Planning a wedding is an exciting time in a couples life. It can also be one of the most expensive. The wedding reception  is where the bulk of the expenses go. Here are 5 inexpensive wedding reception ideas that can help the happy couple to have the wedding of their dreams while staying within a reasonable budget. 

1. Have Your Wedding Ceremony and Reception at the Same Location

Many reception locations have stunningly beautiful gardens or scenery that would make an ideal wedding setting. When you hold the ceremony and the reception at the same location, you won’t need expensive cars to get you to your reception.

2. Have Your Wedding on a Weekday

Weekend weddings have become a standard, but prices for everything from the church to the caterer are always much higher on weekends. Consider having your wedding on a weekday instead.

3. Cut Out the Alcoholic Beverages

One of the bigger costs of most weddings is the alcohol. While you can still offer the celebratory champagne, you might consider cutting out the open bar in place of less expensive options.

4. Serve a Buffet Dinner

A formal menu with a three course dinner can be expensive. Make your wedding more of a fun party atmosphere celebration that people will remember by serving a buffet type selection of foods.

5. Decorate Your Own Wedding Cake

You can save on your wedding cake by ordering a plain white cake with no trim from your baker. When you get it, buy a wedding cake top and decorate it yourself with silk flowers or ribbon.

Your wedding reception can be as wonderful as you have always hoped it would be without costing a fortune.

Since 2001, Erica Brooks, owner of StressAwayBridalShop.com has offered brides inexpensive wedding ideas, elegant bridal accessories and bridal favors to help them to have the wedding of their dreams while saving time and money. Visit today to get Bridal News Weekly, containing free wedding ideas and tips to receive a free bridal accessories catalog.