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Inexpensive Reception Ideas?

vvcartervvcarter
in New Jersey - South
Hi everyone! I just got engaged last week, still beaming although the questions are already coming! Ahhh!!

Our budget is really tight and I was wondering if anyone has been to or is planning any receptions that consists of cocktails and hor d' ourves? We figure a lot of people go to the reception for the drinks and dancing, so we were thinking we could save money by just providing butlered or d’ourves and an open bar. Anyone out there doing the same thing??

Anyone have any other ideas on how we could save money but still put on an event that everyon will enjoy??

Thanks!  Laughing
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Re: Inexpensive Reception Ideas?

  • 2010Bride2be2010Bride2be
    500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Congratulations!!

    The only thing I can suggest to save additional money is to have your reception on an 'off day', like a Friday or Sunday, and if you have it during one of the slower months for venues, you will save money there also.

    Also, if you decide to go with the open bar and hor d'ourves reception, keep in mind 2 things. 1. Make sure your reception is not around a meal time, or if it is around a meal time, 2. Make sure they are heavy hor d'ourves.
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  • CHarley2BCHarley2B
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Congrats! I agree with the Friday or Sunday option or anytime in the off season. But also once you make your preliminary guest list shop around and negotiate with your venues. I found that some places are really willing to work with you and tailor and event for you to work in your budget. I love the beginnings and endings concept (hor d'ourves and desserts) but at some venues it is actually more expensive then a seated dinner. When are you guys thinking for the date?
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  • lcallettalcalletta
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Congrats! We are having our reception at Brigalia's in Winslow. They reasonably priced, and very easy to work with. We cut some stuff out for a lower price. Tina is fabulous and is willing to work with any budget. Also so much is included like menu cards, centerpeices, cake,  ceremony flowers (if you choose to have your wedding there). We saved alot of money on other things because they were included
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  • [Deleted User][Deleted User]
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011

    Have you considered brunch?  You can have a very elegant affair with gourmet food for a fraction of the cost of dinner.  Also because it's in the middle of the day, you wouldn't do a bar; Mimosas would be enough for a brunch.

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  • SarahB507SarahB507 member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Alexmom2 - that is an awesome idea! 
    I too just got engaged and we are paying for everything ourselves with a tight budget.
    I was originally thinking a cake & punch reception around 8pm, but brunch would be so much more fun!
    Laughing
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