An outdoor wedding reception venue can save money.
From the decor and refreshments to the entertainment and favors, a wedding reception can easily eat up your entire wedding budget if you don't plan in advance. When you take the time to figure out a spending limit in regards to the reception -- about 48 to 50 percent of your entire budget, according to TheKnot.com website -- you'll have an easier time of staying within the financial bounds. With a set amount to spend, you'll know when you need to hold back and when you can splurge.
Instructions
1. Decide on a set dollar amount for your reception and stick to it. Start planning as early as possible to avoid having to pay extra for rushed arrangements.
2. Book your reception on a weeknight or Sunday rather than a popular Friday or Saturday. Try to plan the date during off-peak wedding season times such as November to March. You'll find you can negotiate better rates from the caterer, florist, entertainers and even the venue owner.
3. Opt for less expensive decorations. Substitute artificial or dried flowers for real flowers to cut costs. Arrange flowers yourself instead of paying for expensive florist creations. Purchase small glass containers, fill with water and place a floating candle in each for a cheap, yet elegant, table decoration.
4. Make a playlist with your groom-to-be and load it onto your MP3 player. Set up a docking station attached to speakers at the reception and let the music play. Or, hire a student band if you want live entertainment.
5. Have a small, elaborate wedding cake made for pictures. Serve sheet cakes in the same flavor to guests. Serve cake and punch at an afternoon reception to avoid serving a meal. Other low-cost options include a dessert or hors d'oeuvres bar.
6. Give guests disposable cameras to take pictures during the reception and instruct them to deposit them in a designated area on their way out the door. This will ensure that you get some candid and interesting shots without having to pay a professional photographer.
7. Serve one type of cocktail -- such as a sparkling sangria or a flavored martini -- rather than have an open bar.
8. Go cheap on the wedding favors. For outdoor receptions, purchase labels for water bottles that you can personalize with your computer and printer that state the bride and groom's name and date of the wedding. Or personalize bottles of wine the same way and leave the wine on the reception tables with glasses so the guests can serve themselves. Order copies of your favorite engagement pictures and have your names and wedding date printed on them. Place a quantity of photos on each table for the guests. Give a packet of flower seeds tied up in a square of tulle secured with ribbon and a paper tag attached, stating your names and wedding date.
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