Simple Wedding Reception Ideas

Your wedding budget is low, food is high, gas is over $4 a gallon. Simple wedding reception ideas are what you need!

Nothing fancy or over the top. Maybe you are okay financially speaking, but the thought of spending $27,000, the typical cost of an American wedding, for a one day party seems absurd to you. Don't worry. You are not alone. This is absurd to me and countless others as well.

For me, $27,000 represents almost an entire year's wages from my insurance job. I work hard for that money and I am sure you work hard for yours. Like you, I would much rather use it for a down payment on a home or to buy a new vehicle. I would not want to blow it all in one day on food and a hall for a party. I would be looking for some cost-effective ways to celebrate my wedding day without breaking the bank.

One of the most simple wedding reception ideas is to hold the reception in the fellowship hall of your church. You may be able to use it free of charge if you are a member. Check with your pastor or deacon and see what the policies of your church are.

Put up a few simple decorations, like streamers, balloons, bows, and clear twinkle lights to create a festive atmosphere.

Go to a discount party store and purchase inexpensive vinyl tablecloths to match your wedding colors. Dollar stores sometimes have these in stock so you can save a bundle. Buy plates, cups, and napkins to match.

Decorate each table with a simple centerpiece like a vase with one or two flowers and some greenery. Use a houseplant or some candles.

Serve sliced fresh fruit, desserts, wedding cake, and coffee, iced tea, and an easy punch.

Voila--an inexpensive reception that will give you time to visit with family and friends who have come to share your special day with you and your new husband. Play a CD of your favorite songs in the background and you are all set.

Another of the most simple wedding reception ideas is to hold a small backyard barbecue, maybe at the home of your parents or grandparents. Put some shrimp, chicken cubes, and/or beef cubes on water-soaked wooden sticks. Do the same with whole mushrooms, cherry or grape tomatoes, and zucchini cubes. Fire up the barbecue and serve up a simple, delicious meal.

I suggest preparing macaroni or potato salad, along with baked beans to go with the meat and veggies. Serve ice cold canned sodas, bottled water, and iced tea.

Top it all off with your delicious wedding cake. What could be easier? Your guests will have fun and get a great meal. They will remember what a great time they had at your informal reception. No one will feel uncomfortable because they don't know which fork to use first.

Yes, we've all been to those uncomfortable social events where we have three forks and three glasses and we don't have a clue on how to use them all.

Unless your wedding guests are from the social elite class, (and we all know how little fun it is to be around some of them!), they will enjoy the simplicity of your informal reception.

Just let them know on your wedding invitation what to expect. You could put "Dessert Reception to follow"

or

"Outdoor Barbecue Reception At The Bride's Home"

This way, your guests know what to expect and they know how fancy or casual to dress for your wedding.