Couples planning a wedding love a trend or two. But for the guests... here's what gives them the ick.

We all know someone who has a wedding coming up, or we're set to attend one ourselves.

For the happy couple, there's a significant amount of stress. But that doesn't mean it's a hassle-free occasion for guests either.

And nothing is more grating than having to whack a fake smile on your face when handed a god-awful tea towel with the married duo's initials and wedding date stitched into it.

Brides, grooms and wedding planners alike – you've been warned.

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To really get down to the nitty-gritty, Mamamia asked 15 women for their take on what the happy couple love to include in their wedding, but that the guests tend to despise.

"All the waiting around bores me to tears. It's usually a 45 to 60 minute wait for the bride to arrive. I know some like to go with the idea of 'the bride is always fashionably late', but it kills me."

"Guest books are a pain. For many guests, they usually write a card for the couple, which inside has a heartfelt message. So trying to think of another message when I've already put thought and effort into what I wrote in the card is annoying!"

"A personalised favour with the couple's initials or wedding date engraved is egocentric. No guest wants it. If you want to give something, give a couple of wrapped chocolates."

"Let's keep the speeches short and sweet."

"Friends of mine had a wedding in a really cold part of New Zealand. And we were told we could only wear beige, linen or neutral earthy tones. The problem is that linen is not warm, nor could my male partner wear any of his suits as they're all dark-coloured — a very chilly nightmare."

"I personally hate wishing wells. Don't make me pay for your wedding. The expectation shouldn't be there that a guest has to pay. But if it is, specify how much – because nothing is worse as a guest than giving $100 for example, and then everyone else around you gives $200."

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"As a celebrant, I see a lot of waiting dramas. The couple should make sure to articulate the time correctly on the invite so people don't arrive an hour prior. Ensure shade and cover from the elements. If you have a gap between ceremony and reception, you need to have drinks, water and clear directions for the guests. Bonbonnieres should be something practical and easy to take home – that trend of succulents in small pots was painful…"

"Weddings where you need to travel somewhere, especially when it's not a holiday spot. You spend a damn fortune on petrol and accommodation given there are limited options available, then you're also still expected to give a present."

"As a guest, I would prefer it if the reception formalities were all grouped together. This gives people more time to dance, mingle and eat without worrying about whether they're about to be pulled back into a speech."

"The bouquet toss for the single ladies isn't the vibe anymore. And the pressure then put on those women isn't nice."

"The wedding exit tunnel is an ick. There I said it."

"A loved one of mine married a woman whose mother was a best-selling romance novelist and their 'party favours' were signed copies of her books..."

"Colour-themed dress codes. I went to one recently where all the guests were expected to wear some shade of blue. I did it because that's what the couple wanted, and I'm sure it was great for their photos. But for me as a guest, it further limited my dress options and was an added stress."

"A really long wait time in between the ceremony and reception – I know the couple usually want plenty of time for photos and it makes sense, but no guest loves standing around and doing nothing. And they especially don't love it when there is no alcohol or entertainment during this time."

"If you're going to have an outdoor wedding, specify what the ground will be like. I don't want to rock up in my high heels and then realise the ceremony is on the beach or on a wet green field. My body is way too old for that malarkey."

What is something that you think wedding guests can't stand about weddings, that the couple loves instead? Let us know in the comments below!

Feature Image: Canva/Mamamia.

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