Hotel Receptions
Many hotels will have a Wedding Co-ordinator which can help a lot to take the pressure off the Bride and Groom. It’s best to check as many hotels that you like by having a meal there or alternately you could meet with the Wedding Co-ordinator to discuss your plans and budget for your wedding.
They could let you look through some sample menus with the possibility of trying some food and wine tasters. Hotels will offer ‘wedding packages’ this usually includes a Master of Ceremonies, food, drink and a room especially for the Bride and Groom when they need to freshen up.
Hotels can also offer accommodation discounts to you and your guests which might include a ‘Bridal Suite’ inclusive of the price.
Remember to book well in advance as many reception venues get booked up sometimes up to eighteen months to two years in advance. The most popular time to have a wedding is on a Saturday in the summer months, though this can prove to be a rather expensive time.
Why not consider booking your wedding in the spring or autumn? If you really would like a summer wedding, think about booking a Sunday or Friday or even mid-week, you could save yourself a lot of money which in turn can help you stick to your budget.
Marquee Receptions
Marquees are very suitable if your reception venue is limited for indoor space, or if your hiring a marquee to use at your home.
There are two types of marquees, one used over a grass area with a traditional pole, or a framed structure which can be used on any surface. Indian style tent style marquees are very popular at the moment and all marquees are available in various sizes.
Marquee companies can fully deck out the interior with decorations, furniture, toilets and equipment hire including heating if your wedding is held outside of the summer months. Carpet can be laid throughout with flooring for the evening’s dancing.
Decorating the venue yourself
If your having your reception in a Church hall, pub function room, river boat or even at home, you can decorate the reception area yourself with banners, balloons, flowers, fancy table ornaments, party poppers, disposable cameras etc. this can really transform a room into a wonderful wedding theme of your choice saving you even more money!
Having your reception at home
The average home will contain about fifty people maximum. If you are considering holding your reception in your home, try and have someone who can organise where everyone should be to keep things running smoothly.
Your home can be quite busy on the day with people coming and going so having someone you can reply on can keep stress levels to a minimum. They could clean and tidy up when you leave to get married, and have drinks or canapés ready on your return.
A recommended resource to help plan your wedding
A good book to read would be “Wise Wedding Planning: Making The Perfect Theme Wedding Possible At Any Price” by Brenda Westwood.
It can point you in the right direction and help you to plan your wedding on a budget. Your future happiness together can be relatively loan free by thinking and planning ahead.