Wedding Reception Ideas When You're On A Budget

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It can be difficult when planning a wedding to stay within your budget when you see so many wonderful ideas out there for your wedding. You want your day to be perfect and exactly the way you have always imagined it. This may all seem difficult when you have a strict budget you have to stick to. Just because you have that strict budget though doesn't mean you have to have a sub-par wedding. It just means getting a little creative and making things yourself when you can. See below for some ideas for your wedding to help stay within budget.

Make Your Decorations

Making your own decorations may seem like an extra hassle, but it could save you a lot of money. You can make everything from your centerpieces to your flowers and other decorative accents. Be sure to talk with your venue coordinator to be sure you can bring in your own decorations.

• Centerpieces. Create your own unique centerpieces using a small vase and faux flowers. Look on-line for cheap faux flowers you can purchase in bulk. Skip a glass vase and go with something a little more unique such as an empty (and cleaned out) steel can that is spray painted. You can also use something like a pumpkin (if you're having a fall wedding) and fill it with fall flowers.
• Table Names/Numbers. Make your own table names and numbers using a small chalkboard on the table, or use a pine cone to use as a name holder for a rustic-themed wedding. 
• Photo Booth. Skip the photo booth and make your own photo prop to have photos taken using a Polaroid camera or disposal cameras so you can have the pictures of your guests. You can make a photo prop using a simple white backdrop and use small photo props such as mustaches or eyeglasses. You can also use a large piece of styrofoam board cut to look like a Polaroid picture with the wedding date and your names beneath. Have your guests stand behind the "Polaroid" picture and have their photos taken.
• Other Decor. Use old photos of you as a couple or even in your younger years hung on clothespins and twine, and hang it up above the guest book. Add extra lighting to make the room feel a bit more romantic using string lights across the ceiling. Make your own card box using a wooden box found at your local craft store. Paint or stain it to match your decor and wedding style.

Other Money-Saving Tips:

• Go with buffet style rather than plated or family style, which can be a big savings. You can also skip dinner altogether and serve appetizers and finger foods instead.
• Only have an open bar for a short period of time. Ask if there is a cheaper alcohol package (not top shelf alcohol).
• Skip out on chair covers and the expensive linens. 
• Hire a DJ instead of a band, as bands are usually more expensive.
• Think about having your wedding reception on a Friday rather than Saturday. Also, the time of year you have your wedding can equal a savings. Peak wedding times are usually Saturdays and are April - September.

You can have the wedding of your dreams, even on the tightest of budgets. You'll need to be a bit more creative, and make a lot of things yourself, but it will be worth the effort in the end. Talk to your venue coordinator about other money-saving options for you. Contact a venue, like Rolling Meadows Ranch , to get started.

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9 August 2017