How to Plan a Cheap Reception

Planning a cheap wedding reception is a way to allow you to have your dream wedding, but with money left over. Wouldn't you like to save money to use after your wedding, for a down payment on a house or to take a more extravagant honeymoon? A cheap wedding doesn't have to mean that you will be giving up any elegance or style, just less money. Your wedding can still be the event that you have always wanted. Follow the steps listed below for ways to plan a cheap reception.

Instructions

1. Make your own food instead of hiring a caterer. Receptions do not necessarily even have to include food, if you choose to skip it altogether. Other ideas would be to have simple appetizers which would be easy and cheap to make. Buy your grocery items in a store that sells food in bulk.

2. Hire a friend to be the DJ. Ask around to some of your friends and see if anyone would like to play the disc jockey at your wedding reception. You could even bring your own stereo and borrow CDs from friends also. Plan on paying your friend something for helping you out by being the DJ. It will still be cheaper than hiring an expensive one.

3. Use a community building. When you need to plan a cheap wedding reception, think of alternative places to hold the reception. Many ideas would work perfectly and save money at the same time. The community buildings at a park are usually pretty cheap. If it is a summer month, you could even just rent one of the shelters at the park and have your celebration under the stars.

4. Buy your own decorations at a thrift store. Go to your local thrift store to purchase balloons, streamers and table coverings. Those stores that specifically sell bulk items would also be a cheap way to decorate your wedding reception. The dollar store may even have inexpensive items that you could use.

5. Make your own flower arrangements. You can save a ton of money by making your own flower arrangements for centerpieces, throwing bouquet and even the flowers for the entire wedding. Check prices at dollar stores and craft stores to plan a cheap wedding reception.