wedding budgeting: reception edition | alexandria Catherine

While weddings can certainly be costly, there are simple ways to cut out some of those larger costs. The wedding reception has easily become the most expensive part of the wedding celebration- dinner, dancing, Pinterest-worthy portraits, etc. How can you pull it off without breaking the bank?

Venue
     
You can save quite a bit on your venue by choosing an off-season month and avoiding Saturdays (these are often much more expensive than other dates, even Fridays & Sundays are usually more affordable). 

Cocktail Style 
     
Guests won't be offended if you don't feed them a three-course meal, as long as you give them the heads up. Remember that your guests are attending the reception to celebrate with you.

Skip the Full Bar


Your guests will drink what is available. At weddings, people know not to be picky. Know you have a beer drinking crowd? Ask your venue and caterer if you can provide some of your favorite brews, and maybe have two options of wine for those who might want an alternative. If you know you have a crowd that prefers liquor, work with your bartender to create one or two specialty cocktails, and leave it at that. 

Pare Down the Cake


Depending on how important the cake is to you in terms of decor, this is an easy way to save a little. Get a smaller cake, so that you have it for photographs and to cut, but have a sheet cake or two in the kitchen for the caterer to serve up to guests, or cupcakes. I can't tell you how many weddings I have been a vendor at where this happens, and the guests do not think twice about it- they are just excited to have dessert!

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