Early reception

[Bellelemariee]

Hi Everyone,

I hope you are all having a great weekend!
Does anyone have any suggestions on how to save on the budget for the pre-reception and reception if it is early in the morning. Wer'e having a brunch which helps to save on cost already, but thought I would get some other suggestions as well.
Thanks

 

[OceanGdss]

well, location can help save you a lot. If you have a ballroom, you will need a lot of decor. However, having it somewhere like the Attic, or Ariel's...those locations need little to no decorations! (we're doing centerpieces only at the reception location..and small ones at that!)
Also, cutting out the pre-reception can save you money. Or even serving some of your reception food at the pre-reception. Eliminate any alcohol or sodas..that saves a lot! Its morning, and water/coffe/tea are all served free of charge..so I'd stick with those! No one needs alcohol or sugary sodas that early anyways. Those are just a few suggestions.

 

[lawyergirl]

Ooh! I'm interested in the answer to this too! We're having our brunch reception at Narcoosee's!!

 

[lurkyloo]

OceanGdss took the words right out of my mouth!

1) No booze.

2) Serve part of your reception menu as the pre-reception food, like the fruit and pastries. It costs nothing and you don't have to pay for a separate pre-reception menu.

3)Few or no flowers.

 

[Bellelemariee]

Hi everyone,

Thank you all for the advice. I am doing Tinkerbells brunch, but changed some items to make it more like a lunch than a brunch. I am using some of the food from the reception for the pre reception to save on cost too and cut out the soda and alcohol because its an early ceremony. Did any of you do a cash bar ? I know the tea and coffee is included in the reception for an 1 hr and 1/2 , but any suggestions on what to do later ? Is it better to pay for the iced tea and coffee by consumption for the last 2 1/2 hours ? Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks lurkyloo for all your great budget saving tips on here.

 

[lpizzuro123]

We are doing the Tinkerbell Brunch also. Thanks to lurkyloo, we are moving our fruit and danish to our pre-reception (great suggestion). I believe the coffee and tea that is served with the brunch is for the end of the reception (with the cake). We are having coffee and tea at our pre-reception also (I believe the charge is $58.00 per gallon for the coffee and $29.00 for a 1/2 gallon of tea.

Linda