Your reception
One of your biggest expenses is going to be the reception. But there are ways of cutting costs, whether your reception is going to be a lavish, seated affair for 200 guests, or an intimate party attended by a few close friends.
How can couples plan the reception of their dreams on a limited budget? Here are some hidden ways to cut the costs, yet keep the magic:
Make the most of flora
Use in-season, locally grown flowers for centerpieces, or only one kind of bloom, such as tulips in spring. Ask to borrow the site's floral or foliage decorations to augment purchased arrangements. Consider sharing ceremony flowers and costs with another couple marrying in the church or synagogue on the same day. Or you can get married in a garden that's in full bloom, to minimize floral expenses.
Snap it!
Use a professional photographer for the ceremony and formal photographs. Leave disposable cameras on reception tables for guests to snap candids. Compare hourly fees versus package prices.
Music, sweet music
Limit the number of musicians (besides costing less, you'll save on meals, beverages and tips). Or, hire a DJ to provide continuous music.
Little people, little prices
Ask if your caterer offers less expensive meals for children. Sometimes a children's menu of kid-friendly treats (hamburgers, chicken tenders) is more appealing to the youngsters and better on your budget.
Beer and wine
Consider offering beer and wine, rather than a full bar. To be considerate of your guests, make sure the bartender is instructed to make guests aware that certain beers and wines are complimentary.
Wedding luncheon
The earlier the wedding, the cheaper, in most cases. Not only are luncheon rates cheaper, but guests are more likely to drink less earlier in the day.
Off-days Everyone wants Saturday - so why not consider Friday or Sunday? Getting married in mid-week or off-season will increase savings. If a Saturday night wedding is your desire, investigate business-district restaurants that may offer great rates. You may save yourself some money and make your scheduling easier in the process.
Manage your time
Consider shortening your cocktail hour. You'd be surprised how many stuffed mushrooms and glasses of champagne people can ingest in an hour. Ask your caterer what you might save if you cut this to 45 minutes, or even half an hour.
Consider a fancier venue
Stay with us here. A bare venue or hall may need a lot of dressing up. Compare the cost for a gorgeous historical building or venue with the cost of making a bare-bones hall wedding-ready. Also, some nicer hotels and event centers plan large events as part of their daily business and may include certain perks (such as table arrangements and linens) for free.
Say "I do" to the holidays
Most venues will already be decorated for the holidays with white lights and poinsettias. If you like the coziness of the holiday season, take advantage of work that's been done for you.
Dinner reception
A dinner reception is usually started sometime between 6 and 9 p.m. In many cases, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres are served in the first hour, with a sit-down or buffet dinner following. A cocktail hour of some kind gives people time to go through the receiving line and mingle with friends, especially when a sit-down dinner follows.
Buffet reception
A buffet reception is one in which the guests serve themselves. They may choose to sit at a table of their choice, or seats may be assigned. The buffet table is arranged with a variety of food, and can be either round or oblong, with the food placed around the edge. It may also be rectangular, with food served from one side or displayed along both sides.
The way the tables are arranged will be determined by the area available and the number of guests. Try to avoid making the guests wait a long time to eat. For a larger number of guests, have two buffet tables, one at each end of the room.
Sit-down reception
This is a party at which the guests are served at the table. It usually has a more formal feeling, and most of the time is preceded by a cocktail hour so the guests can mingle.
A sit-down reception also provides for more organization. It is easier to get the guests' attention when the traditional ceremonies, such as cutting the cake, are to begin. On the other hand, some people feel that sit-down service tends to quiet the party down and discourages people from mingling.
Food station reception
Another idea that is unique and adds to the decor of the area is what is called a food station. This consists of smaller buffet tables set up around the room. It is especially nice when each food station has a different theme and type of food. Decorate them with floral displays and unique serving pieces. They will not only look beautiful, but are a fun way for guests to eat, and will increase mingling.
Try a beautiful display of cheeses with breads and fresh fruits displayed in baskets, or an ice-carved boat filled with jumbo shrimp and crab legs. Add to this eating adventure a chef carving a roast, serving hot won tons from a wok or preparing a chicken crepe right in front of the guests' eyes!
