Using a Caterer & choosing a Reception Venue
Hire a caterer that supplies everything you need, plates, glassware, table cloths, etc.
Make sure you're only charged for the services that you need. Some caterers have packages that include decorating and other items.
If your venue is decorated already you won't need the extras. Extras should be deducted from the bill or replaced with something else you want.
Pick fruits and vegetables that are in season.
Stick to serving food that everyone is familiar with. Fancy food is expensive.
Buffets generally cost a good deal less and give your guests the opportunity to get up and mingle with the other guests, and they can pick exactly what they would like to eat.
Make sure to read your contract and check to see if the gratuity is included. This goes for all services.
Booking a venue that allows you to buy your own liquor is more work but saves you money.
Depending on your culture and where you live in Canada, having a cash bar is totally acceptable. This can be a huge money saver.
Consider only serving wine and domestic beers.
Liquor (vodka, rum, rye, scotch) plus all the different mixes you'll need adds to your expenses.
Liqueurs like Grand Marnier, Sambucca, etc. can put a real strain on the liquor budget.
Do you really need that Champagne toast?
Common sense tip - the more guests the more cash you're going to put out.
Holding your reception in a hotel has a lot of good points. They usually decorate, have professional services, i.e. DJ, can cater well to large groups, and most likely will include the honeymoon suite, with discounted rooms for out-of-town guests.
If you're having a wedding with 75 guests or under, consider having your reception at your favourite restaurant. You will already know the staff and how the food is.
Order child meals for kids under 11.
Order a teen meal (same as adults but no liquor) for ages 12 to 17.
Your reception is the biggest expense. It's also where you can save the most money if you shop around and plan well!
Flower Tips
Unless you plan on keeping your bouquet on display in your home, don't bother with a duplicate to toss.
Instead of tossing your whole bouquet, just pick one flower to throw. We all know what condition the bride's bouquet is in after 30 women (or more) start clawing at it.
Silk flowers save you a lot of money and they're already preserved. The Bride can have fresh flowers, but there really isn't any need for everyone else to go fresh.
If you're using flowers in your centrepieces, decorations or large altar arrangements, go with silk. Would be nice if your guests could actually use the centrepieces that they just won again. You could re-use the decorations and larger arrangements at home, party accents or resell them on the Babbling Brides Board to another FB.
