RECEPTION Question

Re: RECEPTION Question

• amandakingry

  

  January 2010 edited December 2011

  wow! Sounds like you have a lot of work cut out for you but it is possible, you just will have to change some of your mindset to fit your budget. 

  
  

  My suggestion would to not go with the park option for your reception. There are just to many factors of things you will have to bring it...not just tables, but sound, chairs, refridgeration etc... the more you think about the harder it becomes to create a venue in a park. My suggestion would be to think about going with two locations. For example you could do your ceremony in a park a little easier. Look for places that already have amphitheaters built in. I know Cheeseman park has one, but I am sure there are dozens- just call the parks and rec department to figure it out. You might have sound issue, but you can rent a simple sound system with speakers for less than $100 or you can even buy it and sell it when your done for about $500.  For your reception think about going to a restaurant or community center. You might even think about seeing if any of your friends have access to a pool area at their apartment complex that would be nice. If you plan your wedding to utilize the downtime for restaurants (like 2-4pm) you might be able to use a party room or special space and have them simply do a cash bar and appetizers. Many bars downtown have patio space on roof tops that would work well, especially if the rockies aren't playing. You might be able to find a night club to let you use there space or something- I would just keep your eyes open and be creative and don't be scared to ask if you can use a place. 

  
  

  I actually went to a baby shower that was held pool side at a nice apartment complex. It was beautiful and easy to mingle and dance and after dark most pools aren't used (as much). It was free for my friend to use because her friend lived there and with a few christmas lights  it could be awesome for a wedding.

  
  

  For a cake, just go to King Soopers or ask your friends/ family to bake cupcakes/desserts.I even had a friend so an ice cream Sunday bar which everyone loved. They spent $100 to feed 300 people!

  
  

  Check Craigslist for wedding dresses or Ebay or even thrift stores-there are a lot of great dresses that people havent even worn and have. 

  
  

  For photography check out www.yellowpaddlephotography.com. They work with student photographers so they can and will totally work with your budget- you will want to document it and having a friend do it isn't always a good idea. 

  
  

  For invites, look into cards that Target or Costco will print for you. They are about $25 each depending on how many you get- but they are really cute!

  
  

  I think that covers most of the bases! Sorry it was a bit more than you asked for...

  
  

  Good Luck

  Report0 Reply
• dambs

  

  January 2010 edited December 2011

  Excellent ideas! Also check your local Freecycle group on Yahoo for free items or attire. Shop clearance sales (we got a lot of our wedding decor, thank you cards and quite a bit of our dessert table ingredients when our local Albertson's closed), seasonal clearance and pick an off day and time for whatever venue you are considering. Also consider checking out some of the venues offered by your college.
  
  If you want to do the park reception you can always try keeping it super simple. Use the picnic area, go casual, make it a picnic in the park kind of a deal. It's not a formal wedding but you can personalize it very easily and it's inexpensive and you can knock out several restricting factors when working on a tight budget like number of guests you can invite and limiting the time you have to use the space. I actually held a few of my formal music recitals this way and it was a huge hit with my students and parents alike.
  
  Otherwise formal park affairs can be a logistical nightmare depending on what you want I think. We were offered a field with a beautiful view of the mountains for our wedding but when I started putting together all of the items I needed for a more formal affair the cost outweighed the free space and the logistics still make me shudder...just thinking of the white gown and the port-a-potties now...yikes!
  

  Report0 Reply
• jesstevens214 member

  

  January 2010 edited December 2011

  We held our engagement party at our apartment complex's pool.  We were able to rent that space which included BBQ grills and a sound system for $50.  We grilled burgers and hot dogs.  All the food, most from King Soopers and Sam's CLub totaled about $250 for 45 people.  There are plenty of Parks around the Denver area that do let you rent the space for free or a small fee.  Pulling off a $2000 wedding will be totally doable as long as you don't have your heart set on a large and formal wedding.  Good luck on your planning!

  Live life to the fullest and love like you've never been hurt or heartbroken.

  Report0 Reply
• odelay member

  

  January 2010 edited December 2011

  I would not do my ceremony or reception at a park in August mainly because of the lack of restroom facilities.  Most park restrooms are either port-o-poties or are really gross.  You also have to think about alternative options in case of bad weather.  I think the pool idea at an apartment complex is a super idea and if it starts raining or is 100 degrees outside you can always move it inside to the club house.  Another idea is holding the ceremony and reception in a large back yard.  If they have a rec room basement with a walk out, you could easily move inside.  Good luck!!     

  Report0 Reply