Affordable reception ideas?

s6500rs1

We are getting married in Santa Barbara, CA - June 2014.

We were thinking about going to a park and bbqing food.  Then we thought about no reception.  It seems like such a hassle.  Any ideas for someplace fun for a small reception that doesn't cost too much for two 45 year olds.  

CMGragain

If you have any guests at your ceremony, then you MUST have some sort of reception to thank them for coming.  Not to do this would be incredibly rude!
A reception can be as simple as cake and punch at your ceremony site.  This would be a ceremony that is held in the afternoon.  It is the easiest and most budget friendly reception, and it is perfectly proper.

Viczaesar

s6500rs1 said:

We are getting married in Santa Barbara, CA - June 2014.

We were thinking about going to a park and bbqing food.  Then we thought about no reception.  It seems like such a hassle.  Any ideas for someplace fun for a small reception that doesn't cost too much for two 45 year olds.  

If you're having guests you have to have a reception.  Period, end of statement.  How many guests are you planning on having? 

emmyg65

Depending on the number of guests, you can just take folks out to a restaurant after. Or if you can't afford to pay for a meal for all your guests, cake and punch is great alternative. All you need is some punch, a sheet cake, and a tray or two of veggies and cheese and crackers.

RebeccaB88

Well, if the only people there when you get married are the two of you, then you don't have to do anything.

The simplest and cheapest option is to serve your guests cake and a beverage (punch, coffee, tea, water, soft drinks, etc) at the ceremony site, in your home, or another location.  Perfect option as long as it's not at a mealtime.

Nothing wrong with cooking out at a park or in your backyard. Or inviting people back to your home for pizza and cake, or trays of food you ordered from a restaurant.  Or, if you don't want to worry about anything, make reservations at a restaurant (you pay).

manateehugger

Ditto everyone else that you have to have a reception. The reception is supposed to be your thank you to the guests for attending the ceremony. You need to thank these people if they spend the time and money to watch you get married!

Receptions don't have to be huge elaborate affairs though! Dessert, light snacks, and punch works great. Or find some cheap BBQ, Mexican, or Italian catering. Or do your cookout idea. Really, you just need to take the time to offer some refreshments and to mingle among your guests to say "thanks for coming!"

cinalli2b

I'm so glad I read these posts. This is what I was wanting to do from the beginning and once the word got out, it did not go over very well. I wanted to have finger sandwiches(ham/chicken salad), veggies, chips, fruit and of course wedding cake w/ water, tea and coffee. I created chaos and now trying to find some where to cater cheap food which I think is going to be really bad...I'd rather have no food than cheap food. ugh!!! I was told no one does this!! I'm glad I found these posts....I feel so much better!

Lizzieyounce

Don't ever feel bad about what you host, as long as you host it properly.  Those criticizing your hosting and what you graciously provide are the ill mannered ones. 

If your vision is a wedding in the park, during the afternoon, then sandwiches, veggies, chips, fruit and cake, etc. are perfectly fine.  As long as there is enough to be filling and satisfying for everyone.