Planning Affordable Wedding Receptions

There’s no denying that wedding receptions can cost a lot of money. But with a little creativity it is possible to have a beautiful reception without a huge budget. The key is to address each of the major areas where you’ll spend money on your reception and identify ways to economize.

Location

Choosing the right location is the most important step in planning an affordable wedding reception. If you choose a hotel, resort or other full service facility you will have no choice but to use their catering service, bar and often even their wedding cake designer.

Instead look for locations that allow you to bring your own food and ideally even run your own bar. Some halls will allow you to do this. Or, consider using a family member or friend’s home.

Decorations

Fresh flowers are one of the most popular decorations for wedding receptions and also one of the most expensive. Use them sparingly and you’ll save a bundle. Even better is to choose other decorations such as white balloons or inexpensive white tulle.

If you’ll be setting up tables you’ll want to do something for centerpieces. There are several inexpensive ways to make your tables stunning. Borrow a variety of glass candlesticks and put a grouping on each table of different heights of candles. Or, a goldfish or betta in a pretty bowl can be a unique centerpiece for the right wedding.

If you absolutely have to have fresh flowers on the tables then buy them loose and put the arrangements together yourself.

Food

For most weddings the single largest expense is the meal. But there’s no saying you have to have a traditional, sit down dinner. Consider a candlelit evening wedding with a cocktail party reception. Or, have a morning ceremony and serve a lunch buffet, which is always less expensive than dinner.

If the location you choose allows you to bring your own food you can save by hiring a private caterer or having your family and friends make the food.

Drinks

Although you may wish you could offer an open bar, this is a huge expense that can be avoided. If it is in the budget to provide guests with a couple of drinks, offer drink tickets. Otherwise make it a cash bar.

Wedding Cake

As soon as the word “wedding” is attached, an otherwise affordable cake triples in price. Instead of specifically asking for a wedding cake, order a cake from your favorite bakery and ask to have it iced in all white. Purchase a few fresh flowers to adorn the top and you’ll have a beautiful wedding cake for a fraction of the price.

Affordable wedding receptions are possible if you’re committed to finding unique ways to express yourself without spending a fortune. Be creative and have fun and it will turn out perfectly!

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