3 Cheap Wedding Reception Menu Ideas

Weddings are expensive, and if you didn't know that before you starting planning your wedding you certainly know it now. Setting your wedding budget and planning your wedding reception meal can be one of the most stressful things you will do.

There are several ways to help you stay within budget, however. Cutting back on the number of guests you invite, not getting married on Saturday or Sunday and silk flowers instead of fresh can all be great ways to help you stay on budget. If you have done all of those things or can't do those things, one of the next steps is to look at the food you will be serving at your reception.

When deciding on your wedding reception menu there are a few things to avoid if you want to save the most money. Skipping the open bar, avoiding sit down dinners and only offering cake as a dessert option are a few places to start. To further help with your menu planning, here are 3 cheap wedding reception menu ideas:

Do It Yourself

Depending on the size of your wedding, making your own wedding food might be a good cheap wedding reception menu option. It also helps if you have friends that are good cooks as well that can provide you with some much needed help.

If you are getting married in warmer months, consider having a barbecue in your backyard or at a local park. Ask close friends and family to bring a dish to help cut down on costs.

Even if you don't cook the entire menu yourself or with friends, you can ask a talented, good friend to bake your cake as a wedding gift to you.

Inexpensive Catering

Not all catering has to be expensive. Many of your favorite casual restaurants also offer catering and have separate catering menus for events.

As long as the food is good, no one will even notice. Just make sure that the caterer has sufficient staff to handle a large event like a wedding, or arrange to have staff hired to help out.

Also, many grocery stores or specialty food markets offer great catering options that should be considered.

Cocktail Reception

If you still want to use your favorite high end caterer but don't have the budget for a full sit down dinner reception, a cocktail wedding reception might be the perfect solution.

You will be able to choose from several stations (like pasta, carving, etc.) as well as a few passed butler passed hors d'oeuvres. Guests typically enjoy the cocktail reception the most at a wedding reception, and you can sometimes save significant money as well.

For more ideas visit wedding reception food and wedding reception idea.