Is it really necessary? (Wedding Edition)

Flipping thru the channels as I usually do when in the search for something entertaining to view, I can't help but notice all the wedding related shows there are these days - Say Yes to the Dress, Amazing Wedding Cakes, Girl Meets Gown, Platinum Weddings, Bridezillas, My Fair Wedding, etc. Granted I have never been one of the lucky ones to walk down the aisle, but I can't help but wonder if some things are really necessary. Here's a few things that bug me.....

• Save the date cards followed by invitations - Cards that are sent a year before the wedding alerting those to obviously "save the date" are then followed by an actual invitation when it got closer to the date. News flash - sending both is a waste of time & money!! If people know you're getting married, they are more than likely going to ask you when it is & wait patiently for the invitation. I know this is special day, but you don't need something over the top either. Invitations are the only thing that should be sent.
• Gifts for the bridesmaids / groomsmen - It's the couples wedding day, so why exactly should they be obligated to buy you a gift? It should simply be an honor to be asked to participate, right?
• Rehearsal dinners - The rehearsal itself shouldn't last more than 15-20 minutes tops. You're going to get fed at the wedding not to mention free booze. Why should you be fed twice? Save money right here by skipping the rehearsal dinner.
• Distant relatives - Why is the bride / groom obligated to invite relatives (or family friends) they hardly ever see? Time and again on these shows I see them caving in to Mom's request to invite "cousin Betty" simply because she's family. No wonder the guest lists are so loooooong! LOL

I could go on, but already I see with these few mentioned items there could be money to save to go towards more important things such as the first "house payment." What are you wedding pet peeves?