| Even though you may be planning your wedding | | | | record their well wishes for the happy couple. Be |
| on a strict budget, that doesn't mean you have | | | | sure to add a small sign at each table asking |
| to miss out on having the reception you've | | | | guests to please write their thoughts or words of |
| always dreamed of. Here are a few tips and ideas | | | | wisdom for the newlyweds on the cards that will |
| to remember when it's time to begin thinking of | | | | soon be paired with photos from the disposable |
| budget-friendly wedding reception ideas. | | | | cameras. |
| Book as early as possible to get the best rates, | | | | Decorations don't have to cost an arm and a leg |
| and be sure to bargain shop for prices before | | | | to be beautiful. Visit your local craft store, as well |
| settling on a location for the wedding reception. | | | | as the area dollar stores to find a dizzying array |
| Inquire about their down payment and refund | | | | of decorative possibilities, including tulle, which can |
| policies, and make certain you know all of the | | | | be used to decorate just about anything. Dollar |
| extra, or additional costs well ahead of time. | | | | stores have a variety of candles, mirrors, and |
| Choose an off time of year, such as in the | | | | small decorative items that will easily turn any |
| winter, usually during January or March, to find the | | | | location into one that's fit for a day of love and |
| best prices on everything from caterers, | | | | enchantment. |
| reception venues, and honeymoon costs. Likewise, | | | | If possible, include a "kids only" area for those |
| getting married on a day of the week such as | | | | guests under a certain age to play and have fun. |
| Monday or Friday will be considerably cheaper | | | | This is one of the most helpful wedding reception |
| than the usual Saturday or Sunday affairs. | | | | ideas of all, especially if there are any parents in |
| Alcohol will usually drive the price of a wedding | | | | the wedding party. Recruit the help of a teenage |
| reception right through the roof, unless of course | | | | friend or relative to keep the kids under control, |
| you either eliminate it altogether, have a "beer or | | | | and be sure to provide plenty of distractions, such |
| wine only" affair, or provide all of your own liquor | | | | as coloring books and crayons, puzzles, books, |
| instead of being charged by the venue or | | | | and a variety of games. If you're lucky enough to |
| caterers. Another option considered to be | | | | have access to a separate room, splurge and |
| perfectly acceptable at hotels or banquet halls is | | | | bring along a television, some fun movies and |
| having a cash bar instead of an open bar. | | | | cartoons, or a few video games to keep the little |
| Forget the traditional banquet hall and instead find | | | | ones entertained throughout the evening. |
| a church or recreation hall, or your local | | | | To save money on food, choose an appetizer |
| community center, many of which charge prices | | | | only reception, which is usually held between the |
| that are considerably lower than other venues. | | | | hours of 4 and 7PM, or a tea reception, serving |
| Depending on the number of tables at the | | | | only finger sandwiches, cake, coffee, and tea |
| reception, it may be a bit expensive to have | | | | between 2 and 5PM, or a brunch or breakfast |
| disposable cameras at each table. Instead, include | | | | reception which would follow a wedding held during |
| small, decorative note cards on every other table, | | | | the late morning hours. |
| along with a few pens for friends and family to | | | | |