When setting up your reception area for your wedding, consider using tables that are different sizes and shapes. This will help your reception area stand out to your guests. You can also use various table clothes of different colors. Having a unique reception area can be very memorable for your guests.
If you’re on a tight budget for your wedding, ask your family if they can help supply the flatware and plates for the tables at your reception. You can match only the items on a single table as most people won’t be looking at what is on the other tables around them. Most people won’t even notice! The best part is that you can send the dirty dishes home with them for cleaning, saving you additional cost for the extra time at your venue.
Photographs that couples won’t think of can make their wedding album special. If you’re doing the photography, make sure to take photos of all the small things, including the rings, bouquet, invitations, program, tables, cake, food, menu, and lots of candids of the guests arriving. You can find more ideas in wedding magazines as their photography will be top notch.
Designer candles, jewel-encrusted candelabras, and crystal decor can add up quickly when multiple tables are used for the wedding reception or rehearsal dinner. To save money, purchase large, unscented pillar candles of varying sizes. You can then use adornments and embellishments from bulk craft supply stores, such as stick-on colored crystals or textured, sheer ribbons to tie around each of the pillars.
Between your ceremony and your reception there can be a long down-time for your guests. If they can’t be seated at their tables right away, choose a venue that has a bar or lounge available for them to hang out in while they wait for the guests of honor to arrive.
If you don’t want to serve a formal dinner at your reception, try replacing traditional table seatings with rented furniture. Chaises, lounges and even sectionals can encourage your guests to mingle like old friends. Comfortable and inviting chairs allow your guests to feel welcome and relaxed, which creates a nice atmosphere at your wedding.
Discuss sponsorship with vendors who will be servicing your wedding. Many vendors will reduce costs if you allow them to do small things such as their name on the place cards for tables, listing them in the wedding program or perhaps a mention during the reception festivities by the DJ. These small savings can add up quickly.
