Tips For Choosing a Wedding Reception Venue on a Budget

For many engaged couples planning a wedding, choosing the reception venue will be one of the biggest decisions that they will need to make. For many couples, the wedding reception venue is also responsible for the biggest portion of their wedding budget.

If you are looking to hire a wedding venue on a budget, take a look at these quick tips that may end up saving you money in your wedding planning budget.

1. Host an off-season wedding. Hotels and banquet halls generally charge higher rates during peak tourist season, as they know that their premise will be in more demand.

2. Getting married on any other night other than a Saturday night will generally ensure a cheaper rate.

3. Don’t mention the word ‘wedding’ when calling for initial quotes as this usually guarantees a mark-up, just casually ask for a quote on a party or an event.

4. Non-traditional locations are becoming more and more the norm. Leave no stone unturned in your search for a cost-efficient perfect venue. Many wineries organize tours of their vineyards and facilities. Always try to liaise with the manager of the venue as they can offer the best deals. Don’t be afraid to haggle.

5. To save additional costs provide your own table decor and center pieces.

6. Get an itemized quote for the reception venue to ensure you know if there are any fees if the reception runs later than agreed. This may also help you to trim some areas of the reception that are an unnecessary cost.

7. Some venues offer cheaper rates if you book their reception hall just for the day. This would mean a morning, or early afternoon ceremony with your wedding reception to finish late afternoon/early evening

Spring weddings-things to consider

Daylight saving time: In 2011, daylight saving time begins on Sunday March 13th, after which the sun will set an hour later. Keep this date in mind if you envision a sunset outdoor ceremony. 

Prom factor: May and June are prime prom months, so be sure to book your transportation and locations early. 

Variable weather: Spring weather can be unpredictable. An unseasonably warm and sunny Friday can give way to a miserably cold and rainy Saturday. Be prepared for both extremes.

All in the Details – Spring Wedding Ideas

Invitations & Stationery

• Add a spring motif – Incorporate umbrellas, clouds, daffodils, tulips, or, one of our favorites, butterflies into your stationery suite.
• Consider color – Use paper or inks in a spring color palette – blush shades, gentle greens, punchy pinks, etc.
• Get whimsical – Find a fun, flirty font to evoke a festive spring feeling.
• An added touch – Insert a sprinkling of silk flowers into each envelope. 

Location

• Garden settings abound – Take advantage of budding leaves and flowers with botanical gardens, mansions with lush grounds, or another venue with a pristine garden or courtyard.
• Take it indoors – If an outdoor setting isn’t possible, find an indoor venue with panoramic picture windows affording lots of sunlight and a bright, airy ambiance.

Décor & Color Palette 
Whether soft and subdued or bright and punchy, spring gives you a multitude of color choices to get creative with.

• Combine a wide variety of blush shades like soft pinks, ecru, ivory, and gray.
• Green and white are an elegant accompaniment to a garden setting. 
• Yellow and green are another fresh, natural color pairing. 
• Get preppy by combining hot pink with green or mango.
• Create a playful effect with bright patterns, gingham, polka dots, eyelet lace, swiss dots, and stripes.
• Though an obvious choice, green never gets old in spring and should be a theme throughout. Plant grass in terracotta pots and design your event around an overall garden theme.
• Bright, playful pennant flags or burlap bunting are a fun addition to spring wedding décor.

Flowers

• Seasonal blooms – Classics include tulips, daffodils, peonies, lilies, magnolias, gardenias, hydrangeas, gerbera daisies, and apple or cherry blossoms. View our complete list of spring wedding flowers
• Creative containers – Put your arrangements in simple, homespun containers like vintage jars, watering cans, teapots, or mix and match china.
• Potted plants – Potted grasses, herbs, daffodils, or tulips create a natural, organic look. Best of all, you can plant them for a timeless reminder of your wedding.
• Non-floral arrangements – Incorporating vegetables like asparagus, artichokes, and brussel sprouts can be a fun and sustainable substitution for roses.

Menu

• In season – Serve a main dish featuring chicken, ham, or lamb with citrus marinades and fresh herb tapenades.
• Fresh produce – Round out the meal with a bounty of fresh fruits and young vegetables like baby carrots, baby asparagus, and new potatoes.
• Elegant sides – Serve mini-quiches or update traditional deviled eggs by adding salmon or crabmeat.
• Bar favorites – For the non-alcholic beverage, serve lemonade in a large glass container with simple mason jars as glasses. Mix up a batch of mimosas for a morning wedding, or create a festive and tart champagne cocktail.

Cake

• Coconut confection – Coconut frosting and fillings make a quintessential spring treat.
• Crazy for carrot – Carrot cake with cream cheese icing is another springtime fave.
• Light and fluffy – Go with angel food cake and fresh strawberries or strawberry cream.
• Whimsical adornments – Decorate with bright, fanciful details like ribbon, swiss dots, or swirl patterns.

Attire
Loosen up – Feel free to relax the dress code a bit, especially if the wedding will take place outside

• Wedding gown – Lighter fabrics like lace or cotton create a perfect springtime look. Then add some color with a big satin bow or a colorful belt and jewelry. A chunky turquoise necklace or large cocktail ring can bring a splash of color to your ivory ensemble.
• Bridesmaids’ dresses – Blush colors are a springtime classic. Keep yours fresh by choosing a color and allowing each of your maids to select a different hue. Or go in another direction with a bolder turquoise, fuschia, or mango. Avoid satin shoes as they don’t hold up well under springtime showers.
• The guys – They’ll look seasonably appropriate in tan suits, colored shirts and ties. Consider gray slacks with suit vests for something a bit different.

Favors

• Keep love blooming – Packs of flower seeds will serve as a constant reminder of how your love grows.
• Plant it – Give miniature potted plants or herbs.

posted By -Unique event planners