How to Save Money on Weddings - Part 2: Reception & Honeymoon

It's one of the most important days of your life, but that doesn't mean you have to spend your (or your parents!) entire life savings! We're following up our Part 1 episode on ceremonies (ep. 6) with what you need to know to plan a killer reception and honeymoon without emptying that bank account, or worse, collecting debt!

If you missed Part 1, check it out here:
http://www.frugalfriendspodcast.com/episode-6-how-to-save-money-on-a-wedding-part-1/

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Versatility: Looking around your home wondering why you have all the things and still can’t achieve the efficiency you need? You need stuff with more versatility! Toss that crock pot and get yourself a multipurpose cooker! Stop buying those short-lived rolls of paper towels in bulk and get yourself some all-purpose reusable napkins! And don’t even think about getting a chemical cleaner for something until you’ve tried spraying some vinegar on it. Versatility, make sure the things in your home have it.

Notable Notes:

What the Internet has to say:

This article from Love to Know highlights some ways you can have a great wedding reception on a budget. From unique venue ideas to ways of cutting food costs, there are some great tips to consider here!

What Jen and Jill have to say:

• Some suggestions for less expensive reception venues include a religious hall, backyard, club hall (i.e. VFW, community center, etc.). We would add barns, banquet halls in restaurants since not just country clubs have these, and there can be greater flexibility with catering/bar, etc.

• Regarding food & drink; cutting out alcohol or serving a limited drink selection will certainly cut costs. Also, consider simple foods like pasta and salad, sandwiches, finger foods, and even a dessert bar

• Consider not providing favors, or choose an inexpensive option that serves a purpose like Jen who gave sunglasses to all her guests!

• For entertainment consider asking friends to DJ, do the flowers, etc. AND look for venues that have entertainment built in so a DJ isn't as important. Case in point - Jen had her reception at a shuffleboard court so guests played games more than dancing!

• For decorations, think simple! white candles and a single flower on each table will do!

More from the Internet:

This article from Trip Savvy goes into the important stuff, and gives us some great ideas for scoring an affordable honeymoon!

More from Jen and Jill:

• We like the idea of cruises, they are all inclusive and you could even do one for just a few days. There are literally "cruises to nowhere" for 2-3 nights and can provide that carefree getaway at a fraction of the cost.

• Consider a destination wedding! This provides wedding and honeymoon all in one! Choosing to be married in this way can overall reduce costs; less guests = less expensive, and it's basically 2-for-1 :) Some resorts even provide a basic ‘free wedding’ package for guests staying 3+ nights

• You could score last minute deals by waiting til the last minute! This is CERTAINLY NOT FOR EVERYONE as this can add stress - but may provide savings, especially if you are not particular about where you go

• Purchase your honeymoon through a discounter like costco, or check out groupon!

• Go camping! This too is not for everyone, but could be just the ticket for some outdoorsie folks ;)

• Keep in mind, honeymoons don't have to be exotic! Consider what's within a 5 hour radius of you and explore a city you have never been!

BILL OF THE WEEK - Thank you Bonnie for sharing your bill with us, we're so excited to hear about your adopted pet hemmy

If you want to submit your bill of the week visit frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to leave us a bill

Lightning Round

Here are some more tips on frugal receptions and honeymoons from our frugal friends community:

• Rachel said finding a city building is a lot cheaper than a private venue

• Christina says sheet cake, cupcakes, and donuts are cheaper than wedding cakes & skip the programs because they just end up in the trash.

• Emma did the potluck lunch idea! They borrowed sound equipment from their church and used a clubhouse venue that her in-laws got a steep discount at.

• Jocelyn got giant ice cream cakes for her reception!

• AND many people said elope :)

Frugal Friends Book Club:

It’s March and we’re finishing up Soulful Simplicity by Courtney Carver

If you want a free copy, leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher, screenshot the review and send it to frugalfriendspodcast@gmail.com. We’ll select the winners at the end of the month.

Thanks for hanging out with us - see you next week!