The reception alone will bust your wedding budget if you're
not careful. Of course, the most obvious way to save money on
the reception is to keep it small. Where you host this grand
occasion could make or break you.
Your low budget wedding remedy? Find a reception location
that's free or low cost.
A free location may include,
your home, or a friend or family member's home. A low cost
option might include the Church reception hall, the local fire
department's reception room, and club hall rentals. Most will
have a kitchen area for preparing and serving food.
Sometimes you will even find a local restaurant that specializes
in low budget wedding receptions. These will likely offer a
package for the reception which may include dinner and limited
beverage with the rental of restaurant space or banquet rooms.
Check hotels in your area for banquet rooms as well. Some may
rent the banquet room alone and/or offer reception packages as
an option.
Leave no stone unturned in your search! You
may happen upon a gem of a deal that will save you alot of
money. Ask around. Get recommendations from friends and family.
Do a local search on the internet. We have several plantations
in our area who offer wedding reception packages. These are
elegant locations and are usually competatively priced;
Including options for the low budget wedding.
Make a
list or chart to record all your findings. Record not only price
but services available, and packages available. Then you can
compare where you will get the most for your money.
For
instance, you may be able to rent a space for a really cheap
rate and hire outside catering for the dinner. But, if you find
a location that costs more but will offer you a package that
includes the catering, it may be the better deal in the long
run.
The one big exception to this scenario is if you
opt for a potluck reception. Many guests may be pleased, if not
relieved, to be given the choice to bring a reception dish in
place of a wedding gift. You will find that low budget reception
packages usually come with a low budget menu as well. If you
choose this option, you will save greatly on catering expenses.
I am certain your guests will be more pleased with the menu
selections. This would be your best low budget wedding option
and will save the most money.
The Potluck Reception
Don't be shy to pursue this potluck reception idea. It is truly
the traditional way to celebrate. And, it is truly the number
one low budget wedding option.
Today's weddings are so
commercialized. You will learn that caterers offer very limited
menus to very limited budgets! Guests will likely be very
pleased and welcome the idea of a potluck reception.
The
potluck reception goes well with any wedding theme. If you are
shy about approaching this option you can simply call it an "Old
Time Traditional Wedding Celebration" The potluck dinner will
suit this theme quite naturally and no-one will even question
it!
You may even want to pick an "Old Time" theme for
your decorating and favors. This will further incorporate the
idea of an old time tradition theme. Perhaps a 50's theme or a
20's theme. These are both popular old time themes.
Simply slip an added note with the invite, or on the invite, to
give guests this option. For example the note might read...
~Our reception will be an "Old Time Traditional Celebration"
with a potluck dinner. ____ Please check here if you would like
to bring a dish for the reception in place of a wedding gift.
Call with dish suggestions please.
Have them call to get
or offer suggestions on a dish so you have control over the
menu. No one is obligated to particitpate, but I'm sure you will
be surprised at how many guests will opt for this.
You and your guest will be equally surprised at the great
variety and quality of the dishes provided. Guests will want to
bring only their best recipes to a grand occasion such as a
wedding reception!
About the Author:
Cheryl Johnson is a mother of four helping herself and others
become and remain debt free. Publisher of Simple Debt Free
Living at
http://www.simpledebtfreeliving.com
- A self-help plan, ideas, and resources for household
budgeting, debt management, and frugal living tips.
