How to Save Money on Food for your Wedding Reception

Besides celebrating your nuptials, the other important component of a wedding reception is enjoying good food. What you serve doesn't have to break the bank. Here are tips on how to save money on your wedding reception menu.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Guest list
• List of vendors, caterers

1. Be different. Why not have a pizza party for your reception? Choose an inexpensive alternative to standard wedding reception fare and stand out.

2. Use your family. Ask some of your family members if they will cook for the wedding as a wedding gift to you and your spouse.

3. Stick to basics. While you might want to have the biggest and best wedding reception feast ever, it's more economical to have a basic menu and keep things simple. Order filling low-cost dishes like lasagna or other carb-rich meals.

4. Shop around for the best catering deals. Compare prices, and see if you can bargain with caterers.

5. Keep the guest list short. Fewer plates on the table translates into more money left in your pocket.

Tips & Warnings

• If all your guests bring dishes to share, you can have an excellent and homey potluck wedding reception.
• Research what food is in season at the time of your reception. Shopping in season can trim costs.