| One of the largest expenses associated with your | | | | quantities. And if you're preparing the food |
| big day is the wedding reception, but there are | | | | yourself, buying in bulk (wholesale clubs, etc) |
| ways to cut costs while still creating a fun and | | | | saves you lots of money. Potlucks are also |
| festive party for your family and friends. | | | | enjoying a degree of renewed popularity. Ask |
| Now that you're engaged, you've got lots of | | | | family members to provide some of the food, |
| planning to do. You've set the date and the | | | | and then invite guests to bring a dish in lieu of a |
| budget (right?) and now you're finding that the | | | | gift. Simply slip a note into the invitation altering |
| wedding reception is going to take a big chunk out | | | | guests of this option. |
| of your budget. Short of signing over your first | | | | 5. To Drink or not to Drink Alcohol also raises the |
| born and selling your soul to the devil, how will you | | | | cost of your wedding reception. Consider having |
| create a festive atmosphere, feed your guests | | | | only limited drinks available. Of course, if you have |
| and still stay within your budget? With a little | | | | a morning or early afternoon wedding, alcohol isn't |
| creativity and the tips below, you can pull off a | | | | usually necessary. And some venues don't allow |
| beautiful wedding reception that's very budget | | | | alcohol at all, so this point wouldn't even be an |
| friendly. | | | | issue . Be sure to check on this at the locations |
| | | | you're considering. |
| 1. Location, Location, Location As the saying goes, | | | | 6. Decorations With a little creativity (lights, |
| location is everything. In this case, the location can | | | | candles, faux plants and trees), anyplace can be |
| save you a bundle. Instead of booking the | | | | transformed into a beautiful reception location. |
| ballroom of an exclusive hotel or other | | | | Remember, your guests are there to celebrate |
| "must-have" location, look for something a little | | | | with you, not critique the crystal chandeliers (or |
| different and unique. You'll be surprised at how | | | | lack thereof). And there are scores of table |
| many locations are free or very low-cost. Look | | | | decorations you can make yourself that are quite |
| into gardens, vineyards, museums, church halls, | | | | affordable. Don't be shy about family and friends |
| hotel banquet rooms or even the home of a | | | | to pitch in on making the decorations and |
| friend or family member. You may also be able to | | | | decorating for the reception. Most times, they're |
| find restaurants in your area that specialize in | | | | more than happy to help. |
| affordable wedding receptions. When comparing | | | | 7. Music Save yourself $1000 or more by |
| prices, be sure to keep in mind that "free" | | | | foregoing a live band. If you ask around, you |
| locations require you to rent chairs, tables and | | | | probably have a family member, friend, or friend |
| more, so there is some cost involved. Sometimes | | | | of a friend who does wedding DJ duties (or at |
| it turns out to be more budget friendly to rent an | | | | least has a killer sound system) and would be |
| inexpensive hall that provides those things for you. | | | | willing to take charge of the music - usually for |
| 2. Limit Your Guest List It's tempting to invite | | | | little or no cost. Your guests just want to dance |
| your 50th cousin twice removed, and it's easy to | | | | and have fun, and it's not that important to them |
| give in and let family members invite people who | | | | exactly where the music is coming from |
| said hello to you back in kindergarten, but for the | | | | 8. Something Borrowed... There are so many |
| sake of your budget, you must be firm with your | | | | details to attend to when planning a wedding |
| guest list. Stick to inviting the people you are truly | | | | reception. Where does the punch bowl come |
| close to and you'll save hundreds on the cost of | | | | from? What about the silverware? And the |
| food and drink at your wedding reception. | | | | coffee pot? If the location does not provide these |
| 3. Let them Eat Cake Your wedding cake can | | | | things for you, and you're not using a caterer, |
| average $5 per serving and up, easily taking a big | | | | there's nothing wrong with renting these items or |
| bite out of your budget. You may want to | | | | borrowing them from friends or family members. |
| consider ordering a small display cake, and also | | | | There's no need to invest in a punch bowl - unless |
| ordering a sheet cake to serve to your guests. | | | | you think you'll get more use out of it. Besides, |
| It's much more cost effective, and your guests | | | | you can always buy one down the road when |
| probably won't even think twice about it. And | | | | you need it, but do it when you budget isn't so |
| don't forget to ask around. Chances are, you or | | | | tight. All of these little incidentals really add up, so |
| your fiance have an acquaintance who creates | | | | take advantage of other people's willingness to |
| beautiful wedding cakes and charges next to | | | | help. |
| nothing. | | | | Don't let your wedding reception bury you under |
| 4. Food Family members are usually more than | | | | a mountain of debt. With a little resourcefulness |
| happy to help prepare food for your reception. | | | | and creativity, you can create a beautiful - and |
| Many foods such as roast beef, ham and lasagna | | | | affordable - wedding reception filled with |
| are easy to prepare ahead of time in large | | | | memories that will last a lifetime. |