| Your catering bill will likely be the largest expense you | | | | normally less expensive because the food and |
| will incur for your wedding. Naturally, you'll want to do | | | | beverage costs are less than what's served at dinner. |
| all you can to save as much as possible in this area | | | | Food portions are indeed smaller and alcohol |
| without negatively impacting your guests experience. | | | | consumption is much less as well. |
| Here are my top five tips on saving money on your | | | | 4. Have a dessert reception |
| reception catering bill. | | | | Consider skipping all the expensive courses and go |
| 1. Hold your reception at a venue where you can | | | | with a dessert only reception. This can be pulled off |
| bring in an outside caterer | | | | nicely in the mid afternoon or after 8PM. You could |
| If you are able to bring in an outside caterer, you'll | | | | go with fresh fruits, torts, cheesecakes, an ice cream |
| not only save money, but most of the time, they will | | | | bar and perhaps favorite desert recipes that relatives |
| provide higher quality food and beverage service | | | | provide. Of course this will all be in addition to your |
| than most hotels and other wedding sites. The | | | | wedding cake. You'll want to not on your invitation's |
| reason for this is simple - overhead. Another big area | | | | reception card that you'll be holding a dessert |
| of savings is in the area of liquor. Many outside | | | | reception immediately following the wedding |
| caterers will let you buy liquor at wholesale prices. | | | | ceremony so that your guests won't expect a full |
| They will often provide rentals at their cost. This all | | | | meal. You'll be amazed at how much money you'll be |
| equates to providing more food for your dollar. On | | | | able to save with a dessert reception! |
| top of all this, most outside caterers won't nickel and | | | | 5. Avoid budget busting items |
| dime you every time you turn around. | | | | There are some foods that will absolutely blow your |
| 2. Hold your reception in mid afternoon | | | | budget out of the water. Two common examples of |
| You'll save a bundle if you hold your reception at one | | | | these foods are shrimp and beef tenderloin. Chicken |
| or two in the afternoon. Why? Your guests will have | | | | on the other hand, is very affordable. If you are set |
| already eaten lunch and won't be expecting a big 6 | | | | on having shrimp at your reception, but don't want to |
| course, sit down meal. | | | | pay the big dough for it, consider having a shrimp |
| 3. Consider a wedding brunch or luncheon | | | | salad or shrimp toast. Another tip for keeping the |
| More than likely, you've been to a restaurant where | | | | cost down - serve fruits and veggies that are in |
| you've noticed that the exact same menu at lunch is | | | | season. Want another budget buster? Chocolate |
| less expensive than the dinner menu. The same holds | | | | covered strawberries in December. |
| true for wedding receptions. Brunch or lunch is | | | | |