Places to Have Cheap Weddings
The venue sets the tone for your entire wedding. It is also often one of the more expensive elements in the wedding budget. Choose a low-cost venue for the wedding and reception to free more money for other elements of the wedding, such as the entertainment or dress. Low-cost doesn't mean substandard, as many cheap or free locations still offer a memorable location for your special day.
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Church Weddings
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If you are already hosting the ceremony in your church, check to see if you can use other facilities the church may have, such as a reception room and kitchen. Many churches include these facilities in the cost of ceremony or add them on for a small charge. Keep in mind there are usually restrictions on church facilities, such as that you may not be able to serve alcohol, though many churches still allow a champagne toast for the bride and groom. Another benefit of hosting the wedding and reception at your church is that tables and chairs are often there already so you do not need to rent these items.
Home Weddings
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Host your wedding at your home or that of a relative and take advantage of a free wedding location. If you do not have a large enough home for a wedding, a backyard wedding can be beautiful when performed during the warmer months. Keep in mind that table and chair rentals will likely be necessary. Home weddings work best for smaller ceremonies and receptions where not as much space is required for the festivities.
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Parks
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Parks can often be free or very low-cost options. Have your wedding and reception at a city park, or visit a nearby state or national park for the celebration. When using a park as a venue, check the location before renting it to ensure there are enough electrical outlets and bathrooms to meet the needs of the wedding celebration and guests. Many parks have event shelters that supply not only electricity but also shade coverings and seating. You may need additional seating depending on what is available.
Conference Rooms
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Many hotels have conference and event rooms for rent. Smaller hotels are usually the least expensive, but unlike large hotels they have fewer services to offer a wedding party. These rooms come with tables and seating, but you will need to supply most other elements for the wedding ceremony and reception. If the hotel mainly caters to business clients, these rooms are often much less expensive for rental on the weekends as they usually sit empty at this time.
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References
- Photo Credit wedding image by Alison Bowden from Fotolia.com