The reception is usually the biggest ticket item on a wedding budget and it can easily amount to half of total expenses of the wedding day.

Here are some tips to help you save money on your reception:

• Trim your guest list. The reception will definitively be more expensive if you have more guests. If you think some of your friends or relatives might be somehow offended by not being invited, spread the word early that you’ll be having a very intimate wedding.
• Consider several venues for the reception. Make sure you have written and detailed proposals from each, so that you can easily compare them. Make sure you check if the price might vary according to the date chosen (unless your heart is set on a given date).
• Make sure you bargain the price with each venue you’re considering: Ask them what you can do to get a lower price, show them you are considering an alternative venue because their price is lower, try to find if any extras can be included, such as the floral arrangements, the entertainment, the wedding cake or the wedding night (if you’re considering an hotel).
• Try to consider locations where you would only have to arrange for catering if this is at all possible, as it will often be more economical.
• Choose less expensive menu items: go for pasta or chicken and avoid seafood. Having a limited number of available choices might also be useful to keep your costs under control.
• Consider if want to have an open bar or a cash bar. If you are considering an open bar, reducing the number of hours it will be available, might help to keep the costs down. You also might consider limiting the type of drinks served to wine and beer.

Other ways to cut costs and keep your wedding within budget are:

• Try to find what you can take of yourselves. Invitations and favors are usually good options. You must make sure you don’t take on more than you can actually accomplish on your own. Try to get friends and relatives to give you a hand. For instance, maybe you can ask a friend to do the photos or to play at the reception?
• Bargain with all the vendors e start doing so with plenty of time. If try to negotiate on too short notice, you won’t be taken serious. When negotiating with a vendor, ask them how prices can get lower. Let’s say you’re negotiating with a florist: she will be able to tell you what flowers are in season when you are to be married. By using those on your bouquet or on the wedding floral arrangements, you’ll definitely save a lot of money.

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