Wedding Receptions on a Budget

With wedding receptions on a budget you can save money, especially when 50% of your funds go on meals, entertainment, decorations and the venue.

If you are looking to save some money on your wedding reception to spend on the honeymoon or a future home then hosting your reception outdoors can be a great deal cheaper.

It can also be a lot more fun for you and your guests.

The only downside is if the weather conditions will permit it.

But with a little contingency planning even the weather need not put a damper on the big day.

Outdoor Reception

If you have a suitable yard or know someone that does, then it would be best to hold your reception there.

It's a relaxed informal atmosphere and you don't need to worry so much about the restrictions that may apply at a public venue.

Reception To-Do List

1. Have a contingency plan to accommodate any bad weather conditions that may arise that could stop or spoil your wedding reception.
2. When renting a tent or gazebo confirm your rental date at least two weeks ahead of time, or sooner if you can.
3. When renting tables and chairs it will be cheaper if you set them up yourself.
4. Get regular updates on the weather conditions so you know when, or if, you need to swing your contingency plan into action.
5. Ensure you have items like extension cords if you need to move appliances.
6. When hiring a DJ or band, make sure they confirm in writing and have a contingency plan if they don't show on the day - suitable CD's, tapes etc and someone you can put in charge.
7. Decide on food and drink and who will be responsible for these on the day.
8. Enquire if local permits are required for serving alcohol or playing music after normal hours.
9. Talk to your neighbors about the coming event and invite them too - they'll be less likely to complain about the noise or the parking.

Food for the Outdoor Reception

• Go for a casual reception and serve barbecue items such as hamburgers, chicken, ribs etc.
• Have everyone forego giving you a gift in exchange for them bringing their own special dish.
• Make sure what food guests intend to bring so as not to end up with too much of the same thing.
• Serve vegetable, cheese, fruit, and meat trays with dips and other snacks rather than a sit-down meal.
• Choose a reception with a theme that enables you to be more casual and creative with your food, for example with an Italian theme have spaghetti or pizza etc.

Protection Against the Weather

When looking to rent a gazebo or weather tent for your outdoor reception some places rent by the day, some rent by the hour and some only rent by the week.

The prices can also vary based on tent size and if it will be setup by them or you.

Some companies will insist upon putting up and taking down tents and gazebos themselves. If you want to save money here, look for another company that will allow you to do it yourself.

You could also opt for a do-it-yourself tent that can be created using tarps that you can find at any home improvement store.

The advantage is that you will pay for it once, but you can use your tent for years to come during barbecues, cook-outs etc. It's also another way to get cheaper weather protection for your yard.

If you choose to rent tables and chairs, contact a local church or charity, they will often give you a great deal and even be willing to lend a hand setting them out.

The Budget Venue

• Rent a venue only if you have at least 50 invited to your wedding reception.
• Rent a venue that you can decorate yourself.
• Choose a venue that will cater to your needs or your budget.
• When renting a venue see if you can save the cost of using their servers.
• When renting a venue or hall decide if you are opting for a cash bar or an open bar. Purchase a few cases of beer on your own and host a cash bar for those who want other drinks.
• Serve a completely cash bar to make a profit on the drinks to subsidize the cost of the hiring the venue or hall.
• Opt for non-weekend dates when venue prices may be cheaper.
• Consider hosting your event during the winter when rates may also be less.
• See if the venue offers a discount for paying with cash instead of credit card.
• Consider choosing a venue that will allow you to bring some if not all of your own food so you can save money on the catering.
• Serving vegetable and fruit trays, as well as finger sandwiches will be appreciated by vegetarians.
• A casual reception means you can serve a buffet, saving you more money.

Drinks on a Budget

Here are some great tips on serving drinks at your wedding reception that will satisfy anyone's budget.

• Serve beer and punch for free and charge for all other drinks.
• Have an open bar for the first drink and have guests pay-per-drink thereafter.
• Make the champagne toast free but have everyone bring their own drinks - more suited when you host an outdoor reception.
• Buy your spirits in bulk from a wholesaler or discount warehouse.
• Buy your drinks gradually over time so that you can take advantage of any special offers and spread the costs.
• Don't forget to include special punches, sodas and cola for non-alcoholic beverages. It may seem like a small expense, but if people are driving and can't drink alcohol, soft drinks could be consumed in large quantities.
  

Planning the Menu

Guests should RSVP so that you can determine the right number of meals for vegetarians and other meals for people on special diets or with food allergies.

• Serve the meals buffet style and have people forego giving a wedding gifts in favor of bringing a dish of food.
• You can offer vegetable, fruit an meat platters with dips and crackers instead of a set dinner.
• You can ask guests to make a donation toward the wedding reception budget rather than buy a gift.
• You can offer a soup and salad menu rather than a full blown entrée.
• Offer around the world appetizers instead of a full meal, as well as casual appetizers like cheese sticks, chicken wings, and a variety of dips.
• Don't pay for servers or bartenders, ask a friend or family member to do it.
• When choosing your menu, being outdoors lends itself more easily to a casual approach to the choice of food, including barbecues, sandwiches or pizzas.

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