When you’re planning a wedding on a tight budget, finding out where to have a cheap wedding reception is sure to be on your mind. Reception sites can range from several thousand dollars to free. So how do you get one that’s free or at least inexpensive?
Family or Friends
If you have a family member or friend that has a large enough backyard for your reception, consider asking them if you can host your reception there. They may be concerned about having to fix up their yard or about all of the people that will be coming and going or about who will clean it up afterwards. Have a game plan in mind before you ask them. Make sure that it covers the following areas: setup and cleanup, limits of areas of their yard and home you want to use, compensation for the use of their property, what you plan to bring in. You may also want to check into liability, meaning what happens if someone gets hurt during your reception. The homeowner may be concerned about this area as well and may be unsure if their homeowner’s insurance would cover anything that happens.
Parks or Group Campgrounds
Some park areas will let you rent out their space for a reception. Check around at local parks to see if there are spaces that will work for your needs and check with the appropriate state or city department to see about rental. You may be able to rent out the entire space in a group campground for a reception. When you are looking for where to have a cheap wedding reception, this may be one of the most inexpensive options. If you decide on either of these, have at least some covered picnic areas or rent tents to help ensure that you have some shelter in case of rain.
Pick a Different Day
If your wedding date is not yet set, consider having it during the week or on a Sunday. Saturdays in the summer are the busiest time for wedding reception venues. Some places will give you a break on the price if you schedule it during the week or on Sunday. Consider the time of year that you are having it as well. If you are fine with a fall or winter wedding, you will likely be able to find cheaper rates during that time of year.
It can be time-consuming to figure out where to have a cheap wedding reception but the amount of money that you save will be well worth your efforts. Think about places you can have it that do not advertise themselves as wedding reception venues. These will likely be much cheaper and can still offer a nice location for your reception.