How To Enjoy A Low Budget Wedding Reception Or Party
Many people cannot afford a lavish four-course sit down dinner or a full buffet feast for their wedding or event. In most cases, the food and beverages are the largest expenses Cialis Jelly of a wedding or party. You need to consider the time of the day of your reception or party. The time of your event plays an important role in the type of menu that you are planning. Your guests will expect different types and amounts of food depending on the time of the day of your affair.
If you cannot afford a fully catered event here are some low-cost party ideas. Do not forget to serve beverages and wedding cake if you are getting married. Even the simplest of foods can appear special when presented with flair. In addition, time of year and the corresponding temperatures should be a large factor in menu planning. Generally buffets are cheaper than sit-down meals because the caterer has to provide less waitstaff.
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.
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, gelatins with fruit, and green salads. Provide a few salad dressings, fruits, and breads.
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.
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.
Many couples are shocked to learn the average wedding will cost over $10,000. In larger cities, that amount can easily top $15,000. However, with good organizational skills, a bit of ingenuity and some flexibility, it can be done cheaper.
Good communication is essential when discussing money and budgets. The bride and groom should discuss the budget openly, and diplomatically, with their families, but no one should feel pressured to contribute.
Setting a realistic budget and sticking to it, is a critical element for keeping costs down. Couples can easily get carried away during the cialis for sale online planning process, upgrading here and there, quickly surpassing the budget. The wedding budget can be broken down into six major categories: reception, music, photography, flowers, bride’s attire and miscellaneous. As a rough guideline, plan on devoting about 50 percent of your budget to the reception (including site, food, drink, rentals, service and cake) and 10 percent each to the other five categories. These amounts are flexible, but they do provide a workable starting point.
A custom-made wedding planner is one way to keep track of all the details, including the budget. You could also get a loose-leaf binder or accordion file, divided into all the special sections. One of the biggest mistakes couples make is not planning ahead. If things get down to the wire, all budgets may become useless. Utilize your planner/binder/or file to stay organized.
When dress shopping, avoid ornate, hand-done beaded gowns, which are more expensive than simple styles. Consider buying a sample dress, off the rack. If you’re lucky enough to be the right size for a sample dress, as opposed to having it custom made, you can save money. But note, you may have to get the dress dry-cleaned before the wedding. Another less expensive option would be a white bridesmaid dress.
For your photos, compare hourly rates and package deals to see which is more cost-effective for you. You can have the photographer do only the formal shots and then ask your guests to take candid shots at the reception to fill out your album.
As the wedding reception is the single biggest expense, it’s also where you can save the most money. Reception Halls can be costly, especially if couples are required to use the in-house catering service. Search for a site such as a historical home, park, museum, fairgrounds, public gardens or other venues. It’s always a good idea to avoid the peak wedding months, May, June, July and August, because all aspects of the wedding business are more likely to negotiate a lower fee during slow periods. If you can have your wedding on a Friday night or Sunday afternoon, your venue may lower their Kamagra jelly standard price.
At the reception, control what is offered at an open bar. If you decide on hard liquor, include only two or three options such as gin or vodka. If possible, hire an independent bartender and buy the liquor at wholesale outlets.
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Category: Relationships/Weddings
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