How To Slash The Cost Of Your Reception - But Still Make It Go With A Bang

The largest cost of any wedding is almost always the reception itself. Even more than the price of the ring, the price of the dress, or the honeymoon, the cost of the reception eclipses these. So, how do you have a memorable and enjoyable wedding reception and save money?

The first place to start is with the venue itself. If you are trying to save money, stay away from country clubs, resorts, and hotels. Not only is the rental fee for these types of places overpriced, but they often do not allow you to bring in your own food or alcohol. You may be extremely limited in what you can serve and the amount it costs.

Many alternatives are available to such high-price venues. By choosing a smaller hotel, a lodge or meeting center, or private home for a reception, you can save a lot of money. You may also choose to have your reception at a completely alternative type of place such as a baseball stadium, park, or museum. These types of venues will almost always require you to bring your own food and drink, saving you a lot of money. In addition, non-traditional venues add a lot of personality to a wedding.

If you can, it is almost always cheaper to hire an outside provider of food rather than going with the reception venue’s in-house catering. Choose your favorite restaurant and have them cater the event if you can.

Open bars are a thing of the past. No one wants to encourage excessive drinking at a wedding, especially if people are going to have to drive home. Limit alcohol to one champagne toast, or a glass of wine per person. Provide a cash bar, if you must, so that people who want to drink more can – but on their dime.

Save money on centerpieces and favors by creating them yourself. Or better yet – make it the job of the bridal party to put them together (after all, you’ll be pretty busy). By creating homemade pieces, you will save money and bring even more personality into the reception.

You don’t have to spend tens of thousands on a reception to have a good time. Look for imaginative and creative ways to save money every step of the way!