Budget Tips For Your Wedding Reception

Wedding receptions are expensive affairs and can set you back a pretty penny. However, most brides have their heart set on an all out wedding reception. Here are some ways to cut back the costs, without compromising on the quality of the wedding reception.

  • Alcohol is probably the largest expense at any wedding reception. There are several ways you can cut short the liquor budget at your wedding reception.

    • Offer punch ? virgin and spiked - instead of having a bar. This works really well if you are having a summer luncheon wedding reception.
    • Offer only wine and beer along with soft drinks, coffee and tea at the bar. Ask the staff to pass around glasses of champagne especially for the wedding toast.
    • Close the bar an hour before the wedding reception ends. Serve only cold drinks, tea and coffee afterwards.
    • If possible, choose a venue that allows you to bring your own liquor. Once you are bringing your own liquor the rates go down considerably and you can consider having an open bar at the wedding reception.

  • The venue is another large expense for the wedding reception. Think about having your wedding during off-season. Most wedding venues will be available for discounted prices during the off-season.

  • Also, booking a wedding venue for your wedding reception well in advance gives you the leverage to try and bargain for a good discount. If you cannot get a monetary discount try and wrangle some perks like valet parking at the venue for your guests.

  • Wedding cakes can get really expensive. Instead of having one single large wedding cake, order a smaller wedding cake to be cut at the wedding reception. Use this cake for display and for the cake cutting ceremony. Let the guests be served from sheet cakes inside the kitchen, which are a whole lot cheaper. You also don't need any other dessert other than the wedding cake.

  • If you are on a really tight budget, plan a cocktail wedding reception instead of one that includes a full meal. Also, discuss with your caterer, which foods are in season. Using foods that are freely available also means they are cheaper. Strawberry shortcake in the middle of summer costs a whole lot more than it does in winter!

  • Wedding photographs and wedding photographers can be expensive too. Hire a wedding photographer to take only special moments of the wedding reception. Restrict the wedding photographer right from the beginning and put him on a budget. Instead, get someone in the family or a good friend to click photographs all through the wedding. Even if you have to click 5 rolls of film to get a few good photos of the wedding reception, it will save you big bucks. Disposable wedding cameras placed at each reception table can also help you capture those special moments. Have your guests use the wedding cameras through out the reception for some wonderful candid wedding photos for pennies a photo.

  • At the end of the day, money won't make your wedding reception a success. How much fun you and your spouse have at the wedding reception will determine how much fun the guests have and how many memories you create!

    Copyright Andrea Britt, 2005. All rights reserved.

    Reprint Rights: Feel free to use this article on your website or online publication. Please remember that you must include the author's copyright, resource box and live URL links, exactly as shown below, to the author's website at the end of the article.

    Andrea Britt is owner of CharmingWeddings.com where you can find elegant, unique wedding cameras, wedding cameras, and wedding planning tips for your wedding reception and bridal shower.

    limo Chicago Salem .. Lockport Chicago limo O’Hare
    In The News:

    Artificial intelligence-generated images and videos that use someone’s likeness typically target women without their consent. The CyberGuy unpacks how to protect loved ones.
    A humanoid robot developed in China has transformed from a nimble dancer to performing kung fu moves with surprising precision and balance.
    To protect memories, documents and personal data, you should back up your information on personal drives, according to Kurt the CyberGuy.
    Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents
    With six cyclorotors, the BlackBird from CycloTech is designed to take off and land vertically, move sideways, brake mid-air and even parallel park.
    Telling the difference between images created by artificial intelligence and those by humans is becoming increasingly difficult. Kurt the CyberGuy explains what to look for.
    This tax season Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson offers his expert suggestions on how to protect your personal information against tax-related scams.
    Meta recently introduced its new augmented reality glasses with sensor technology that opens up new possibilities for research and development in AR applications.
    Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., has asked Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg to appear before a congressional oversight committee to address Meta's dealings with China.
    Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents
    Public Wi-Fi may be risky. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson helps you learn how to spot unsafe networks and stay secure.
    The 126 MW Omkareshwar Floating Solar Park spans 642 acres, boosting green power. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reports on this innovative solution to global energy challenges.
    I'm a tech expert, and I know how online stalkers operate. Here's what you can do to prevent creeps from seeing personal info that they shouldn't.
    Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson discusses these effective tips to reduce spam after refinancing your home.
    Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson talks about easily recording voice notes on iPhone via Notes or Android via Voice Recorder.
    Beware of change-of-address scams. Bad actors are impersonating others to request a change of address with the postal service to steal information.
    An artificial intelligence company designed an almost human-like robot assistant, like Rosie from "The Jetsons," to help around the house.
    Elon Musk says SpaceX will go to Mars at the end of 2026 with Tesla's Optimus, a humanoid robot. If all goes well, humans could be headed to the red planet in 2029, Musk says.
    Hackers have set up over 10,000 fake websites to keep smishing scams going and target both iPhone and Android users with texts. Kurt the CyberGuy shares how to defend yourself.
    Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents
    Dashcams that use artificial intelligence improve trucking safety and efficiency, but they also raise privacy concerns for drivers and pedestrians.
    A newly discovered security flaw with your iPhone or iPad could leave your personal information vulnerable to hackers. Kurt the CyberGuy explains.
    Modeled after a traditional bell-shaped skirt worn by women in Kosovo, a theater's roof is draped entirely by solar panels to generate renewable energy on-site.
    Kurt the CyberGuy explains how to protect yourself from malicious Chrome extensions that can steal sensitive information like password managers, crypto wallets and banking apps.
    Stellantis' innovative STLA AutoDrive 1.0 system allows drivers to safely take their eyes off the road and their hands off the steering wheel.

    Toss a Garter or Two

    The tempo of the music begins to rise. Drums begin... Read More

    Fifteen Fabulous Favors

    The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating (or... Read More

    Meaningful Wedding Gift Ideas

    A wedding is one of the most special days planned... Read More

    The Bachelor Party: A Guide For The Best Man

    If you forget the ring, there is still a chance... Read More

    3 Easy Steps to Buying the Right Engagement Ring

    You've made the plunge, you've decided to get married. Congratulations!Don't... Read More

    For Second Weddings Only - Eight Tips

    Planning a second wedding? Prevent favorite guests comparing your second... Read More

    Marriage Counseling: How to Reduce Hurt Feelings When You and Your Spouse Disagree

    One of the biggest on-going problems for couples is how... Read More

    Common Format Of A Wedding Reception

    The following article can be copied but you must keep... Read More

    The Greatest Love Story Ever Told

    When people think about great love stories, more often than... Read More

    Marriage Counseling: How to Get the Most Value for Your Time and Money

    Marriage counseling is an investment of money, time, and energy... Read More

    The Night They Invented Champagne

    In the dim past of the last century, good time... Read More

    Basic Tips for Planning a Wedding

    Planning a wedding should be fun and exciting. However, if... Read More

    Do-It-Yourself Wedding Invitation Guide

    Think creatively and add a personal touch to your special... Read More

    Caribbean Honeymoon Vacation - a Fancy Trip!

    This season, a Caribbean honeymoon vacation will give you unlimited... Read More

    Bora Bora Honeymoon Vacations

    Poets, sailors, honeymooners and other romantics have officially declared this... Read More

    Replacing Your Lost Wedding Ring

    Imagine it's Halloween evening and you've just gone to the... Read More

    Wedding Dresses ? Why They Are White and Other Wedding Lore

    Brides have always worn white, right? Not so. In ancient... Read More

    Six Ways to Decorate Your Wedding Arch

    Sometimes a wedding arch is a no-brainer way to spruce... Read More

    To Choose a Wedding Planner or Not to Choose a Wedding Planner

    When I was the owner of a major wedding facility,... Read More

    Wedding Planning: Benefits of Online Wedding RSVPs

    Want to manage your wedding guests with style and ease?... Read More

    Mexico Honeymoon Vacations

    Mexico, a country rich in arts and ancient cultures and... Read More

    Planning the Menu for Your Wedding Reception

    When you are planning a budgeted menu, you must first... Read More

    Maui Honeymoon Resorts

    Each of the dozens of Maui honeymoon resorts can be... Read More

    How to Recognize and Cope with an Emotional Affair

    Did you know that an emotional affair can be just... Read More

    Slash Your Wedding Ceremony Bills

    When it comes to your wedding services alone, nobody wants... Read More

    limousine shuttle Alton ..