Of course, parks and private homes will not include catering. If you want to offer a full meal to your guest, shop around until you find the best deal. Also consider a simple champagne and dessert reception. These receptions are perfect for a casual mid-afternoon wedding, and they are a lot less expensive that receptions with full meals. And who doesn’t love champagne and dessert? If you want to keep costs to a bare minimum, you can serve champagne and cake only. If you want to offer a little bit more, you can also serve other types beverages and some cookie, cheese, and fruit platters.
Simple receptions like these can be catered, but this really is not necessary. The cake can be purchased through almost any bakery; grocery store bakeries often offer fairly inexpensive wedding cakes. The cheese, fruit, and cookies can also be purchased at a grocery store. You can buy pre-made platters, or you can save a little additionally money by arranging the platters yourself.
Keep It Small
No matter what you decide to feed your guests, the cost of a wedding reception is still directly related to the number of guests attending. Although you may want to share your bliss with half the world, it just is not practical to invite half the world to your reception. And, if you are holding the wedding at a small park or in a private backyard, there simply will not be room for a large number of people.
When creating your guest list, try to invite only the people to whom you are very close. If acquaintances nosily ask why they are not invited, just be honest and tell them that although you would love to have them at the reception, you simply cannot afford it.
Photographers
Although you will probably want a wedding photographer, you do not have to spend a lot of money on an experienced professional. Many photography students already have portfolios attesting to the quality of their work. Additionally, they need the experience and are usually willing to work for a fraction of the price that professionals with just a little more experience, and quite possibly no more talent, would charge. Try advertising your need of a wedding photographer at the art schools in your area.
Instead of hiring a photographer, some people simply supply their guests with disposable cameras. The guests have fun taking pictures, and the bride and groom get to keep some of the prints. This is an increasingly popular trend that you should consider.