Reception Ideas

Where to hold your reception is a huge part of creating your wedding vision, and selecting the perfect venue is an important choice.

Whether you choose a hotel ballroom or a tent in your parent’s backyard, you want it to be a memorable setting that matches your vision and will fit your budget and the size of your guest list.

When considering the cost of the ideal spot, keep in mind what will be included. Some locations, such as hotel ballrooms, offer all the amenities you will need, while other locations may just provide the space and you will have to include costs for the rental of chairs, tables, basic linens, china, glassware, silverware, and everything else.

What about reception styles?

You may choose a cocktail reception. They usually last from one to two and a half hours – depending on whether or not dinner is to follow. If you choose to have passed drinks and food, you can better control the amount of food and refreshments that are being consumed.

If you choose a buffet, be sure to have two lines to keep things moving. A modern reception version combines these two and offers waiter passed drinks and canapés with the addition of a couple of food tables set up with specialty items like a sushi bar, a pasta station, a cheese/fruit display or coffee bar.

If you see a more formal wedding for yourself, you’ll no doubt prefer a sit-down dinner. Guests tend to remain seated until after the wedding speeches and toasts. Generally wine is served at the table so there is even less guest movement.

Whatever your wedding style, think through your options. Here are some money-saving tips to consider:

• Schedule the wedding for a Friday or Sunday, rather than a Saturday, the most popular day for weddings. Many reception sites may have greater availability, offer lower rates, and be willing to work within your budget.



• Book the reception far ahead, more than a year if possible. You may be able to negotiate a better price.Ask about reduced rates in off-peak months (November through April) and during off-peak hours.



• Remember that people tend to take less food if it is passed by the wait staff rather than placed on a buffet table. You can order less food and guests still feel pampered.
  Choose foods carefully.



• Chicken is less expensive than beef or veal, broccoli more reasonable than asparagus.



• Serve foods that are in season and avoid luxury items.



• If you have no time constraints, consider a morning wedding and a reception brunch. Accompany entrees and brunch offerings with juice, tea and coffee. This will certainly keep the cost of alcohol out of your budget. Or you could have waiter passed champagne or mimosas if you prefer.



• If you really want a bar set up, consider serving just wine and beer or creating a customized drink (alcoholic and non alcoholic) that is offered or served.