Wedding Reception Expenses

Question

My fiance and I plan on getting married in Feb at the courthouse to save money, just our parents, his best man and my maid of honor will be there. We also have a bundle of joy on the way, with the upcoming expenses just around the corner how much money (approximately) are we looking at spending for the reception?

Answer 1

I agree wholeheartedly with the guy above me.  It's true--I mean, only you two can be the judge of how much money you can afford to put on a reception.  Could be a few thousand, could be a couple hundred.  

But, you could always have a potluck in the park, like a big picnic.  Or have it catered.  Another option is picking up the food ahead of time to save on delivery costs. And usually, some parks will allow you a space rental ($200 usually) so you can have a section of the park (or the whole if it's small) all to yourselves.  

Congratulations!!

Answer 2

well what u could do is have a dinner with just the people who will attend the ceremony or have what is called a potluck dinner/reception/party. Ask guests to take something sweet and strong so there will food and liquer u could do some sweet stuff like brownies and chocolate (whatever) while guetss take in food maybe a cake or whatever, and have a cocktail party something like that with music and have a friend bake and decorate ur cake.  

Answer 3

Well, with those few people attending, you just could take them to a lovely restaurant for dinner and drinks - so for you six people, probably $300.

Answer 4

Seriously, you decide.  Have it in a sports bar if you have to, and let people buy their own food and drinks.

You have a baby on the way, and their life is far more important that some party.  Don't feel obligated to waste money when it is tight.

Weddings can get expensive and out of hand in a heart beat.  Don't bow to the pressure.  Concentrate on what really matters in life.  You, your husband and your child.

Answer 5

Depends on location and how many guests.

You can do under 75 guests, good food and a nice location for around $5000 including the DJ and photography is you plan well.  

Answer 6

You can have a small reception in someone's backyard, maybe a barbecue or pot luck with friends, and lots of finger food.  Just getting together and having fun is the idea, it doesn't need to be fancy.  Just have punch or soda.  Many have pot luck receptions with friends and they turn out great.  

Answer 7

I think I spent close to S$8,000 on our wedding in Feb 2008. That was about the total costs of the wedding. I paid for everything.

Answer 8

If saving money is your goal, skip or minimize any reception you will have.  The wedding ceremony isn't the most expensive part of the wedding - - the reception is.

If its just your parents, MOH & Best Man - then take them to dinner at a nice restaurant that you can afford.

Answer 9

You need to look at your budget and decide what is affordable for you. However, I think it's inappropriate to invite guests to a reception where they have to pay for all their own food and drinks then expected to give you a gift before they leave. That's asking a bit much of your guests. We just had our daughters reception for 300 guests and it ran us about $9000.00, but that included food, decorations, music and cake. Since you're having a much smaller event you could probably get away for a $1500.00-2000.00.