Choose the Right Time
A reception held in the morning would comprise breakfast or tea. An afternoon reception would include lunch or cocktail hour. The earlier part of the day, that is, the morning and the afternoon are the ideal times when you can save a lot on the cost of the food items, and safely present a casual and low-key menu. Going for a brunch reception is also not a bad idea. Here, fruit, bread, muffins, mimosas, and other breakfast foods can give a well-finished look to the reception menu. Evening is one such time which does not have any specific course of food. It may include just about anything; appetizers, snacks, main meal, desserts and drinks. That's why, receptions during evenings usually cost more. Particularly, the alcoholic drinks that are usually served during evenings, make the reception a costly affair. So, always plan for the perfect time which would help you with your budget crunch.
Just Desserts
Apart from deciding on the time for your wedding reception, you can also do some extra savings by limiting the amount of food to be served. Dessert reception is a popular choice for budget savvy couple. Instead of following the typical course of meal, try serving your guests with a variety of delicious tummy-filling desserts. You can include brownies, cookies, cheesecake, ice cream malts, and of course your wedding cake. This can be a great treat for those who have cravings for the 'sweet stuff'.
Afternoon Tea
Invite your guests to an afternoon tea, and offer more than one variety of cheese, biscuits, bread, and grapes to choose from. You can also treat your guests with multiple varieties of finger sandwiches, several cold salads, scones, and fruit bowl and veggie tray. If you have a garden or a backyard lawn, then no other place could be a befitting reception venue for the afternoon tea.
Choose the Indian Way
Certain Indian meals are not only delicious but cost-effective as well. Speak to any local restaurant which offers Indian dishes. You can invite your guests for lunch and serve them with two kinds of non-veg dishes, one vegetable dish, rice, and naan bread. Trust me, you can never go wrong with Indian dishes.
Plan A Barbecue
If you and your spouse are planning your reception in the warmer months of the year, then nothing could fit the bill better than throwing a barbecue party for the guests. Barbecues in summer do well with both non-vegetarians and vegetarians. The price would cover the salads, bread, meat, and BBQ. And to give a fine finesse to the reception, be the chef for the day!
Strike off Alcohol
Although alcoholic beverages make up for an important part of any wedding reception, it is not a bad idea too to treat your guests with non-alcoholic drinks such as frozen mocha, Shirley Temple cocktail, lemon, lime and bitters, barley water, etc. And if your reception is during the warmer months, then you might not have to give a second thought about this idea. It is most likely that after enjoying such refreshing drinks, the last thing your guests would care about is holding a glass of alcohol beverage.
Hotel Reception
Planning a reception at a hotel is also a good idea. According to your budget, you can decide upon the kinds of meals to be catered to your guests. To start with, you can decide on appetizers comprising bean salad, asparagus, fruit and cheese platters, stuffed mushrooms and sea food. Remember to serve them on pretty trays. Now, the main course of the meal can include chicken dish, pasta, wild rice, glazed carrots, and steamed vegetables. You may not go with lamb or pork dish, as they are pretty expensive. You can exclude the usual hotel dessert from the menu, and replace it with your wedding cake. Your guests would love it! Also, if you should include drinks in the reception, then be sure to inquire if you can bring your own beverages. They would cost a lot lesser that the pricey ones of the hotel. Also, you can pass on the idea of hiring servers to attend the guests with appetizers. The appetizers are what that would interest your guests more than how they are presented
Unarguably, the most important aspect of any wedding reception comprises food and drink, which also undeniably, comes with a high price tag. For some couples, who are at the initial stage of their new married life, the reception menu may become an important concern for their budget. But such occasions needn't be expensive. All you have to do is make some smart choices which would add to the delight of your guests, but without burning a hole in your pockets. Sure money is important, but it cannot outweigh the spirit and purpose of a wedding. Have a blast!
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