How to Have a Cheap Wedding Reception at Home
The average wedding rings in between $25,000 and $30,000, leaving plenty of room for budget cuts. A wedding reception at home instantly eliminates the rental fees associated with banquet halls and country clubs. Home wedding receptions do present logistical challenges due to the size of most houses and backyards. Unless you live in a large estate on a large piece of land, a home wedding reception is best for small, intimate affairs.
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Instructions
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Limit the guest list to fit the size of your home or backyard. Consider the amount of space consumed by tables, chairs and food serving areas when determining how many guests you can comfortably accommodate. A smaller guest list also means less food and other associated expenses.
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Determine where in your home you will hold the reception. If you plan to hold the reception in the backyard, consider what you will do if it rains. Decide if you will rent a tent for the backyard. It adds expense to the event but helps if it does rain.
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Consider the electricity necessary for lights, music and other aspects of the wedding reception. A rented generator is an option if your home's electrical system can't handle the extra equipment.
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Make arrangements for the tables, chairs and other equipment you will need for the wedding reception. Check with local party rental stores to find the lowest cost options.
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Decide on an affordable menu for the reception. Making the food yourself saves a significant amount of money on the wedding reception budget but involves a lot of work. Ask family or friends to handle the food for you or hire a caterer. Work with the caterer to find the most affordable option. This leaves you to enjoy the reception.
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Select entertainment for the reception. A disc jockey is a relatively inexpensive option. Another consideration is to rent a karaoke machine to let the guests entertain themselves. A short reception doesn't need extra entertainment if the budget is very limited.
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Choose simple decorations that enhance the surroundings. Strands of white lights offer an elegant touch to the area without adding a lot to the reception budget.
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Consider where the guests will park, especially if parking is limited in the neighborhood. Ask a nearby church or business if you can use their parking lot for guests. This works best if the business is within a block or two so the guests don't have far to walk.
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Mention the event to your neighbors so they aren't surprised by a sudden influx of visitors and noise.
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Tips & Warnings
Consider ordering meat and cheese trays from a local grocery store for an affordable option with little work. Purchase salads and chips to go with the trays to round out the meal.
