Some Great wedding alternatives...if you cant afford a reception? I was thinking...elop in the Caribbean?

Question

Inexpensive ideas...im open to anything!

Answer 1

Like the person above me said, most churchs (if you planned on getting married in a church) let you have the fellowship hall for free. A reception doesnt have a cost--you can do it with any budget you have. If you have a reception early in the day or in a public place (like a park), everyone knows there wont be any alcohol. (Alcohol is one of the biggest expenses). Have a Meet and Greet, Punch and Snacks reception. Or ask family just to each make a dessert. Also if you have something earlier in the day. Something early afternoon--like 2:00--it is not expected that food will be a part of the reception. Really "can't afford" is a difficult term--are you talking a 1,000 total budget, 500 total budget, or what? It depends on what budget you are planning for it. Recently a reception has become an event where the bride and groom are expected to "entertain" their guests. It used to be just an opportunity for both sides of hte family to meet each other and relatives you don't see often to meet your spouse. It doesn't have to cost at all. Just put on the invite what exactly you are planning so that people know what to expect. Really a wedding is something to unite you. But don't look at eloping as a cost savings unless you really want to elope--which means parents and friends wont be there. The reception is just so that people can congratulate you. Don't stress about it.

Answer 2

Get married in your church and have a punch and cake reception in the church hall, munchies, cake and punch. reserve a covered area in a park and have picnic food hot dogs and potatoe salad. There are no rules for a reception have what you can afford and do it nicely, if you keep it small do a lot it yourselves and friends often offer to help. It looks better to do small nicely then big and skimpy. Good luck. Think memorable and meaningfull and only guests you really want.

Answer 3

Have a Pound Party, where every guest brings something of their own to share with everybody. They could bring wine, cake, food, alcohol, music, etc. Just make it sound more like the guests are doing something unique for the married couple rather than making it sound that it’s not affordable to have a reception.

Answer 4

You could have a party at a friend or relatives house, and instead of gifts, ask each guest to bring a picnic basket of food and drink for themselves.