Reception Type & Time:

• Choose to have a morning or early afternoon wedding. It's less expensive since it costs less in food and clothing, since most weddings held at these times are more informal.
  
  
• Get married during the week as opposed to a weekend. Saturday is the most popular day for a wedding and usually costs the most.
  
  
• Opt for a more casual wedding style that reflects a fun theme or hobby. This will often cost less than a formal wedding, especially in terms of reception location, food, clothing and flowers. (i.e. beach theme)
  
  
• If another wedding is being held within a few hours of yours in the same location, perhaps you may be able to share some of the costs of flowers and decorations. Ask the venue if your able to contact the other wedding party to enquire about using mutual decorations to reduce costs.
  
  
• It's usually less expensive to hold a wedding and reception at the same site, such as in a hotel, club or community hall.
  
  
• Holiday weddings are more expensive because you are competing for catering services, wedding and reception sites, D.J.'s, limousines, photographers and more. During holidays, these types of services tend to raise their prices, especially at Christmas.
  
  
• Lose an hour. People will hardly notice that you reception is four hours long, rather than five
  
  
• Make sure you'll meet the count. Don't guarantee a minimum number of guests unless you're absolutely positive you'll meet it. Otherwise, you'll pay for 175 guests, even if only 150 show. Give a rough estimate and confirm numbers two weeks before the date.
  
  
• A tea reception is inexpensive and it should be held between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Tea and coffee is served with a variety of "tea sandwiches" also known as "dainties." The crusts are cut off of these small sandwiches. Tarts, scones, and pastries may be served, as well. Make sure that you add "Tea Reception Following Ceremony" on your wedding invitations.
  
  
• A salad luncheon reception is wonderful if your wedding is late morning. In addition, this type of meal is cheaper than a sit-down meal or buffet. Offer a wide selection of salads such various pasta salads, potato, rice salads, Chinese salads, coleslaw, fruit salads, and green salads. Provide a few salad dressings, fruits, and breads. Include “Salad Reception Following Ceremony" in your invitation.
  
  
• Hors d'oeuvres Reception or Deli/Party Trays Reception -This type of reception/event is appropriate between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. or after an evening wedding. Provide light finger foods such as chips and dips, fruit and vegetable platters, cheeses, and crackers. Write "Light Hors d'oeuvres Reception Following Ceremony" on the invitations. If you would like to include more substantial foods that are more filling include meat and cheese trays, shrimp cocktails, oysters, egg rolls, sausages, chicken wings, and tea sandwiches. Include "Hors d'oeuvres Reception Following Ceremony" if you are serving appetizers with meats.
  
  
• Hors d'oeuvres and Cocktail Reception - This type of reception or party is similar to the one above in regards to time and menus. However, you are serving hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages. Include "Hors d'oeuvres and Cocktail Reception Following Ceremony" on your invitations. Request your caterer to include bartending staff.
  
  
• Decadent Dessert Reception or Dessert Party - This type of reception is suitable between 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. or after an evening wedding. Serve an extensive assortment of rich desserts such as cheesecakes, tarts, tortes, cookies, pies, cakes, pastries, cobblers, biscotti, ice cream, sundaes, and candies. Serve coffee, tea, and other beverages. Add "Dessert Reception Following Ceremony" to your invitations.
  
  
• A Simple Cake and Punch Reception - You can "Let them eat cake" as long as your event is not during a normal mealtime. Have a simple but elegant cake and punch reception. It must be planned for the mid morning, for the mid afternoon, or for after an evening wedding. In addition, you may include some candies, cookies, and nuts to the menu. Be certain to include "Cake and Punch Reception Following Ceremony." This will inform the guests ahead of time not to expect a full meal.
  
  

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