Cheap Wedding Reception Ideas

Aside from the wedding ceremony, another biggest and perhaps the most expensive part of the entire wedding is the wedding reception. It is usually the most expensive because there are so many details that are included; location rental, menu, DJ, flowers, table settings and etc., and these things may require the couple a quite big amount. Fortunately, there are some ways on how to trim down the cost of the reception. In this article, we will discuss the ways on how to save money on your wedding using cheap wedding reception ideas.

One practical way to trim the the cost of your wedding reception is to omit some extras. You don't need plenty of extras, unless you can find a great package deal that includes all bells and whistles. Consider scheduling your reception earlier in the day so that you don't have to provide dinner for your guests. Don't feel obliged serving alcohol to your guests, instead just skip it or just have the champaign toast and shots during the dollar dance. By doing so, you are encouraging your guests to pay their own drink by dancing with you. Or, you can have a cash bar if you think alcohol drinks are necessary, where guests can buy their drinks if they really want to. In case a dinner reception is necessary, you may consider having some students from a culinary art school or cooking school cater your reception just for the cost of food, or you can have a pot luck dinner as a practical alternative. Encourage some relatives and friends to bring their own menu for your reception.

Instead of hiring a DJ or band, you can keep the party alive by having a local college band or DJ at your reception. Or, anyone from you groomsmen can play as a techno savvy to play music at your wedding reception. Just make sure that all your favorite songs are ready or you may burn them on a CD. Just instruct him when to play a certain music as well as when to stop for some breaks.

When it comes to the decorations, most wedding receptions tend to use fresh flowers as accents on the overall place setting. However, that idea may not always work, especially if you are on a tight budget. One practical trick for that is to buy only a few fresh flowers then just include realistic silk flowers for the arrangements. Ask your bridesmaids to help you make flower arrangements so that you don't need to hire someone to do the arranging for you.

Consider cheap wedding favors or make your own favors at home. Wedding favors need not be extravagant, but just small gifts to thank your guests. There are plenty of affordable party favors available online, as well as DIY wedding favors at craft stores. A few homemade ideas you may consider are chocolate, cookies, candy, soaps and candle favors. These are cheap favor ideas that are as beautiful as expensive ones, if taken with care and attention.