Getting married? You’re no doubt beginning the search for the perfect wedding venue. Regardless of how much you have to spend, you can find a reception hall that meets all your needs without going over budget. Here’s how to find it.
Consider the Guest List
You need a hall that holds everyone comfortably, but any time you increase the amount of space, it increases the price. Just because you can fit 100 people into a bigger room doesn’t mean you have to.
Think of how you can simplify your guest list. Scale back on the invitees to narrow down your hall options. A refined guest list makes it easy to find a hall because you simply don’t need all that space.
Book in the Off-Season
A summer wedding isn’t your only available option. January to March are currently the least popular times, and booking during these months provides an easy solution for minimizing wedding costs.
Avoid booking during holiday party season, when companies are booking halls for their corporate holiday parties. This drives up both competition and price. When fewer people are competing for the venue, you’re more likely to save money in the budget.
Keep the Time of Day in Mind
It all comes down to the minute. Not only do you need to consider the season, but you also need to consider the weekday and time you’ll book the reception hall. Stay within the budget by booking at a less popular time of day. Rent the hall for a half-day instead of a full day. Book a weekday brunch or a Sunday afternoon reception. When halls are less busy, they’re less likely to charge the same rate for the venue.
Include the Extras
The best way to cut costs is to pick a full-service wedding reception hall. This usually includes extras such as chair rentals, linens, and catering supplies. With these aspects covered, you won’t have to worry about paying additional vendors.
A hall that isn’t full service often only offers the space, and the rest is up to you.
It Decorates Itself
Pick a hall that’s naturally pretty. If you’re not big on decorating, you can select a venue that speaks for itself. Plenty of halls already feature their own organic features that really don’t require additional décor.
From mirrored walls and intricate gold molding to stunning doorway entrances and outdoor terraces, let these aspects do all the talking. If you want to add in a few extra touches, consider taking the DIY route instead of making a purchase.
Negotiate with the Owner
When you’re on a budget, any cuts you can make are a bonus. Inquire to see if the hall can reduce or eliminate some costs completely. Some halls will waive a fee altogether, such as the corkage fee, or they’ll discount the required minimum food cost. It never hurts to ask.
Pick a Non-Traditional Hall
City parks, such as gardens and beaches, are scenic low-cost options that won’t cost much to rent—they just need the right public permits. Libraries and museums, particularly those less sought-out, are innovative options that won’t break the bank, and they bring their own historic detail to the reception.
Cafes and restaurants—either as the entire facility or in a separate room—can be budget-friendly options. They already include those extra features: the chairs, linens, and furniture, so you can guarantee those add-ons are covered.
Couples don’t often think of public spaces for the reception, but if a reception hall just isn’t in the budget, these alternative wedding venues can prevent going over budget.
