Wedding Reception Venues that won't cost the earth

The wedding reception is perhaps one of the most important aspects of the wedding celebration itself, aside from the ceremony, often being the main focus for the event and capturing the style and individuality of the couple. It is the reception that will often have the most decisions attached from the guest list to the decorations to the menu choices, therefore often providing the biggest headache for the couple if they are trying to stick to a budget.

When it comes to considering both the budget and the reception, the first decision should always be the venue - often the largest cost of a reception (except maybe the food) and the one that will best represent the style of the wedding. Yet there are a number of ways that a couple can have the perfect reception venue while also maintaining any kind of budget.

There are essentially four different venue options that are a great and inexpensive way to celebrate a wedding and host a reception:

• Home
• Parks
• Council Venues
• Education halls and venues

Home - this is a perfect way to celebrate in a low key fashion, or make it as upmarket and over the top as you like, either way having a reception at home is a great way to save some extra cash. The savings in rental costs alone will be incentive enough to consider an at home reception where you can provide your own decorations, catering and alcohol if you like. Alternatively many people chose to have their reception at a relative's property (especially if it is of a grand size) while hiring caterers to service the event.

Parks - when talking about parks this refers to everything from zoological parks to local park areas, all of which usually have fairly low facility costs attached making them an ideal setting for a wedding reception on a budget. In the park situation the costs will usually arise from catering costs and any equipment hire such as a marquee or table settings. Most zoos will have a function centre available for hire with the hiring costs ranging depending on the level of service you require i.e. only room hire, catering or clean up services.

Council Venues - when speaking of council venues this includes council park areas and community halls, along with any other venues designated for community use. These areas are all available for hire for any events including wedding receptions at minimal hire costs, making them an ideal choice for anyone trying to remain under a strict budget for their wedding. Most people will have attended a function at a local community hall where the hosting party is allowed to decorate the hall in almost any way they choose, making it an ideal option for many couples.

Education halls and venues - many high schools and university will have their own hall or function centres available for hire for occasions, with university function centres often having their own bar provided and scenic outlook. The cost of hiring will vary depending on the school or university and the level of demand.

Other Cost Considerations when Looking for an Inexpensive Reception Venue

Guest Numbers - many wedding professionals will talk about the guest list, and it is one of those factors that can significantly impact on the cost of a wedding. The number of guests that you invite will impact on almost all costs for the reception from the amount of food and alcohol, the number of tables and seating arrangement to the size of the venue required. Do yourselves a favour and keep the guest list as low as you can so the cost will stay low also.

All in one venue - many couples that are trying to remain under budget should consider a ceremony/reception package deal, as in a wedding and reception that is held all in the one place. Most wineries will have this sort of arrangement available as will botanical gardens and other popular wedding spots. If you have a ceremony venue in mind, ask them if they also provided a reception venue and what deals they offer, you may be surprised with the results and how much you can save.

Peak Season - for those who are trying to remain to a budget, always consider the peak season in your area and plan your wedding date in the off season, this will affect the costs on almost every aspect of your wedding from the photographer to the venue to the caterer so is a great way to get more for your wedding for less cash.

For Australian wedding services and wedding receptions, please visit our wedding reception directory