With receptions amounting to thousands of dollars for just one wedding, there is just cause in trying to find the cheapest options when planning your special day.
You will still want it to be a dream wedding and very special, but a cheap wedding reception is something that everyone tries to get right.
Here are some tips on how you can do just that.
1.
Rethink your food.
If you are having a sit down three course meal, your bill can run up really high straight away.
Some hotels will insist that you choose their menu if you are planning the reception there, but try to get them to give you a special deal, or offer a finger food, snack type menu instead.
2.
Rethink your venue.
Your venue must be stunning and there is no doubt that a hotel ballroom is grand and elegant, but they are quite expensive and the food is also expensive.
If you want to cut costs, think about having your reception at a fancy house or garden of a friend's, at a historical building that will be cheaper to hire, or even on the beach if you can.
3.
Décor tips.
One of the most costly parts of a wedding reception is the décor and this also makes the wedding special and beautiful.
You can find very cheap options though that will still give an amazing effect for half the price.
Use fewer flowers, use cheap fabric and candles for atmosphere, and get fairy lights which will make the room or marquee look amazing for less.
4.
The cake.
One of the important parts of the reception is the cutting of the cake and a large 5 tier cake will also be décor for the venue.
You can cheat however and use only 2 tiers of real cake and fake the bottom three tiers with polystyrene to get the look for less.
5.
Skip desert.
If you have wedding cake, you don't really to have desert on the menu.
It is expensive and for a sit down dinner you are already paying a lot for the meal, so do away with it for a cheap wedding reception.