Planning an Inexpensive Wedding Reception Planning a wedding can be both a joy and a pain. It is the bride’s special day and as such must be executed with precision. But that does not mean that the wedding reception has to be a bank buster. Beautifully planned and organized wedding receptions can be relatively inexpensive by following five general guidelines while orchestrating the event.
Get a Head Count and Stick to a Budget The first way to save some money while planning a wedding reception is by knowing exactly how many persons will be attending. Having an exact head count will limit the amount of wasted expenses by limiting the amount of ordered food and supplies. To gain a close estimate of how many people will be attending the reception, and therefore how much food to order and budget for, a couple can request that all attendees RSVP to the wedding invitation. If the couple feels that requiring a RSVP is in bad taste, they can plan the receptions head count around how many invitations they send out. The second way to save money on a wedding reception is to set and stick to a firm budget. Finding out the headcount for the reception will help a couple to set a reasonable budget for the cost of the reception and for this reason the first tip was tallying a headcount. But perhaps the best way to save money on any expense is by setting a sticking to a budget. The same principle applies to planning a reception. A couple may wish to include into their reception budget such expenses as catering, venue, tables, chairs, center pieces, and the wedding cake itself. Whatever the dollar amount that is settled upon, the couple should strive to stay within their allotted budget.
Choose the Right Venue and Hire a Pro The third way to save on a wedding reception is by choosing the right venue. Reception halls are glamorous but are not necessary for holding a successful wedding reception. Often there are wedding venues that the couple can secure for free or limited costs that will be a suitable substitute for a more expensive formal reception hall. Such economy locations include a family’s back yard that of an acquaintance, public parks, rentable government buildings, and churches.
The fourth money saving idea for a wedding reception is to hire a professional wedding coordinator or similar service the offers a wedding package. Wedding packages often include discounted reception halls, caterers, and other services included in their bundled price. The fifth and final way to save money on a wedding reception is to plan inexpensive centerpieces for the reception tables and inexpensive party favors for guest. These two items can rack up a surprising total to the end bill if not watched closely. Centerpieces can be inexpensive yet elegant if they are kept simple. Party favors can likewise be kept inexpensive if the couple is willing to put in time to create their own from relatively cheap bulk candy and gift supplies. By keeping these five money-saving tips in mind, a couple planning their nuptials can plan for a successful and festive yet inexpensive wedding reception.