Money saver reception ideas???

vickilicious

I live in the UK and have just started looking at venues for our reception and probably ceremony.... i'm learning very quick that they are very expensive! I was wondering if anyone has any unique ideas that would involve less cash. I thought about a friends house, but the only friend with a big enough house would probably not be so keen. The other issue is weather, as i'm aiming for spring 2011 and the sunshine is never certain!All ideas are more than welcome!! x x

mbcdefg

Check out the Budget Weddings board for some great ideas: http://talk.theknot.com/boards/ShowForum.aspx?ForumID=665 The thing about holding the wedding at a private home is that it often involves a LOT of rentals ... chairs, tables, a tent, heaters or air conditioners, portable bathrooms, linens and china if the caterer doesn't provide it, food-related equipment, lights, maybe a generator, a dance floor, etc. This often winds up being MORE expensive than having your wedding in a hall. Some people choose to have their wedding in an all-inclusive hall ... the advantage is that you write one check and then they take care of pretty much everything. You don't have to hire a separate caterer, they already have tables and chairs and linens, they might make the cake on the premises, they probably have relationships with local DJs and limo companies, etc. Some people would rather rent out a plain hall (maybe a veterans' hall or a women's club or a museum) and then start from scratch. It's more work on your part, but you might score a better deal in finding a caterer (maybe try a local restaurant or a supermarket or a deli). It may or may not be cheaper than an all-inclusive hall.

vickilicious

Thanks for the tip about extras! will defo take it into consideration! x x

umsldispatcher

see if the reception venue has centerpieces you can use...even if you add your own special touch to it. ours has candle centerpieces we are using nd then just adding some fake rose petals around. it cost me $30 for the centerpieces...since i only had to buy the flower petals

laurening

Another popular suggestion for keeping costs down is to have a brunch or lunch reception. Venue and food costs tend to be significantly less than the typical evening dinner reception.

aerinpegadrak

Look at non-standard reception venues, especially ones that don't usually host weddings.  Restaurants, movie theatres, bowling alleys, bars, museums, I've seen weddings in all of them and they've turned out great.  I've even seen beautiful weddings in planetariums and art schools.  Get creative.Consider a non-Saturday wedding.  Fridays and Sundays are getting more popular, and I've heard of people doing weekday weddings.  (If you do want to do a non-Saturday, check with your guests of honor and make sure it will work for them.)Brunch or lunch are always cheaper than dinner.  If you avoid a mealtime, you can get away with serving just desserts, or just hors d'oeuvres.  Good times for such receptions are usually 2-4pm, or 8-10pm.Use any contacts you might have.  If your cousin's roommate's girlfriend works at a golf course and might be able to give you a discount if you bribe her with chocolate, grab the candy and give her a call.Ultimately, be flexible.  Don't rule out any course of action unless you're absolutely certain it won't work.

vickilicious

Thanks for the tips! A weekday wedding is something we are seriously considering, this might free up some cash for the fun things.Love the idea of holding a recetion in museum or art gallery... i'm near manchester so it's an option! Love all the ideas and they've certainly helped so thanks x