Save Money with a Dessert Wedding Reception

Your wedding is one of the most special days of your life. You cannot imagine spending the day without your much-loved family members and dear friends present. However, if you are on a limited budget, you might fear your only option is a trip to the Justice of the Peace. One option to consider that will save you money but still allow you to have a beautiful, memorable wedding reception is having a dessert reception.

If you decide to go forward with a dessert reception, plan on holding it in the late afternoon or early evening. Make sure to state on your wedding invitations "Dessert Reception to Follow" so that guests do not come planning on a full meal. You have many options for location since you probably will not need to have a kitchen available. In fact, you can opt to make many if not all of the items at home ahead of time. You can also ask your friends and family to pitch in with their favorite desserts.

To set up your dessert reception, arrange several different tables. Ideally, a dessert reception will be buffet style. Not only is this a fun way for guests to mingle, but it will also save you money since you will not need to hire servers. For each table, you will want a theme or type of dessert. You should also set up a beverage table. If you have room and resources, you may want to have a table specifically for plates, napkins and utensils. If not, simply make some available at each buffet table or place them at each guest's place setting.

Try to come up with lots of dessert items that can be eaten with fingers for your reception. This will make it easier for guests to mingle, dance and enjoy your wedding reception to the fullest. You will still need utensils, at least for the wedding cake, and just in case some of your guests prefer to taste their desserts using a fork or spoon.

There are numerous ideas for dessert reception table themes. A cookie table, loaded with a delicious variety of cookies, will have something everyone loves. Make it special by having a family favorite, and include some melt-in-your-mouth Mexican Wedding Cookies (you can find a great recipe here). Another dessert table idea is a candy table, including fudge, brittle, toffee and the like. You will likely want to have a cake table, with bite-size cheesecakes and brownies alongside slices of your beautiful wedding cake. A favorite dessert reception item that adds elegance and romance is a chocolate fountain along with pieces of fruit, cake, pretzels and marshmallows to dip in the decadent stream. Click here to find a chocolate fountain rental location in your area. Your beverage table should include coffee and hot tea, punch, and if desired wine or champagne. Finally, do not forget to include some sugar-free items and fresh fruit for people who might be diabetic or watching their weight.

Your dessert reception will be a sweet way to begin your new life together, and you and your guests will have delicious memories of the day.