How to have a low cost wedding reception on a budget
My fiance and I want our reception to be a big party. Semi-formal, but not over the top. We would like to pay for most of it ourselves and have begun to save up for a budget to work with... any idea's for a formal, low cost wedding reception... possibly under $1,000.00??? Then again, what is a sugested budget for about 75 to 100 attendants... I'm so confused, I don't know where to start!
(This post was
edited by TWQadmin on May 10, 2006, 8:39 AM)
According to bride's magazine the average cost of a US wedding is around $11,000; this number can fluctuate according to your location. Weddings in New York can cost upwards of $30,000.00!
You might want to consider the folowing money saving tips:
1. Have the reception at your home or the home of a family member or friend.
2. Cater your own wedding. There are books on this subject you can purchase.
5. If you know anyone who is handy with a needle and thread or, even better, who is a professional seamstress, solicit their skills to make your wedding dress and veil.
6. Limit your guest list to close friends and family only.
7. Limiting a traditional full bar to one or two hours can really cut costs. Alternatives include serving beer and wine only, not serving alcohol at all or only offering a champagne toast. Depending on the local laws and the rules at your reception hall, you may be able to buy the liquor yourself. Check with your reception facility.
Check back with us and tell us how you were able to plan your wedding on a budget! Top Wedding Questions Forum Moderator - "Write your sorrows in the sand, your blessings in stone".
(This post was
edited by TWQadmin on Apr 6, 2007, 9:38 AM)
You can definitely still have the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank.
One of the main things you will have to do is to be creative. Aside from creativity, you'll have to search around.
The first thing that will determine how much you'll be spending is the number of guests, and the location.
Consider the following ideas:
1.) Have your wedding reception at a local park, or at someone's back yard (weather permitting). It should cost around $60-$100 for the whole day; compared to having your reception at a hotel banquet room which could cost up to $600.00.
2.) Have a relative or a close friend host the reception. Look around for club houses or large restaurants with party rooms. Don't focus on the lavishness of the event, but rather on making it memorable & fun for you and your guests.
3.) As for food, have a pot luck luncheon or a buffet. Ask your family, friends and relatives to help you by preparing their best meals. If you have a friend or relative who makes cakes, they can make the wedding cake for you.
4.) As for the decorations, make your own centerpieces. This could be as simple (and creative) as a clear glass bowl filled with water, topped with tea candles with rose petals. This should cost about $10.00 or so for each centerpiece at your local craft store. Again, feel free to get creative! As for the wedding favors, my sister actually made her own for her wedding. We went to a local dollar store and purchased some porcelain doves, bought some chocolates to put inside the dove and purchased lace, ribbons & tulle. We then wrapped it up & tied it with a bow. Voila!
You can also try saving money on other wedding expenses and roll over your savings to your wedding reception.
For instance, I've seen beautiful designer-inspired bridal gowns for as low as $199.00 online, stylish bridesmaids dresses for as low as $60 each, party favors for as little as $.39 cents each...search all over the internet, vendors are all competiting for your business and are constantly lowering their prices!
How to have a low cost wedding reception on a budget
