Weddingbee boards

My new hubby and I will be returning to SF in a few months and I'd like to have a low-key but elegant cocktail party or brunch for all of our friends who weren't able to travel to the wedding.

What would you do for 40 some odd guests if you only had, let's say, $300 to spend?

Here is what I would do on a small budget:

Call friends who live in condo complexes that have a party room (some of the newer buildings have actually pretty swanky ones) and reserve it or see if there is some City-owned/Municipal venue available.  Order a few cheese platters and a bunch of fancy mini-desserts from Whole Foods, Real Foods, etc. Get alcohol from BevMo (ideally during 5 cent sale) and hire servers off Craigslist.  If there was any money left, I'd get some candles and flowers (SF Flower Mart). 

Nexus is right, most places here have a $500+ minimum for even a weeknight. 

Honestly, I would try to have it at a friend's house - either a party room at a condo complex, or if you know anyone with a proper house (maybe in the East Bay, since everyone I know there seems to have twice as much space) then just in someone's living room.  With $300, I don't think it makes sense to spend money on a venue at all.

Then yes, just buy in or make the food and hire some students off of Craigslist to serve it.

The only alternative I can think of would be to do it at a bar and warn people that they'll have to buy their own drinks, but you'll provide the food.  A bar might let you have it on a Sunday morning without a crazy minimum, but with 40 people if you were hosting even just basic beer/wine you wouldn't have anything left for food. 

I don't want to say you *couldn't* pull it off - but think if it this way - that's only $7.50 per person.  I would look either to cut back the number of guests or increase the the budget.  $300 is less than what I'm budgeting for my 14-person bridesmaids' luncheon in a small restaurant - in Virginia!

I know! The budget is crazy low, and it's not even a set buget just yet. I'm just musing as to different ways to go about doing something special but economical. I'm so inspired by brides who find ways to pull off amazing weddings with very small budgets that I want to challenge myself with this mini-reception/gathering. There have been some good suggestions here already. Keep them coming!