Your Philadelphia wedding reception is when the real fun begins

Your Philadelphia wedding reception will be attended by your family and closest friends. Your reception is an opportunity to show everyone how much you appreciate them by planning a memorable reception complete with fabulous food, wedding music, wedding flowers and a festive atmosphere.

Your wedding budget

Tradition says the bride’s family pays for the wedding. For some this may be the case. But many either share the costs with their parents, or pay for the wedding themselves. One of the most important aspects of planning for your wedding and Philadelphia wedding reception is creating a wedding budget.

Your budget is an outline showing what you plan to spend on your wedding supplies to prevent overspending. Your budget will depend on where you live, whether your wedding and reception will be held during the day or evening and how many guests you plan to invite. Some experts say that $100 per head is a good estimate for costs. $50 per head covers catering expenses, and $50 for wedding supplies, decorations, wedding flowers, the wedding cake, the reception site and other important details.

Make room in your budget for the most important items

One helpful hint to get you started with creating a wedding budget is to pick two or three of the most important items in your budget, then budget everything else around them. It could be a popular Philadelphia party venue, an extravagant wedding gown, or an amazing photographer. Make sure your most selected items are accounted for in your budget so that in the end you have everything that will make that day extra special.

Finding the perfect reception site

If finding the perfect place for your wedding is the most important decision you will make for that day, where to have your Philadelphia wedding reception runs a close second. You may check a variety of Philadelphia wedding facilities to find the one that’s right for you. Once you have looked around and found the ideal location, be prepared to ask a few key questions to reach a final decision.

Is the date you need for your Philadelphia wedding reception available? Make sure the location you chose is available for your wedding date. Ask if the venue has any other events scheduled for that day. Some venues may book a couple of weddings back to back while others stick with only one wedding a day. If you choose a hotel for your Philadelphia wedding reception that books more than one wedding a day, make sure you have all the details straight in advance.
Ask about the cost. Confirm the total rental fee, and then refer to your budget to make sure you can afford it. What will the price include? Will a deposit be required? And if so when will the balance be due? Ask about any wedding packages which usually include the cost of food, flowers, a wedding cake and a limo. Packages may limit some of the personal choices you are able to make, but they can make planning your Philadelphia wedding reception a lot easier.
Ask about how the location can be decorated for your Philadelphia wedding reception. Just in case you aren’t able to see the venue in person, make sure to request photos of how it can be set up for your Philadelphia wedding reception. Ask about making changes, and inquire about the availability of any decorations that you really like to make sure they are available for your Philadelphia wedding reception. Also ask if the venue has any plans to redecorate or remodel before your wedding date. You don’t want to fall in love with a location only to have it look completely different a year after you book it.

Affordable receptions

Your Philadelphia wedding reception doesn’t have to blow your budget. There are many creative options available if you are looking for a way to entertain your guests affordably. For example, a tea reception is the least expensive choice for your Philadelphia wedding reception. It consists of finger sandwiches and wedding cake and normally takes place between 2 and 5 pm. Another inexpensive daytime option for your Philadelphia wedding reception is a breakfast or brunch wedding reception. Fruit, Belgium Waffles and other breads are served at around 10 or 11 am. This option allows you to leave from your Philadelphia wedding reception to go straight to your honeymoon.

For an affordable, elegant evening Philadelphia wedding reception, consider a cocktail party or appetizers only for your Philadelphia wedding reception. A combination of hot and cold appetizers and drinks are passed around to guests by servers or placed on buffet tables. It is an affordable option to a formal sit down dinner reception. Take your time to plan a Philadelphia wedding reception you and your guests will always remember.