we reverse our target: instead of pushing for the dream peg, we try pushing for the dream "supplier".
Regardless of what you decide in the end, whether to just splurge and get that dream item/service, invest time in research looking for affordable but sure-excellent suppliers, or settling with something ready, it all boils down to one common factor: Reputable. Doesn't matter if they are the big names, popular ones, or just small start up businesses, as long as they have proven experience on their craft and positive client feedback, go for it. Never settle for anything less and always doubt and verify those without a trace of feedback or too-good-to-be-true deals, unless you're prepared for the risks!
What else do you think makes an event tacky?
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