Budget Friendly Reception Alternatives

If you are thinking of doing something other than the traditional sit down dinner or buffet wedding reception take a look below.  These tips are fun and less expensive than your formal wedding reception which means SAVINGS.

Give your guests something to talk about.  Look into some of these reception alternatives and leave a comment about what you think.

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1. Cocktail Reception
A beautiful formal wedding followed by an elegant cocktail reception. You can choose to have your hor dourves set up buffet style or passed.  In either case, this will give you time to mingle with your guests instead of sitting for an hour and a half with a formal sit down dinner.

Assorted beverages can be served throughout the reception. If you like you can still have the traditional bouquet toss, first dance, garter removal, etc. Hire a DJ or have a small trio for dancing and background music.

P.S.  Make sure you note on your invites that you are having a cocktail reception.  You don't want your guests expecting a full meal only to be disappointed and hungry.

2. Brunch Wedding Reception
There are several advantages to having a brunch.  The cost is less expensive than a sit down dinner.  If the venue you chose is popular, you probably can find an opening during the day.

Since it's during the day your guests probably will not drink as much.  Try serving serving wine and champagne only.

Another advantage is a brunch usually does not last as long as an evening event.  Again, you can still have the traditional events during the reception you just save on costs.    

3.  Dessert Wedding Reception
Plan on having this in the late afternoon or early evening. Your choice of venues should be wide open.

Make sure you let your planner know you want several different tables set up buffet style.  You may want to have a table specifically for plates, napkins, and flatware leaving the other tables for all your delectable delights.

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And the Pic of the Week

I love a beautiful table.  This can be used as a sweetheart table, an intimate table for two, or for three of your closest friends.  Whatever the case the only words that fit are..........elegant, girly, soft, beautiful, pastel, dainty, delicate, well-dressed, graceful, charming, and I can go on and on but I'll let you soak it all in.

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Children Still Want Their Birthday Party

Your child's birthday party at any age is a big occasion.  As you sit down and think of what you want to do, especially after the last party they attended, you can easily see how the spending can get expensive.  Instead of thinking bigger is better I think I can offer a few tips that will keep some dollars in your pocket while the kiddies still have fun.    

Start by shopping at the right store:

The Dollar Store.  There's no shame in shopping at the Dollar Store, planners do it all the time.  Most of the items you need for a child's birthday party can definitely be found here.  

Invitations:

Make a fun project for your child and help them create their own invitations.  It will be fun for your child and you probably have most of the items hidden away in a draw.  Your child can take them to school and hand out or if their guests live close by they can walk them over saving you on the cost of postage.    

Decorations:

The only party decoration that kids are interested in are what? Balloons!  I promise you the kids will not miss the streamers and all the other stuff.  Make sure you have plenty to send home with each child as a party favor.  

Activities:

Instead of buying games or renting bouncers go online and research games you can play with little equipment.  Stop paying for a clown.  Most kids are afraid of clowns especially if they are really young.  

Food:

Why not bake the cake yourself.  If not, try your local grocery store bakery, you will be pleasantly surprised.  It's okay to have a simple menu for kids.  Choose an easy main dish such as pizza, chili, or chicken nuggets (depending on your age group).  Add sides such as fries, salsa & chips, or even a salad.

Now, Let's Get Inspired!

  

  

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Cupcakes Are Still The Rave!

There was a time when cupcakes were for dessert after dinner or for children's birthday parties.  My, how times have changed.

Couples are now choosing to have cupcakes at their wedding in lieu of the traditional wedding cake.  With the beautiful cupcake liners, cupcake stands, and decorations galore, who can blame them.  

Whether you use them in place of your wedding cake, on your dessert station, or your candy buffet they are guaranteed to be a hit with your guests.  So when you are ready to go cake tasting, why not try cupcake tasting.

Now, Let's Get Inspired!

 

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And the Pic of the Week

The mirrors add a great touch for such a grand setting.

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Colorizing Your White Linen

Whether it's an intimate dinner party, a lavish wedding reception, or a holiday extravaganza you want to hear the oohs and aahs from your guests when they take their first look at your tables.

Often times the venues we use only offer white linen or just does not have the right shade of pink we really like.  Well never fear.  Don't worry about that white linen from the venue and if you have to, pull that white linen from your closet.  That's right use it.  Your tables can still be fabulous by adding color.

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Strategically using ribbon and a colorful floral arrangement can 

draw the eye directly to your table.

These black vases and black napkins really make this table pop!

These beautiful apple green chairs and runner with floral 

arrangements set this table off   

Colorful placemats with colored dinnerware is always a plus

Color was created by adding different shaped bottles with floral stems

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And the Pic of the Week

The draping on this is gorg.

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Decor Your Special Event to Life

Event decorations are usually eye catching as to bring attention  or a visual charm to your event.  The type of decor you use will depend on the type of occasion.  When choosing your colors or putting together the decorations, you should think about the reason you are having the event in order to achieve the look you are going for.

Decorating your event does not mean that you have to deplete your account.  You can achieve a variety of looks without spending a lot of money.

You can accomplish a great look by using a variety of lighting.  

Dim the lights or use up-lighting for a soft look and/or to change the coloring in the room.

Create a visual draw with the linen you choose, it can say it all.

A simple setting can be pleasing to the eye with draping and imagination.  

Always think about the type of event and what you want to relay

when choosing your tablescapes.

Now, Let's Get Inspired!

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RSVP Etiquette Importance

RSVP, Repondez s'il vous plait: a french phrase that means "respond please".

There is nothing more uncomforting than to plan an event only to be unsure about the number of guests attending.  No matter how much RSVP information you have on the invite people just don't do it.

When you choose not to answer the RSVP the host/hostess is put in a bind.  Are you attending or not?  If an RSVP is required that usually means there are arrangements to be made that will be determined on the number of guests.  Not responding can cause the host/hostess to overspend.

With the dominance of technology, hosts have become creative on ways to RSVP.  There is always and probably will remain the traditional paper form, you have email, and now the ever popular telephone RSVP.  Even if you do not plan on attending, in many cases, it is always nice to let your host know.

1.  Always respond to the invitation in the manner in which is indicated.
2.  Respond promptly.  Most RSVPs have a respond by date.
3.  If you replied yes please show up, if you did not reply do not show up.
4.  Always be thoughtful of the host/hostess that is giving the event, they are "counting" on your reply.  

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