When you’re planning a wedding, why not think outside the box? As a result, there are a lot of cheap but classy wedding reception ideas to include that will add an element of fun. We gave 10 fun ideas for your ceremony and reception to get you started!
Why consider using cheap but classy wedding reception ideas?
It’s no secret that most weddings tend to be a bit more formal. However, there are so many ways that you can quickly make your wedding reception fun and a bit more laid back. Not all of these wedding reception ideas will be up your alley. Although they are an excellent place to start think-tanking and get your brain working.
10 Cheap But Classy Wedding Reception Ideas
Our ideas are just the fun your special day needs! You can put all of these wedding ideas together quickly. Plus, they won’t break the bank. You can easily add a touch of class to each wedding reception idea.
1. Gather in the garden.
Using a beautiful garden space is a lovely way to celebrate your marriage. The flowers and plants provide the perfect decor! All you need to do is set up tables and chairs for the guests.
2. Focus on having cake and punch.
If you’re getting married in a church, use one of their spaces as a cost-effective way to have a wonderful celebration following your wedding. Doing so will keep it classy and focused on just the two of you. Plus, if you get married mid-afternoon, you can have a simple cake and punch reception if funds are tight.
3. Use a family property for your venue.
Who says that your backyard can’t be a great place to have a wedding reception? Mow the space, make it inviting, hang up some fun globe lights, and have fun dancing the night away at home.
4. Get married by a lake.
A fun bonfire with the moon shining off the lake sounds like a wonderful and romantic idea for a wedding reception. As a result and depending on the time of the year, fireflies might even show off their beautiful glow as well.
5. Turn a barn into a venue.
Host a more casual event, and head to the barn. Therefore, clear out the barn and add some rustic farmhouse decorations to add to the festivities!
6. Have a karaoke reception.
Save money and have your guests be the entertainment. A karaoke machine provides an excellent and unique wedding reception that no one will forget anytime soon. Conversely, you could hire a karaoke expert instead of a DJ.
7. Host an intimate wedding on the beach.
If you’re lucky enough to live somewhere warm and near a beach, find out how you can have a reception by the water. What better way to spend the hours following your wedding than by soaking up the sun or seeing the sunset on the ocean?
8. Rent a tent for your venue.
Talk to the local party rental place in town and see about using one of their big white party tents. It can be set up in your yard, and you can beautifully decorate the inside as well.
9. DIY many of your wedding elements ahead of time.
If you have a crafty side, use your wedding reception to show off those skills. Make a homemade reception, including everything from the decorations to the food. Just be sure to work on things well in advance so that you’re not overloaded in the days leading up to your wedding (or on the day of!).
10. Invite just family and close friends.
Sometimes keeping it simple is best. Throwing a family and friends celebration with a limited guest list is a great way to keep costs down. Additionally, you can keep that intimate feeling all throughout your big day.
Save our cheap but classy wedding reception ideas!
Photos: Arthur Ogleznev, Keegan Houser, Pavel Danilyuk, Jen Theodore
StephanieI’ve been to weddings that use a few of these methods and it works well! We went to one that was in a barn that was converted to a venue. I’ve also been to a few beach wedding since I grew up in SW Florida along the Gulf. My wedding was at an old Florida home on the river and the reception was out on the lawn, super easy!
BethThese are such amazing ideas! So many people think you have to take out a mortgage to have a beautiful wedding, and you really don’t.
MarysaWe had a beach wedding at a resort that was free, included with the price of our stay. So many great options that aren’t expensive!
BriannaI have to admit seeing wedding photos by the water is my favorite! So beautiful!
AbidaI loved the idea of getting married by the lake the most. It’s sooo interesting!
BryanWeddings can get extremely costly! But there are low priced alternatives that everyone should consider, like the ones you mention. Natural settings, like a lake, are often very picturesque, too!
lindaLove this classy weeding ideas.Thanks for sharing
Healing OilsThese are definitely cheap but classy wedding reception ideas. I like the first one the best.
RoseyOh! A karaoke reception sounds like a good idea. Everyone would have fun there.
Bedabrata ChakrabortyI am in love with most of your ideas. I don’t like the big fat Asian wedding approach. I agree simplicity is always classy. I love the garden wedding idea easy and simple.
Angela Ricardo BetheaThose are all great points and ideas to keep in mind. If I could do it all again with my husband I would’ve loved to try getting married by a lake or beach, it would’ve been so enchanting.