I was hoping you guys could brainstorm some inexpensive reception ideas. We had a small wedding planned and the service will be quite small, but the guest list keeps growing for the reception. The church's rec room will not be big enough anymore (it's not a big rec room). Anyone have any frugal ways to go about finding a cheap reception location, food, etc.? Thanks.
Heather
Check with the local volunteer fire department. Many have social halls or community halls for rent to the public. Sometimes they have Ladies Auxiliaries who will cater events cheaply. All proceeds go to maintain the fire department and its equipment. (08/17/2004)
By Scott J.
Ask some close friends or family who have access to community clubhouses; apartment, condo, or retirement complexes usually have them. Typically they are very cost efficient. (08/20/2004)
By Kelly M.
If the wedding is in a state or month that has nice weather, consider renting a big open tent and having it outside in a backyard. If that isn't feasible, rent a covered shelter at a park. My girlfriend had a great wedding in a backyard with a tent. She ordered fried chicken, potatoes and coleslaw from a chicken place and bought a big sheet cake from a grocery store. That was 24 years ago and I still remember her party. (08/20/2004)
By Toni Krys
You can always try renting another churches rec room that is close by. I had to do this for my wedding for the same reason as you. Explain your dilemma to the other church you are looking to rent, and they will probably help you out in whatever way they can. Mine gave me a discount off what they usually charge for non-members and allowed me to use a ton of the decorations they had in storage. P.S. I am more than willing to give advice to anyone who might need it. Just ask, I want to help. (01/30/2005)
By kittikat1119
Ask your DJ if they could recommend one. We found ours that way, the DJ knew someone that owned a hall but did not advertise. They rented it to us for $300.00 for the whole weekend to allow us to set up and clean up. (02/05/2005)
By Sarah_bellum
To kittikat1119, I need to get some ideas for a reception hall. I just graduated from college and my funds are limited. My fiance and I are financing this wedding pretty much ourselves. I am having the wedding and the reception in the same place, but I don't know how to time everything.
I would have to rent the place for at least two days in order to prepare it ahead of time. Another thing is it would be expensive to rent a place for that length of time. Also, where is a cheap place to rent tables and chairs? And what should I use for utensils, and plating. Plastic seems too cheap and ugly. (06/16/2005)
My boyfriend and I want to get married in about a year, but we don't know where to begin. We are very private people, so we only want something for no more than 20 people. We don't believe in putting ourselves in debt for one day. We don't necessarily want to have the ceremony in a church. I still want to walk down the aisle and have a ceremony, but it has to be something small, intimate, inexpensive, yet elegant.
By tempest
I am having a wedding for 200 people with a budget of $7,000 dollars. My reception site is at a state park in NY for $120 per day. The caterer took a better part of the money, but they cook on site BBQ style which is great for my mid evil theme. Add a horse and carriage for $250 and muslin table cloths (.99 cents per yard) on the picnic tables (which were included in the price of the pavilion). There are indoor pavilions available too. And ivory plates from the dollar tree, which I inexpensively stamped a castle on in bronze paint. For favors I had an Irish claddaugh and our initials on wine glasses (double duty). Still working on center pieces, any ideas? (10/09/2006)
By Jennifer
If anyone in your family is a member of The American Legion, you can rent their hall very reasonably. Ours is actually free and the one across town charges $25.00 to family members. (01/02/2007)
By Lil
My fiance and I would like to marry next year (around the spring season) and our funds are limited as well. I don't want to put us in debt before we even get a chance to start lives together, but like most women, I want my wedding! :o) How can I plan this special day without paying a fortune? I have known of people to plan and carry out very elegant and special weddings without spending several thousands.
Problem is we both have extremely large families. I have been told as a wedding budget secret, to only invite immediate family, 21 yr olds and up to the reception by invite only, cash bar. Sounds kinda cheap, but she succeeded in her inexpensive, elegant wedding and reception. What do you think? (03/13/2008)
By Price
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