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Wedding receptions can be very expensive. Hall rental, refreshments, and entertainment can cost a pretty penny. You want your guests to have a memorable time, but you also want your pocketbook to not take a big hit too. What can you do to save money while still putting on a great reception?
There are ways to cut the costs of your reception, without cutting into the enjoyment of your guests. Just be willing to follow one, or more of the following tips and your reception will be enjoyable without breaking the bank.
Timing: Think about having an afternoon, or late morning reception. Have a buffet or serve appetizers instead of a full, sit down meal.
Food: If you are going to have a sit down meal, do not pick the most expensive items on the menu. Consider chicken or pasta dishes over beef and lobster.
Drinks: If you are going to serve alcohol at your reception there are several ways to cut the cost while still keeping your guests happy. Buy your alcohol from a wholesaler who will take back unopened bottles. Think about having a punch bowl and serving beer and wine instead of hard liquor. Save the champagne forasting the happy couple.
Open Bar or Not: Having an open bar does not mean it has to be open for the entire reception. Limit the time you serve mixed drinks, then offer wine and beer after that time is up. This can cut your alcohol costs way down, and still give your guests a choice.
Rentals: You can save money by arranging for your own rentals, instead of having a wedding planner handle this. Most wedding planners add on a service fee to their rental costs to cover their time.
Location: Check out local hotels to see if they have a reception deals. Some hotels will give you a discount on your reception hall rental if you book your bridal suite, or reserve a block of rooms for out of town guests.
Home Reception: If the cost of a reception hall is more than you have, perhaps you can have your reception at a friend or family member's house. Consider asking them if you can have your reception at their house.
Number of Guests: When all else fails, one way to cut costs is to limit the number of guests you have at your reception. Do not invite business associates, casual acquaints, children and spouses of guests if you are really strapped for funds. But be warned, if you invite them to the wedding, they will expect to come to the reception. And not getting an invite for that could cause hard feelings.
A wedding reception does not have to break the bank. Careful planning, and a desire to watch your spending, will go a long way to keeping your reception one to remember.
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Source by Dawn Arkin
