Inexpensive Places to Have a Wedding Reception

You can still have the wedding of your dreams on a budget.

It's no secret that having a wedding is an expensive ordeal. The ceremony, dress and decorations are rather pricey, but usually the real money is spent on the reception. The larger your reception, the more expensive it will be. Renting a locale, paying for dinner and possibly drinks adds up quickly. To save money, shop around for inexpensive wedding reception locales.

Church

Oftentimes, churches (and other houses of worship) offer a reduced price if you have both the wedding and the reception there. If the church has a large banquet room, basement, gym or outdoor area, it removes the hassle for the guests of traveling to the reception, and it may save you some money in the long run. Plus, many churches may not allow you to serve alcohol, which -- though it may or may not be your personal preference -- saves you even more money.

Outside

Perhaps you have a friend or family member who has a large backyard. If so, you can probably use the location for free. A wedding reception that does not charge for location saves you a few hundred, or even thousands of dollars, right off the bat. Just make sure you have back-up tents in case it rains on your special day.

All-Inclusive Wedding Hall

When looking for places to rent out for a reception, you are often given a price for the room, plus prices for food and drink. The two combined adds up quickly, but some reception facilities offer ways around this. Some locations have a minimum price you must meet in catering costs, while renting out the room for free. If you know you are having a larger wedding, this may be a good option.

Restaurant

If you are having a wedding that just includes close family and friends, you can skip the catering facilities and large reception halls and just check out a local restaurant that has a private party room. The reservation of the room costs, at most, a few hundred dollars, and some restaurants provide the room for free if you book far enough in advance. When you are making the reservation, be sure to inquire as to how many people the party room comfortably holds, so that you can plan your guest list accordingly.

References

• Knot for Life: Wedding Reception Location Ideas