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Wedding season is in full swing, and if you’re like many couples, you’re working on a budget. Maybe you’re even trying to keep costs down for your wedding reception. Don’t worry – there are plenty of ways to make your reception enjoyable without spending a lot of money.
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1- Use DIY Decorations
Most weddings come with a few extra fees beyond catering and venue costs. For example, your reception will likely include some décor that you’ll need to use or remove. To save on these items, either look into DIY projects that you can decorate the area with (e.g., flowers made out of paper goods), or consider asking friends and family to collaborate on a project that you can keep.
2- Serve Drinks and Snacks Instead of a Full Meal
Drinks and snacks like cigars, small desserts, and appetizers (e.g., hors d’oeuvres), can be an excellent way to reduce the amount of food you serve without cutting out the entire meal. This approach will also let guests enjoy your wedding as an event rather than feeling like they need to sit down for a full three-course meal. Of course, you’ll want to make sure that serving a full meal is essential to your reception and not just a way of sticking with tradition.
3- Purchase Secondhand Items
Many venues require that you rent certain items, such as tablecloths or dishware. Rather than pay these fees, look into renting or borrowing secondhand items from friends or family or buy older items at a thrift store. If you’re planning on keeping the items for any reason, look into borrowing them from friends and family who may already have what you need. As you do so, be sure to ask questions about the item’s condition or how it was treated before its use at your wedding.
4- Dress Up Your Reception Rental Items with Flowers and Other Decorations
Many reception venues come with specific décor included in your packages, such as tablecloths and centerpieces. To make them feel more like “yours,” consider investing in flowers, vases, and other decorations that you can place on the tables or other parts of your reception area. This will also help make the items feel like they’re “yours” rather than rented.
5- Have a Picnic Reception
If you love the outdoors and want to save on your wedding reception, consider having a picnic. You can buy or make food ahead of time, hire an event company to set up tables and chairs for guests, and even rent items like chafing dishes if necessary. Just make sure to place some blankets on the ground, so people are comfortable as you say your vows.
6- Rent Out a Space at a Local Park
Many local parks and recreation areas will rent space for events, such as weddings. If you’re hoping to save on your wedding reception while also having a lavish outdoor ceremony, this is the perfect option. Choose from a variety of settings in your community or book multiple spaces to make one large wedding area for yourself and other couples who want to get married simultaneously.
These are just a few budget-friendly ways to make your wedding reception enjoyable. As you plan your event, try considering each idea and think about how much it can help you save on food and décor items for your special day.
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