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@reedch: It sounds like you have a lot of good connections already which is great!! We're doing a budget wedding as well. To save on food we are having a cocktail hour receptions. Appetizers, wine and beer. We're getting our alcohol from a company that buys back what ever you don't use..Our list is about 150 and I have a caterer working on app. list for 2000 or under which will include gratuity and tax. A lot of caters are willing to work with you. Depending on where you live it may be a trick to find a reception hall that allows you to bring in your own food. GL!
We did a picnic/BBQ reception and did it buffet style. We found an out of the way catering compnay through going to Google maps and searching 'catering' around our address. This helped us see local companies in our area that might be farther down on an actual Google search.
They also had dessert options with their meal choices, and one was cheesecake. It was included in the price, so we used their cheesecake as our wedding cake, then made homemade cookies to supplement it.
Maybe there would be some out of the way companies in your area that would offer something similar? Or friends who are starting up their own businesses are also great options.
@subbywife11: Great idea! LOVE the cheesecake. I am from a rural area, so generally catering is cheaper than a big city like the one I'm living in now. And with my huge family, a buffet-style with macaroni and pulled pork or something wouldn't be a bad idea. As long as the food is filling, it doesn't need to be extremely fancy! Thanks for the reply!
@TequilaSunrise: Thanks for the tips! I probably won't be having alcohol at my wedding because even though my family drinks, my significant other's does not. So that should save us money too. I have a sister who is also close to getting married so I am trying to save the parents some $$$$. If you don't mind me asking, what is your budget?
You could always look at restaurants that do events, or offsite catering. That's sometimes a good way to control the food costs.
You could also consider a sunday or brunch wedding. In our area, evenings are actually more expensive. Plus with a brunch, you will probably use less alcohol (if you choose to provide it at all) and there are unique options like a coffee or mimosa bar.
Most people associate evening weddings with dinner, so I'd strongly suggest an afternoon or even late morning wedding if you're going to do just a dessert reception. That way your guests don't have to figure out how to get dinner on their own. Or, there are lots of casual/low-cost options you can try for food if you are set on evening -- like PP said, buffets are often far more cost-effective. Also stations, which can be fun because you can offer different styles like pasta and Asian food.
Not having alcohol will save you a TON! We're probably going with a 2-hour wine/beer/soda only option to cut down on expenses!
Also, keep in mind if you're having a lot of child attendees that often their meals will be discounted so the quoted price you see on catering websites is generally the standard adult and children's will be lower.
Generally it is the venue and the food that cost the most. Do you have a venue for the reception that you have in mind? Would you have an outdoor reception-at a park for example?
@jocember: Thanks! The more I think about it, the more I realize a dessert reception won't be enough. I will probably need some sort of food and probably buffet style. Thanks for the tips!
@creativeplannertobee: I'm thinking the venue will be a ballroom locally that is rented out for various occasions. It's about $1,900, but that's not too bad considering all of the money I am saving and it is a beautiful location. It wont need much decorating either!
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So...my wedding is kind of far off, but I still want to start figuring out general money-saving tips. My dad owns a company that will provide photography, video, and invitation printing, so I am already saving a bunch there. My future fiance's family is good friends with a florist, so that should be discounted. I've heard that the food is the most expensive, so I was thinking a dessert reception and evening wedding. The main problem is the number of guests because I have a huge family and he has tonsssss of family friends. It will be around 300 guests, maybe more. Any tips to save money? (Decorations for the church are included, so I don't need to worry about that.)