Save Money on Your Reception

I got the strangest email today. It was a random email from a bride-to-be in Ohio. She is getting married in mid-November and is soliciting what she calls "wedding sponsorships" from wedding vendors. In essence, she is trying to obtain free services (food, flowers, wedding planning, photography, etc.) in exchange for free advertising for the vendors. She is having a wedding that will be open to the general public and is hoping to attract media attention.

Now, if it has always been this bride's dream to have a wedding that is "in the media spotlight", then more power to her. I suppose this is one good way to try to achieve her dream.

If, on the other hand, she is prostituting out her wedding because she thinks it is the only way to afford the wedding of her dreams, she is mistaken and will likely be disappointed and in tears on her actual wedding day.

There are always ways to have the wedding you've dreamed of, even if a few of the little details have to be altered.

Let's talk food, for example. Food stations are very popular right now at wedding receptions. If you're needing to save money, you can use this growing trend to do so. For instance, have you considered having a dessert & coffee reception? A no meals, hors d'oeuvres optional, dessert-only reception. You could have a small wedding cake for the cake-cutting ceremony and focus instead on other desserts. Here are some possibilities:

Are you into ice cream? Have a build-your-own ice cream sundae bar!

Hire a caterer who can give you an abundance of yummy desserts. Or, for more savings, enlist the help of family members to make some favorite desserts. Then place signs by the desserts to give credit where credit is due. For instance, "Uncle Joe's Apple Pie", "Grandma Betty's Chocolate Chip Cookies", "Cousin Emma's Fudge Brownies", etc.

These chocolate shells speak for themselves. Yum!

Another scrumptious dessert bar.

Believe it or not, these are individually dipped mini-cheesecakes.

What is very popular right now is the Candy Bar/Buffet. All that's required are some decorative glass jars, some of your favorite candies (even in your wedding colors), and some pretty scoops. And if you set out some personalized bags, the candy can double as favors for your guests to take home.

Another thing that's big right now? Comfort foods! Check out these mini-root beer floats. Mmmm.

Comfort foods evoke our fondest childhood memories. Brides are having their caterers use favorite family recipes, or create main dishes like macaroni & cheese.

Some brides are serving snacks later in the reception as their dancing guests begin to need some carbs ... things like mini-grilled cheese sandwiches, mini-cheeseburgers, mini-french fries, popcorn, etc.

Consider also the possibility of foregoing alcohol in exchange for beverage stations. You could have a gourmet coffee bar or a hot chocolate station.

It's your wedding, and there are always low-cost ways to make it everything you've dreamed of.

Just don't forget the Wedding Planner!