Most couples look for ways to benefit from saving money on weddings. Cutting back on the wedding reception is one way to reduce the wedding expense budget. While some couples choose to hire expensive caterers and reception decorators, other couples decide to take on the catering and decoration of the reception themselves. With careful planning, a do-it-yourself wedding reception can save a lot of money and be a success.
The Wedding Cake
The most difficult part of the wedding reception is often the bride’s cake. For the do-it-yourself wedding reception, it may be best to hire a baker to create the cake. However, the bride and family can easily carry out the rest of the reception.
Decorating the Reception
Reception decorations depend much upon the season of the wedding. When choosing decorations, the bride should make selections that can be completed at least by the night before the wedding. Live flowers are often not the best idea unless a family member is available to arrange them on the wedding day. However strips of ivy laid along the center of the table, floating candles, pictures, and silk flowers work well and can be placed in advance to start of the reception. The reception and the wedding decorations often coincide.
Serving Table Decorations
Ideas for decorating the serving table include placing different size boxes or blocks of wood under a tablecloth. Once the tablecloth is draped over the boxes or wood, place the serving bowls on top. The illusion will be different levels of serving dishes. Guests will never suspect a self-catered wedding reception. Punch fountains and other accessories are also available to rent from wedding service companies.
Reception Foods
Other ways for reducing the cost of wedding receptions is self-catering the food. While a baker is creating the cake, the bride and family can make other receptions foods. The key is to choose foods that can be kept cool or frozen for a day or so before the wedding.
Wedding mints can be made and frozen for months. Sandwiches, fruits, and dips will all last over night in a cooler. Many delicious frozen appetizers are available from the freezer section of grocery stores. Gather serving dishes of similarity and arrange these foods with green and flower garnishes. No on will ever know that you are catering your own wedding.
Reception Music
With the power of technology, favorite music is easily downloaded and professional burned to a CD in the comfort of a home. To save money on a wedding, consider burning music to play at the reception instead of hiring a singer or DJ.
Additional Ideas
Ellen's Kitchen and Do-It-Yourself-Weddings both offer more self catering ideas.
