When Wedding Receptions go wrong
Let’s face it. Wedding receptions are complex social events that could justify the expense of a special wedding planner. They require careful consideration for every little detail, from the centerpieces to each table to the food served on those tables, from the alcohol served at the bar to the DJ helping to burn off this booze. The fact is, though, most people can’t afford or don’t want to spend the money on a professional wedding planner. That’s leaves them to work out these details on their own.
That also leaves them open to making a ton of mistakes on their own. For with each decision comes a possible blunder. Here are the most common mistakes that young couples make when organizing their special day, and the ways to avoid them.
The bar. Most people agree to purchasing bar plans from the hotel or facility where they are having the event. While many places make you choose one of these plans, if you can avoid them, please do. They charge exorbitant rates per bottle, and will charge you at the end of the night for a bottle that was opened for the very last drink. Instead, try to “cater” the bar yourself with bottles from a wholesaler. You get the best prices. Plus, believe it or not, many wholesalers allow you to return half used bottles.
The rentals. It can be easier to rely on your caterer to bring all of tables, chairs, and tents that you need for your festivities. It can be a lot more money, as well. If you can manage it, or if you can finagle a friend or relative to do the job, pick up these items yourself from a rental store. Caterers typically act as middle men, and could be renting the equipment from the very same store.
The time. For class and ambience, it’s hard to beat an evening reception. It is also difficult, though, to pay back the costs of one, too. An early afternoon or mid-afternoon party can be just as charming and memorable as any one in the dark, especially if you can work a sunset into the mix. You will also save on catering costs—since luncheons are cheaper—and on drinks—since people get less tipsy generally at daytime functions.
The service. Another way to save on food is to spend a couple extra bucks on servers. Typically, receptions feature serve yourself buffet lines, which invites waste and stretch not only waist lines, but your budget, too. Wait staff who bring food to the table or serve it from behind the buffet line can cut down on this waste. If your guests want a second helping, they can always ask for more.
Let’s face it. Wedding receptions are complex social events that could justify the expense of a special wedding planner. They require careful consideration for every little detail, from the centerpieces to each table to the food served on those tables, from the alcohol served at the bar to the DJ helping to burn off this booze. The fact is, though, most people can’t afford or don’t want to spend the money on a professional wedding planner. That’s leaves them to work out these details on their own.
That also leaves them open to making a ton of mistakes on their own. For with each decision comes a possible blunder. Here are the most common mistakes that young couples make when organizing their special day, and the ways to avoid them.
The bar. Most people agree to purchasing bar plans from the hotel or facility where they are having the event. While many places make you choose one of these plans, if you can avoid them, please do. They charge exorbitant rates per bottle, and will charge you at the end of the night for a bottle that was opened for the very last drink. Instead, try to “cater” the bar yourself with bottles from a wholesaler. You get the best prices. Plus, believe it or not, many wholesalers allow you to return half used bottles.
The rentals. It can be easier to rely on your caterer to bring all of tables, chairs, and tents that you need for your festivities. It can be a lot more money, as well. If you can manage it, or if you can finagle a friend or relative to do the job, pick up these items yourself from a rental store. Caterers typically act as middle men, and could be renting the equipment from the very same store.
The time. For class and ambience, it’s hard to beat an evening reception. It is also difficult, though, to pay back the costs of one, too. An early afternoon or mid-afternoon party can be just as charming and memorable as any one in the dark, especially if you can work a sunset into the mix. You will also save on catering costs—since luncheons are cheaper—and on drinks—since people get less tipsy generally at daytime functions.
The service. Another way to save on food is to spend a couple extra bucks on servers. Typically, receptions feature serve yourself buffet lines, which invites waste and stretch not only waist lines, but your budget, too. Wait staff who bring food to the table or serve it from behind the buffet line can cut down on this waste. If your guests want a second helping, they can always ask for more.
