Wedding receptions that are hosted outside can go smoothly given the right weather and menu planning. A lot can go wrong when having a outdoor reception, but don’t fret. Preparing for the worst can make the difference between having a beautiful outdoor reception or an outdoor disaster.

Receptions held in the fresh air can have the benefit of less restraint. You don’t have to worry about rushing out of the building in under 5 hours and you’re less likely to be charged a clean-up fee. You can also let your imagination run wild with decoration!

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A honeymoon’s largest expenses are usually the hotel and travel expenses. But how about the small things? Little goodies here and there are usually the culprit when it comes to your wallet feeling a little too light. It is natural to allocate too little for miscellaneous expenses. Only the most meticulous will usually have an accurate picture of how high costs will rise.

Eating out is a big expense you can easily cut down by substituing a few breakfast and lunches with eating in your hotel room. They could even be leftovers from your wedding reception, if you are not going far to your honeymoon destination. Most hotels that are suitable for honeymoons usually carry a fridge and a microwave, so saving and reheating may not be a problem. Some even include a full kitchen. Remember to carry a cooler with a few snacks and drinks to keep you from running to a restaurant each time your stomach grumbles. And the cooler could also transport your leftovers from your reception. OK… I know it is tacky, but it works. You won’t believe how much you’ll save. You’re more likely will eat out at night and saving a few dollars on lunch or breakfast can free up more money for a romantic dinner.

Technorati Tags: cheap honeymoon, expensive honeymoon

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Receptions, as you might have already figured out, are pretty much one of the most expensive aspects of your wedding day. Hiring caterers from an upscale establishment is not always an option, although it would be nice :). Some brides have confessed that they don’t want to “squander” their money by feeding a bunch of greedy individuals. But isn’t that a little harsh? Come on now. Greedy?

How about a potluck reception? You could ask each family to bring a plate of food in lieu of a traditional gift. It would be their gift to you. You are a good candidate for this option if you have more kitchen appliances than you can shake a stick at. You are also a good candidate for this option if your wedding expenses kinda caught you off gaurd. Dont’ worry, many brides go through it.

You could arrange for a potluck reception by first planning your wedding menu with relatively simple-to-prepare food. Then you should call your guests to see who could prepare what. One person may not be able to make meatballs, but could make a mean spinach dip. This entails going back to the reception menu to make a few changes here and there, but it is all worth it. The savings would be a godsend.

If you are worried about looking odd for asking your guests to bring a plate, don’t! It is your wedding. If they hate it so much, they don’t have to be there. It is one less mouth to feed.

Technorati Tags: potluck receptions, cheap receptions, reception planning, weddings

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