In a current economy where cost-cutting is king, wedding receptions may seem like one of the last places for a customer to splurge. However, recent research suggests that an average wedding reception is fairly inexpensive compared to other weddings.
1. Hosting a Small Wedding Ceremony
One of the first ways to save money on a wedding reception is by hosting only a minimal wedding ceremony. It is possible to preserve an intimate setting for the ceremony and reception by having them both at the same venue. If your reception venue isn’t traditionally used for ceremonies, you can have an outdoor ceremony with or without chairs, or even opt for a cocktail party that extends into the reception hall once the food has been served.
2. Staying Away from Expensive Food
Another way for couples to save money on a wedding reception is to opt for less expensive food. You can do this by selecting finger foods and snacks over a full course meal or by hosting the reception during off-hours at the restaurant where you have it.
3. Providing Affordable Entertainment
A great way to keep music and dancing going at your reception is by having an affordable band that doesn’t require too much money or a DJ. You can also consider having a friend who’s a musician play music for the evening, making sure you have plenty of music for them to play.
4. Cigars and Cocktails at Your Reception
It’s a bit of a tradition for many men to enjoy a cigar after their wedding ceremony. If you’re looking for an interesting and unique way to give your guests the chance to do this, you can provide them with cigars and cocktails as they arrive at the reception. Just make sure that minors don’t smoke and encourage guests who do not drink to find other ways of enjoying themselves.
5. Keeping Costs Low by Getting Married on a Weekday
Another way for couples to save money on a wedding reception is by getting married on a weekday because, at many venues, the prices are lower this way. If you have your heart set on an evening reception, you can also save money by planning it for around the same time each week. Not only is this a great time to plan a party, but it also helps the venue’s bottom line.
6. It Is Good to Request Friends to Contribute their Skills
It is good to know that you can ask friends if they have any skills to contribute. If your friend is a caterer, they may give you a good rate and supply the food if enough people sign up. If you have bartenders, they could make drinks for much less. Knowing that you can call on these people for a little help will help you to save money.
It is possible to save a lot of money on a wedding reception by planning it appropriately and doing your research. You can also invite friends who have skills that you can tap into if you need them. You can also choose to have your reception on a weekday, which will keep costs down and allow you to have some fun with the reception.