Budget Wedding Reception
Images of beautiful wedding receptions with magnificent cakes, a live band, and romantic decorations appear to most starry-eyed brides but the reality is that most brides-to-be are on a budget. If funds for the wedding reception of a lifetime are low don’t despair – a budget wedding reception can be yours for less.
Begin by selecting a low-cost location. If the wedding is to be held at a church, temple, or synagogue, ask if a reception facility is available. Many religious buildings have a parish hall, social room, or other spot where a wedding reception can be held. The cost is nominal and the facilities often include tables, chairs, and a full kitchen, all assets for the budget conscious bride.
If the wedding is to be held elsewhere, consider a wedding reception held at a local park. Many parks offer picnic shelters that can be transformed into a romantic reception with a little imagination. Other possibilities include a private home, a historical site, or local service club building. Ocean view brides might consider the beach as a possible budget wedding reception location.
Since wedding receptions don’t have to be formal affairs, choose a theme. Casual themes that can suit the lifestyle of the newlyweds include Western, Hawaiian, Old-fashioned, Victorian, Sixties, or Old World. Let imaginations run wild to find the theme that fits and create a budget wedding reception around it.
Cake choices are important to most brides but it isn’t necessary to spend hundreds of dollars on a cake. Forget the cakes that include waterfalls, bridges, and multiple sections that cover a tabletop. Opt instead for a two-layer wedding cake. Choose a local supermarket bakery over a top bakery or wedding cake specialist for the best price. If more cake is needed, order a large sheet cake with the same colors. The cost will be considerably less and the guests will enjoy the cake just as much.
Punch is easy and inexpensive to make. Ginger ale and fruit juice makes a simple punch. Another easy option is to use a lemon-lime-carbonated beverage poured over frozen sherbet. Make your own and save or serve another beverage like iced tea or soft drinks.
Forget about hiring a caterer and have a do-it-yourself budget wedding reception dinner if one is desired. Order multiple meat and cheese party trays from a deli or supermarket or make your own. Another option is to have the family provide home cooked delights that guests will savor. Many ethnic families have a long tradition of home cooked dishes. If the reception will be held outside, consider firing up the grill for barbecue or even cooking a pig in the ground for the ultimate roast pork.
If alcohol is to be served, don’t hire a bartender or set up a bar. Have one "spiked" punch bowl and one plain. If serving wine, visit a discount liquor retailer to find a good vintage at a low price. Don’t buy wineglasses – use plastic throwaway versions instead.
If music is desired, don’t hire a live band. Bands can cost $1,000 or more for a one-time performance. Utilize family and friends with musical talent or set up a stereo (even a boom box) and play CD’s. Brides can select the music they want – anything from waltz to rock – and dance the night away for much less.
Decorations can transform a drab church basement into a bridal wonderland. Supplies from a craft, card and party or art store can cost little but can do wonders in creating a romantic space. Supplies for almost any theme are readily available. Silk flowers, streamers, candles, and confetti are just a few of the items available. Look for tissue paper wedding bells or other wedding theme decorations for your budget wedding reception.
Don’t buy items like candelabras – rent instead from a party supply store. Ask for help from friends with artistic talent. Be sure to ask if the church or host has vases that can be borrowed. Vases or candles on every table can create a special ambiance for any budget wedding reception.
To top tables in a festive yet inexpensive way, look for paper lace tablecloths that can top temporary or linen cloths of any color. These can be found at craft stores as well. To make the cake table look impressive ask around and borrow real heirloom lace tablecloths.
Seek advice from previous brides, moms, grandmothers, aunts and other relatives. With a keen sense of style, imagination, and a little work, any bride can have a beautiful, charming budget wedding reception.
Latest Low Budget Wedding Articles:
Wedding Decorations on a Budget (
NEW!) - Anyone who wants to get married without spending a bundle will find that it is possible to have a great wedding by cutting some typical expenses. You can do this without negatively impacting the wedding by making changes to the decorations...
Budget Wedding Ideas - It may seem impossible to plan a budget wedding but it can be done. Many couples face the challenge of putting together a wedding with limited funds. Steer clear of luxury wedding magazines and stick to your budget. Low-budget wedding ideas, imaginative designs and affordable choices create a magical wedding day that won't break the bank...
Average Wedding Budget - Everyone wants the perfect wedding. One major concern in planning one however is what it will cost. Since most of us are not celebrities, the cost must be taken into consideration when planning. Another big question is who is paying for the wedding...
Budget Wedding Flowers - There is no need to look further than your own backyard or the countryside surrounding your house, than to get inspired and find materials that will make your wedding unique. And don’t worry about following any set rules or regulations regarding decorations at your wedding – after all, it is your wedding and you can do and plan exactly what you like...
Sample Wedding Budget - So, now you are elatedly engaged and have a great deal of things to do, but what should you do first? Usually, the best place to start planning a wedding is to setup an accurate, realistic, achievable budget that you can follow. Each wedding budget differs, but the basic ideas should be the same...
Beach Wedding - Beach weddings are an exotic, natural and beautiful way to share your vows that can also be quite affordable. If you are looking for a unique way to celebrate your love without breaking your budget, a waterfront nuptial can make your new life a beach!...
How to plan a cheap wedding - Planning a wedding is an exciting experience but it is very much a daunting task. The couple must consider all the elements of the wedding – those that lie within the church arrangements and the reception – and on top of that they must concern themselves with the cost. The going rate of a wedding these days is about $20,000, and that’s not including the plush ones at some fancy resort. Many couples simply do not have that much money to pull off a wedding with all the bells and whistles. However, when they stop a moment and think about it: Do they really need a royal wedding? The answer is no. The old line of money can’t buy you love is very true. As long as the couple can agree on a wedding that meets their needs, who really cares if they do not arrive at the wedding with a horse and carriage? Love conquers all. This article will break down key parts of a couple’s wedding day and how...
How to budget for a wedding - Weddings are the event of a lifetime but the cost can be expensive. Many couples find that they must budget for a wedding and find ways to lower costs. How to budget for a wedding is not as difficult as it may seem – couples simply need to look at some of the largest expenses and find ways to lower them. Ask married friends and families members how to budget for a wedding. Most will have suggestions that may trim down the total cost. Keep in mind the old adage that says brides need something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue...
Budget Wedding Reception - The global wedding industry is a multi billion dollar industry. Other than the purchase of a home, a wedding in perhaps the most costly thing that you will ever need to pay for. The average cost of a modern wedding is sky high. You need to factor in things like booking the photographer / videographer, buying the flowers and cake, renting the hall and music and booking the honeymoon. There are many ways to cut the cost of your wedding without losing out. Many wedding jobs can be delegated out to family and friends for a far lower price than a professional would change. You could even get it free as their wedding present to you...
Cutting Costs on wedding professionals - The global wedding industry is a multi billion dollar industry. Other than the purchase of a home, a wedding in perhaps the most costly thing that you will ever need to pay for. The average cost of a modern wedding is sky high. You need to factor in things like booking the photographer / videographer, buying the flowers and cake, renting the hall and music and booking the honeymoon. There are many ways to cut the cost of your wedding without losing out. Many wedding jobs can be delegated out to family and friends for a far lower price than a professional would change. You could even get it free as their wedding present to you...
