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

If you missed Part 1, check it out here:http://www.frugalfriendspodcast.com/episode-6-how-to-save-money-on-a-wedding-part-1/SponsorsModernFrugality.com: The Modern Frugality blog and shop has free and low-cost printables, resources, and ebooks to help you reduce your spending, minimize your stuff and organize your life. Visit http://Shop.modernfrugality.com to see all the freebies and get 50% off any purchase with code FRUGALFRIENDS19Versatility: 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 (https://weddings.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Cheap_Wedding_Reception) 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 barConsider 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 (https://www.tripsavvy.com/affordable-honeymoon-ideas-1862786) 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+ nightsYou 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 goPurchase your honeymoon through a discounter like costco, or check out groupon (http://www.groupon.com) !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 hemmyIf you want to submit your bill of the week visit http://frugalfriendspodcast.com/bill to leave us a billLightning RoundHere 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 venueChristina says sheet cake, cupcake