Your reception usually accounts for between 30% to 40% of your total budget, so unless you have an unlimited expense account, trying to cut costs on your reception spending makes sense.

Here are some helpful hints to help you keep costs down but still have a reception you'll remember forever:

Renting a Hall

• Depending on the type of hall you wish to rent, the costs can vary enormously. Some halls insist on including waiting staff, decorations, meals and drinks with the hiring costs while others simply charge you to hire the hall. The second option is preferable, but harder to find.

• The hiring costs will also depend on the size and type of hall you wish to rent. A large, ornate hall is going to cost you a lot more than a community or legion hall.

• Try to find a hall that allows you to do your own decorating. That way you can let your imagination go wild, and save yourself money at the same time.

• Ensure you choose a hall that will cater to your needs and allow you to design a menu within your budget allowance. Alternatively, a hall that allows you to do your own catering is even better as this can often work out to be a cheaper option.

  

• You can cut exhorbitant photography costs by having disposable cameras on each table. Guests can then take their own candid shots of the bride and groom and have a really enjoyable time doing it! Weddingscenter.com offer discount wedding cameras in a range of style to suit any decor.

• Decide if you are going to have an open bar or cash bar. A good compromise is to buy a few cases of beer, wine by the carton and some champagne for the toasts. Host a cash bar for those guests who prefer mixed drinks.

• If you prefer a casual approach, a buffet style meal will please all your guests and is a less expensive alternative. You can cater for all tastes and budgets, depending on what style of foods you opt for on the buffet table.

• Choosing your wedding day mid-week or during winter will usually enable you to cut a special discount rate.

• You can often negotiate a better rate if you pay cash rather than credit card.

Using a Themed Wedding to Save You Money

Reception themes allow you to get creative with the celebrations and really enjoy yourselves. You can also save yourself a great deal of money, depending on the theme you choose.

Many couples decide to base their theme around a special interest or hobby, while others choose an exotic location like a beach theme, Mexican or Roman toga party!

Reception themes are a great way to express your personality and creativity and because they tend to be a more casual affair, you can save money on the decorations, apparel and food.

When it comes to themes, the possibilities are endless, but here's a few to help you with your own ideas:

• Fairy Wonderland: Use sheer fabrics draped over everything you can find, with fairy lights as garlands and lots of glitter and sparkles. You can decorate the tables with soft candles, glitter and stars, and serve a variety of pastel colored dips and soft breads as an entree. Music like Enya would be a suitable accompaniment.

• Ethnic traditions: This theme allows you to choose speciality decorations and food according to the ethnicity you select. For example, if your family heritage is Scottish, the bridal party could dress in traditional Scottish attire, you could organize a bagpiper and serve traditional Scottish fare.

• Mexican fiesta: This fun theme can include a piņata, with authentic Mexican or Sante Fe decorations and food. Choose brightly colored decorations or drape the walls with decorative Mexican blankets. You can play mariachi music or find a Spanish guitarist.

• Holiday themes: A wonderful example for this theme is Valentine's Day, with hearts and flowers everywhere. Decorate in red and white with a heart-shaped theme and scatter the tables with Hershey kisses or heart shaped cut-outs. This is a very romantic theme so you can use your imagination to plan your wedding attire, food and music.