Are There Ways To Save Money On A Reception?

Cutting wedding reception costs doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. With some simple streamlining and strategic spending, it's completely within the realm of possibility to have your dream wedding within your spending limit. One of the biggest money savers is to choose a naturally beautiful reception site that won’t require expensive decor. An ornate ballroom, breathtaking beach, or gorgeous rose garden can each stand on its own without additional embellishment.

You can also trim costs by limiting your menu to a single entree or holding your reception outside of the dinner hour. A brunch, luncheon, or cocktail reception is considerably less expensive than a dinner, and an earlier hour will usually net you savings on your location. Beverage costs can be reduced by bringing in your own liquor, limiting an open bar to the cocktail hour, or by hosting a soft bar of wine, beer, and soft drinks.

Choosing favors that serve a dual purpose -- such as mini frames that hold seating cards -- can create savings, or you may choose to forgo favors altogether in order to put more money toward other aspects of your event. Using nonfloral centerpieces with candles or fruit, or utilizing inexpensive flowers will slash your floral bill, and plain white-on-white linens and china create a clean, cost-effective look that's perfect for a wedding. Finally, ask your site manager about possible courtesy upgrades to your package, such as free parking for guests. You won’t know unless you ask, and all you have to lose are additonal costs.