Wedding Reception Cash Saving Tips

Of all the costs associated with your wedding, your reception can be one of the biggest costs of all, especially if you are renting space or using in house caterers.  Discuss what your ideal reception venue would be and then research potential spots in your area, by phoning the venues and asking for prices, availability and included items.

When using caterers that are provided by the venue, you can expect to pay 35% more than if you hire an outside caterer, however there are many venues that require you use their in-house vendors so be sure to ask about this when calling each location.

One great way to begin your research is by using the Internet and scouring through different areas in your location. Quite often, reception halls will post details regarding caterers, availability and pricing and in the event this information isn’t available, you can choose to contact the management by email prior to calling, to see if it’s feasible for your wedding based on your allocated budget.

Create a listing of potential reception spots paying attention to the following:

Schedule and Availability
Are these locations available for your wedding day?

Cost: Determine whether the price is a flat fee or on a per person basis (flat fees are usually cheaper depending on how many guests are included)

Decorations & Inclusions: Determine whether decorations, including centerpieces, table clothes, flowers, candles and other décor are included in the price.

Capacity: Ask how many guests the venue can accommodate, as well as the various seating arrangements that may be available.   Certain venues can hold more guests depending on whether they include longer tables versus round.

Restrictions: Find out whether there are any specific requirements or restrictions in order to reserve and use the hall.  For example, certain venues will not allow candles due to fire hazards and insurance costs, while others will not allow certain seating arrangements for the same reasons.

Catering: Determine whether you are able to bring your own catering service to the venue or if you are required to use their on-site staff. If so, determine the overall costs for your reception.  If you must use their staff or recommended caterers, request a full list of available caterers and contact each one individually with your questions.

Parking: Make sure that there is sufficient parking based on the number of guests attending your reception as well as ensuring that there is wheelchair access if required.

Time Frame: You will want to determine how long the venue is available for and more importantly, whether there is another wedding taking place on the same day.  This can have a huge impact on how well your reception goes, especially if you are under a time crunch or the venue needs to prepare for an additional reception after yours. If another wedding is taking place on the same day, make sure that it ends or begins two hours after yours, to ensure that you, your partner and your guests have plenty of time to enjoy your event.

If possible, try to choose a venue that hosts only one wedding a day.

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