About 50% of your wedding budget will be spent on the reception. Here are a few money-saving ideas to help Bargainista brides stretch those dollars.
1. Consider a buffet style service rather than a sit-down dinner. You’ll save in labor costs required for plated service, and guests can help themselves to food at their own pace.
2. Food stations are very popular. Select themed or ethnic foods like Italian, Chinese and Mexican, all of which are low-cost options for feeding larger groups of people. Plus, guests will enjoy mingling as they grab their favorites.
3. Avoid a Saturday reception. Wedding facilities, caterers and other services usually cost more on Saturdays, and you may have a hard time finding open dates and times to fit your needs. Avoid holidays and peak prom or wedding seasons, too.
4. Time of day matters. Choose the time of your wedding reception for late afternoon or after 7:00 p.m. so that a cocktail or beer/wine reception with hors d’oeuvres is appropriate. Based on the time of the wedding, your guests will not expect a full meal.
An early morning wedding and a brunch reception is also an alternative. Serve fresh fruits, pastries, quiche, coffee and juices.
5. Shop around for rentals. Some caterers or reception halls may provide rental table cloths, napkins, glassware, china, silverware and include them as part of their “full service” at a cost that would be no higher than obtaining them from another source.
6. Paper napkins or linen napkins? Cocktail and dinner sized paper napkins are an inexpensive way to add color to your reception without the rental cost. Some guests even feel more comfortable using paper. Order extra cocktail napkins for the bar, punch table, cake/dessert table and appetizer table for a cohesive look.
7. Create a signature drink. Instead of toasting with champagne or an all-night open bar, have your favorite mixed drink available for guests during happy hour.
Your article gives really good advice on saving money. And your photos are great. The only thing that I would suggest adding, even though you are trying to save money is that a “day of” coordinator should be considered. The bride and groom should be able to have their event and not worry about the details and a wedding planner can not only save them money because of their relationship with vendors, but they will “run the show” so to speak and make sure that all the details are taken care of. I hope every bride considers this.
Some good ideas however a buffet or stations will almost always cost more than a sit down dinner because the location needs to provide more food. Starting at 7 pm won’t usually change your f&b minimum because the venue wants to make X amount for the night. The best way to save money is to do a brunch or luncheon. Locations are far more willing to be flexible at that time.
Love all the pictures! We did our daughters wedding with food stations. It was a great idea! No lines. We did all the catering our self with the help of our friends. We set up a mashed potato bar, salad station which included pasta, green, crab and fruit salads. We also had a craving station with roast beef and chicken marsala. All this along with a huge appetizer table filled with all kinds of ,fruit, salami, cheeses, olives,artichokes etc. Beautiful wedding cake and 4 or 5 other desserts rounded it all out. We also chose one person as the director of the wedding to make sure things ran smoothly. Two people gave out our signature drink along with wine and beer. It was a big success! So glad I took the time to look up info on the Web to get all the great ideas we incorporated.