Have you always dreamed of an elaborate wedding reception, but have become content with a simple reception to save money and/or time? Well, you shouldn't give up on your dreams. Your wedding is a special day and you don't want to have to look back wishing you had done things differently. It is in your best interest to create the wedding that will be most memorable and happy for you. Despite widespread notions, having a celebrity-style wedding reception doesn't have to mean cleaning out your bank account. By using some unconventional resources you can have the wedding reception to rival those of celebrities, but without the high cost.
Get Organized
Before you can actually start putting your celebrity-style wedding reception together, you need to get yourself organized. Think about what you want. At this stage, don't worry about how much things will cost. When you get to the shopping stage you will be able to determine what is feasible or not. The main items you should include on your list are wedding venue, decorations, food and drink, placecards, centerpieces, and music.
Enlist the Troops
If you want to save money on your wedding reception-skip hiring a professional. These individuals are typically highly skilled in what they do and their fees prove it! Your best bet is to find people who are willing to help you for free. You shouldn't have look further than your family and friends. Enlist the services of as many people as you can. This includes children. Children can be especially helpful with repetitive crafts, so include them in your wedding reception plans. Don't wait until the last minute to solicit assistance. Let people know way in advance that you will need them to help you with your wedding reception.
Time to Shop
With your list of wedding reception ideas in hand, it is time to start shopping. The venue for your wedding reception will probably be the most expensive part of the reception. Cheap alternatives that don't look cheap include restaurants and church halls. If you choose to have your wedding reception at a restaurant, make sure that you can use your own flatware, plates, and glasses. You can purchase elegant versions of these at discount shops for less than $100, depending on the number of guests you invite. Simplify food at your wedding reception by having three choices from which your guests can choose when they RSVP to your invitation. Caters charge less when you order by the plate. As an added touch you can place a delicious assortment of divinity on each table. For your centerpieces and decorations, hobby shops offer the best prices. You can find design ideas that you can create you and your troops can create for very little. Placecards aren't a necessity, but if you have assigned people at tables, placecards will help people to find their table. You can create your own wedding reception placecards by purchasing an inexpensive greeting card software program and elegant paper. You will need an inkjet printer to print the cards. Unless you know someone who will offer you a cheap price for wedding reception music, skip the DJ and the live band. Creating a few CDs of various popular love songs is a less expensive choice.
Reward the Troops
A wedding dinner with the wedding party (bride, groom, bridesmaids, groomsmen, parents) just before the wedding ceremony is traditional. It is a good idea to either invite your wedding reception helpers to this dinner or to a separate fun event. At this event you should show your appreciation for helping make your wedding reception the best ever!
Author: Sandra Stammberger
How To Have A Celebrity-Style Wedding Reception On A Cheap Budget
Tips for your Wedding Reception Decoration
Author: Lisa Carter
They say that looking into the details is the secret to having a successful wedding event. Part of these important details is your wedding reception decoration. Having great wedding reception decoration can add to the great memories that you have on your big day and can help guests have a wonderful time. Let’s take a look at some basic tips for your wedding reception decoration.
Don’t forget the basics.
We almost do not need to mention this but then some people just forget the basics. Never forget that your wedding reception decoration should be in line with your major theme. Your wedding reception decoration therefore should essentially have the same flavor and look as your wedding ceremony site decoration and should be in line with your color theme.
Set your point of view.
A lot of couples base their wedding preparations on the point of view of budget. If you don’t have a lot of cash to spend on your wedding reception decoration then you naturally have to go for simple decorations. If money is not an issue then be ready to have complicated and expensive designs that will reflect your taste and sense of style. Aside from the budget, you also need to consider the size and location of the venue.
Limit the colors.
Some couples simply cannot decide on one color theme and set out for wedding reception decoration with contrasting colors. At the most, you can have two colors. The best wedding reception decoration color however should be a single color in different shades. This will give your reception area a classy, dignified and unified look.
Ask for different opinions.
Your wedding reception decoration idea may seem fabulous to you but do consider asking others to help. Other people may either have better ideas or they may be able to tell if your idea will not fit your theme or goes against good taste.
Visit the venue.
Ask your reception venue for tips, advice and guidelines. Your wedding reception decoration should be according to the limits set by your reception site. You should also inform the reception site management ahead of time what you plan to do. They may also offer you help or they may include the decorations in their package deal.
Be on the safe side.
If you want to be on the safe side then you can go for decorations that are all time favorites. You can have candles for example for an outdoor evening reception or for a classic ballroom reception. You can also have wedding reception decoration that will fit the season such as white cloth, tulle and silk for the winter season and fresh plants and flowers for the spring season. Neither of the two ideas will work well if the seasons were switched.
Be creative.
You can be more creative with your wedding reception decoration either for added style or to cut costs. You may have multi purpose place cards for example that will work as a place card, decoration and giveaway. You can also experiment with orchids in water vials tucked into guest napkins. If you want to remember everyone on your special day you can have centerpieces that will double as paper and pen holders so that every guest can leave you a special note.
Wedding Reception Decorating Ideas
Author: Robert Reno
A wedding is a fun and joyous time to celebrate the bond of two people. You have been thinking about every detail, how the itinerary would flow. Now it is time to start brainstorming those wedding reception decorating ideas. This can be stressful or fun depending on how much work you put into decorating your wedding reception.
Decorating a Wedding Reception
If you search Google, you will plenty of wedding reception decorating ideas and the best way to get ideas is to see what others are doing. Current fashion trends tend to change every season and a majority of brides keep up to date on what's in and what's out. Also, depending on how many guests you are expecting will determine the extent of decorating a wedding reception. If you have a theme, it can easily be worked into the decorating process. Also because there are so many wedding reception decorations, I recommend starting a budget and sticking with it. There may be some wedding reception table decorations that are perfect, but they just won't work nicely with your budget.
Wedding Reception Decorating Ideas
So, what is a bride to do? Well, themes can work great for keeping the vibe of a planned wedding reception congruent. If you feel up to it, you can hand make decorations or have those in your bridal party help you as well. Remember, to delegate responsibility to these people (they are here to help keep you sane). The only drawback with this solution is that it is very time consuming. For those with busy schedules wedding planners are great for over the top or very simple wedding decorations. There are also inexpensive wedding decorations on the market. This is great for cutting costs and allocating funds towards something else.
It can be as easy as visiting your local craft store and purchasing materials to make the decorations out of. Flowers (real or imitation) can be placed in various sized jars with multicolored stones. Be sure to have this color match the one you chose for the wedding reception and brides dresses. These vases can also be used for stunning centerpieces on the guests tables. At these same stores you will find a variety of table cloths that match your desired color for the wedding reception.
Another neat idea for inexpensive weddings where there will be many younger children is to use white cloth paper for tablecloths. Provide them with pens/pencils/pens, and the younger guests will have an area to write notes and stay busy during the formalities of the reception. One of the most common problems with children at receptions is they need to keep busy or they will become irritated. You can save some of these table cloths as mementos of the big day.
Wedding Reception Themes
Typical themed weddings can also be planned on simple and easy budget. Try keeping with the seasons depending on what time of year your wedding is. For spring use wedding reception decorations that include light flowers and fresh colors. All summer themes think bold larger than life decorations and neutral colors. Sunset colors work great with fall weddings, and winter weddings are best to keep with lighter hues and shades. Example, color combinations such as burgundy and hunter, or wine and sky blue are just a couple of the many color choices for more formal autumn weddings. There are also many red, orange, and yellow flowers to go with this theme such as marigolds, apricot lilies, rust and burgundy hydrangeas. Rose petals are also great to use on tables, on parts of walkways or floating on water.
Wedding Table Decorating Ideas
Something overlooked at weddings are the name settings on tables. I recommend keeping all fonts the same and in line with the theme of your wedding. Standard name are done everywhere, try to mix it up and personalize the name settings. Maybe each individual table can have a sub-theme that plays off your wedding decorations. You can incorporate unique candles layouts and this will impress guests. Example satin cloths and greenery make for a romantic setting. While covering the dance floor area with small poles elegantly draped with satin ribbons or garlands of greenery makes for a beautiful scene. Your guests will appreciate the time and energy you put into the small details for the wedding reception area.
This is just a small sample of some of the wedding themes. Others include medieval feasts, ethnic weddings, some of which are absolutely beautiful to behold such as the Japanese and S. Korean style weddings, others are Romeo and Juliet themed weddings or an amazing under the sea themed wedding. Basically any theme that is well thought out can turn out stellar.
Wedding Reception Decorations
As you can see, there is plenty of wedding reception ideas that can be used to keep it average, expensive, or cheap. It is up to you to decide on the trade off between time and money. Basically the more money you spend, the less time it will take to get the desired result and visa versa. You can use help from family, friends, or even hired professionals. Overall, you can keep this fun and get the distinguished look you want. Bottom line, decorating for a wedding reception does not need to be stressful or difficult.
Low-budget Wedding Reception Ideas
Author: Heather L. Clark
One of the largest expenses associated with your big day is the wedding reception, but there are ways to cut costs while still creating a fun and festive party for your family and friends.
Now that you're engaged, you've got lots of planning to do. You've set the date and the budget (right?) and now you're finding that the wedding reception is going to take a big chunk out of your budget. Short of signing over your first born and selling your soul to the devil, how will you create a festive atmosphere, feed your guests and still stay within your budget?
With a little creativity and the tips below, you can pull off a beautiful wedding reception that's very budget friendly.
1. Location, Location, Location
As the saying goes, location is everything. In this case, the location can save you a bundle. Instead of booking the ballroom of an exclusive hotel or other "must-have" location, look for something a little different and unique. You'll be surprised at how many locations are free or very low-cost. Look into gardens, vineyards, museums, church halls, hotel banquet rooms or even the home of a friend or family member. You may also be able to find restaurants in your area that specialize in affordable wedding receptions. When comparing prices, be sure to keep in mind that "free" locations require you to rent chairs, tables and more, so there is some cost involved. Sometimes it turns out to be more budget friendly to rent an inexpensive hall that provides those things for you.
2. Limit Your Guest List
It's tempting to invite your 50th cousin twice removed, and it's easy to give in and let family members invite people who said hello to you back in kindergarten, but for the sake of your budget, you must be firm with your guest list. Stick to inviting the people you are truly close to and you'll save hundreds on the cost of food and drink at your wedding reception.
3. Let them Eat Cake
Your wedding cake can average $5 per serving and up, easily taking a big bite out of your budget. You may want to consider ordering a small display cake, and also ordering a sheet cake to serve to your guests. It's much more cost effective, and your guests probably won't even think twice about it. And don't forget to ask around. Chances are, you or your fiance have an acquaintance who creates beautiful wedding cakes and charges next to nothing.
4. Food
Family members are usually more than happy to help prepare food for your reception. Many foods such as roast beef, ham and lasagna are easy to prepare ahead of time in large quantities. And if you're preparing the food yourself, buying in bulk (wholesale clubs, etc) saves you lots of money. Potlucks are also enjoying a degree of renewed popularity. Ask family members to provide some of the food, and then invite guests to bring a dish in lieu of a gift. Simply slip a note into the invitation altering guests of this option.
5. To Drink or not to Drink
Alcohol also raises the cost of your wedding reception. Consider having only limited drinks available. Of course, if you have a morning or early afternoon wedding, alcohol isn't usually necessary. And some venues don't allow alcohol at all, so this point wouldn't even be an issue . Be sure to check on this at the locations you're considering.
6. Decorations
With a little creativity (lights, candles, faux plants and trees), anyplace can be transformed into a beautiful reception location. Remember, your guests are there to celebrate with you, not critique the crystal chandeliers (or lack thereof). And there are scores of table decorations you can make yourself that are quite affordable. Don't be shy about family and friends to pitch in on making the decorations and decorating for the reception. Most times, they're more than happy to help.
7. Music
Save yourself $1000 or more by foregoing a live band. If you ask around, you probably have a family member, friend, or friend of a friend who does wedding DJ duties (or at least has a killer sound system) and would be willing to take charge of the music - usually for little or no cost. Your guests just want to dance and have fun, and it's not that important to them exactly where the music is coming from
8. Something Borrowed...
There are so many details to attend to when planning a wedding reception. Where does the punch bowl come from? What about the silverware? And the coffee pot? If the location does not provide these things for you, and you're not using a caterer, there's nothing wrong with renting these items or borrowing them from friends or family members. There's no need to invest in a punch bowl - unless you think you'll get more use out of it. Besides, you can always buy one down the road when you need it, but do it when you budget isn't so tight. All of these little incidentals really add up, so take advantage of other people's willingness to help.
Don't let your wedding reception bury you under a mountain of debt. With a little resourcefulness and creativity, you can create a beautiful - and affordable - wedding reception filled with memories that will last a lifetime.
Wedding Reception Ideas - Getting the Best for Your Bucks!
Author: Elsie Gilbert
Wedding receptions mean big money for businesses, across the globe. In fact many hotels and resorts exist solely to provide wedding parties with a range of luxury reception ideas and venues. Choosing a wedding reception venue can be a daunting procedure, as popular venues tend to get booked up quickly. In fact, it is not uncommon to find that a couple feel pressured into selecting any available time slot and not really getting the wedding reception that they first envisaged.
Types of Wedding Receptions
Timing plays an influential role in your choice of wedding reception. Not many people will want copious amounts of liquor and a disco at 9am in the morning! It is also important to consider the numbers and types of people that you are inviting as guests. If your party includes several small children, your choice of wedding reception is likely to be slightly different from an older generation wedding.
Wedding receptions do not need to take place in the evening; in fact, an early morning wedding is a cost effective and fun way of allowing you to have a gathering and still be able to enjoy the rest of the day, quietly. Similarly a lunchtime wedding reception may be a good choice if you have young children attending your day.
Wedding Reception Venues
Your choice of wedding reception venue largely depends on your budget and personal tastes. If you are having a smaller wedding, then why not have your reception at home? There are many companies that now offer catering and drinks facilities in your own home, at a fraction of hotel prices. So this can be a hassle-free and affordable way of having the wedding reception that you want in the comfort of your own home.
Before you approach any external venues, it is well worth consulting friends and family for personal recommendations. When you meet with the wedding reception staff be sure to have a clear idea of numbers, budget and services that you require. By asking all venues the same questions it will be easier to make a like for like comparison.
Food and Drink for the Wedding Reception
The key to success with selecting food and drink for a wedding reception is to keep it simple. Tastes vary dramatically and it will be very difficult to wow everyone, so just aim to please the majority of the guests! Of course, if you are having a small, intimate gathering, it may be possible to use a restaurant where everyone can make their own choices.
For a larger wedding reception, it is well worth asking, as part of your invitation, if anyone has any food allergies, this way you can make sure that there are no nasty surprises on the day!
Organising a wedding reception is not for the faint hearted, but it's your day, so do it your way!
