| Many of us will never organize a party for more than | | | | museums or libraries, where you can hold your |
| 50 or 100 people, except perhaps for a wedding | | | | reception in grand surroundings & supply your |
| reception. | | | | own caterers. |
| The wedding reception will take up the lion's share of | | | | The menus on offer from some establishments may |
| your wedding planning on its own & many may | | | | not be quite what you are looking for, but you shouldn't |
| want to pass this on to a professional wedding planner. | | | | be afraid to ask for some changes to dishes that you |
| Whatever your choice you need to be aware of the | | | | would prefer. To keep costs down though, try to |
| costs involved & the options that are available. | | | | select dishes that are made with seasonal ingredients |
| Hotels can provide you with a range of packages | | | | at the time of your wedding. Asking for foods made |
| which will include the room hire, waiting staff & a | | | | with ingredients that have to been shipped in especially |
| choice of menus, ranging from a formal sit down | | | | can make a serious hole in your budget! |
| dinner to a light finger buffet. In each instance you will | | | | When you book your caterers or reception venue try |
| be quoted a price per head. This price will vary from | | | | to have a rough idea of guest numbers & then let |
| hotel to hotel depending on the grading of the venue | | | | them know the exact figure at a later agreed date. |
| & its location. | | | | This is important otherwise you could be charged for |
| Other costs considerations include the hire of the room | | | | guests who didn't show. |
| which can vary enormously depending on size & | | | | Champagne is the traditional drink for the toasts & |
| how posh the hotel is! There may also be other extras | | | | is often served as a welcome drink before guests |
| such as corkage charges if you bring your own drink, | | | | take their seats at the tables. Although expensive, it is |
| valet parking, waiting staff & door staff for the | | | | worth remembering that a percentage of your guests |
| evening party. Make sure you get prices for all extras | | | | will not be drinking, for whatever reason, so it may not |
| before you book. | | | | be as expensive as first thought. Other cheaper |
| Your cheapest option will be a simple buffet where | | | | alternatives to champagne include sparkling wine or |
| guests can help themselves. At the other end of the | | | | even just the guest's normal drink (beer, wine etc) on |
| scale a formal three course dinner will have a big | | | | the day. |
| impact on your budget. | | | | If you are supplying wine for the meal you should allow |
| Value for money is the key these days so make sure | | | | half a bottle per head. |
| you shop around for the best prices & deals | | | | When it comes to drink for the reception, ask your |
| before making a decision. Do this as soon as possible | | | | venue if you can supply your own, which may be |
| within your wedding planning as the best venues will be | | | | cheaper, even with the corkage charge, than the |
| booked up many months in advance. | | | | venue supplying it. Check out local supermarkets |
| Get recommendations from recently married friends or | | | | & wine merchants for the best deals & a |
| search online for independent recommendations. Other | | | | sale or return basis. |
| types of venue include municipal buildings such as | | | | |