Inexpensive reception ideas anyone?

Re: Inexpensive reception ideas anyone?

• imtaken07

  

  January 2010 edited December 2011

  You can find small chapels, or parks to hold your ceremony in. Reception sites are all over the map. It all depends how much you want to spend and how many you plan on inviting. We cut our list from 220 down to 150. We are doing somethings by oursleves like center piesce, invitations, STD's. No favors, or chair covers. I don't even know if we are doing a limo, or not. Some of those things are not important to me. I have learn from friends and family that many items they have purchased and expenses we're needless. People go to a reception to have fun. They are not going to remember centerpieces, chair covers, favors, flowers and I understand that. I want it to look nice, but I am not going to go broke over this.

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• nickandchristinaswedding

  

  January 2010 edited December 2011

  Congrats on your engagement!!
  
  It was very overwhelming to hear how expensive a wedding is.  And I have heard of pp getting extra jobs just to pay for the wedding! But it's a good idea to plan smthg that you two (or parents) can afford and not be in debt the rest of your lives. Therefore, set a budget immediately and stick to it, if you can.
  
  One good idea I have been given is to put purchases, especially the big ones on a money back credit card. Then you pay bills with the money back, i.e discount!  Just make sure you pay the balance in full every month or you'll get screwed with interest rates.
  
  For the reception, a family backyard, parks/forest preserves, the Elk Lodge/VA halls, schools, etc are budget friendly options. But bf you do that, compare it to how much having someone do it for you or renting a hall. We found that renting a hall would be cheaper/less stressful than doing the whole backyard thing. My mom would be a MESS!
  
  Also, DIY a lot and get rid of the excess you don't need. I.e do the music with an IPOD; buy bridesmaid dresses at dept stores, and decide whether you really need chair covers and plate chargers.
  
  And learn to negotiate. If someone won't meet your budget, don't go with them. There is likely someone that will.
  
  Sorry so long...best of luck

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• berrytr

  

  January 2010 edited December 2011

  Congrats!
  
  There are lots of things you can do to cut cost and still have a fabulous event.  First, events held January through March and Fridays and Sundays are always cheaper than Spring/Summer events and Saturday evening events.  Also, look into public golf clubs (that's where I'm having my reception) or private golf/country clubs where someone you know is a member.  Breakfast and lunch are cheaper than dinner.  I'm doing a breakfast reception.  Vistaprint and 123Print.com are great, inexpensive websites that do great STD cards and invitations.  Wholesale flower shops are great places to get flowers for centerpieces but you could also use feathers, gift boxes, candles or seashells for centerpieces and cut the cost.  Chateau Del Mar in Hickory Hills offers great all-inclusive packages (food, beverages, centerpieces, cake) and great space for a ceremony, especially for a Sunday afternoon lunch event.
  
  Sorry it's so long.  I hope this helps.  Thea
  

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• jessicalumbard member

  

  January 2010 edited December 2011

  Another tip for an inexpensive reception - NEGOTIATE, NEGOTIATE, NEGOTIATE!!! Our reception site had a $10,000 minimum for Saturdays during the on-season, but my mom (who is the best negotiator I know!) talked with them and they said as long as we can guarantee a minimum of $8,500, it's okay! So JUST BY NEGOTIATING ALONE (not losing out on ANYTHING), we saved $1,500...you can do that with SO many things!! HTH - and congrats!!

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• lhagner

  

  January 2010 edited December 2011

  My fiance and I want to spend $5000 on the ceremony and reception.  I'm from Bolingbrook but we are looking at all sorts of places.  We've come to realize what I thought was a lot of money (although not compared to some budgets) may not be enough.  Any advice people have for some place indoors in January would be great!  We would love someplace with a cabin feel (exposed wood beams, fireplace, brick) but really any other suggestions would also be welcomed.  We are already getting married in January and on a Monday which is helping.  We are looking to invite 100 people figuring about 60-75 for sure would come.
  

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