Tips and trends for memorable reception

By Amanda Barnett
CNN Interactive Writer

May 9, 2000
Web posted at: 11:28 a.m. EDT (1528 GMT)

ATLANTA (CNN) -- Brides may spend gobs on gowns and bundles on bouquets, but the real money for a wedding is spent on the reception.

According to a survey by Bride's Magazine, the average cost of a wedding reception in 1999 was $7,246. Master Bridal Consultant Sue Winner, author of "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Budgeting for Your Wedding," says "the biggest part of that is the food."

Because of the expense involved, Winner says brides need to make careful plans for the reception and decide early on whether to personally make arrangements for the food and cake, or hire someone to make the preparations.

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Doing it yourself

Do-it-yourself brides do just that -- they make most of the preparations for their own reception. Some brides even make their own food. Many brides make this choice because they think they can save money.

Winner warns do-it-yourself brides to break down all costs. She says brides forget to figure in the price of food containers and warmers. Brides also forget about storage space for the food, renting tables, chairs and decorations -- and the amount of time it will take to set up for the reception and clean up afterwards.

Basically, Winner says, the do-it-yourself bride needs to ask: "How busy do I want to be on my wedding day?" and "Do I want to spend my wedding night cleaning up the reception hall and returning rented tables and chairs?" Winner says most do-it-yourself brides should ask for help from friends or relatives.

One-stop receptions

Brides who decide they don't have the time or talent to do the reception preparations themselves may choose a "one-stop-reception" facility. Some restaurants, hotels and resorts will provide everything needed for the reception -- including food, beverages, linens, tables and chairs. Many of these facilities even provide florists and a baker for the wedding cake. All the bride has to do is pick out her dress and mail the invitations.

These facilities work well for a busy bride, but Winner says the bride may not be allowed to add many personal touches to her reception. "Sometimes you get a cookie cutter wedding," Winner said.

Brides also may combine some aspects of the "do-it- yourself" and "one-stop-reception" by hiring a wedding consultant, a caterer, florist and by choosing a baker for the wedding cake.

The book "A Perfect Home Wedding" (Stewart, Tabori & Chang, 2000) says brides need to use care in checking prices. The book advises brides to ask caterers if the price-per-person is for food and beverage only, or for food plus service and equipment.

Winner advises brides to take the time to interview vendors, visit bridal shows and ask friends for recommendations and check references. "Ask former clients if they were pleased with the vendor's performance," she said.

Winner recommends brides talk to at least three caterers before making a decisions and ask for a tasting before signing a contract.