Unique, Affordable Wedding Reception Spots in St. Louis, Missouri

If you're planning your wedding, you probably know the drill: Hire the band, choose the flowers, pick a place for the reception, etcetera. Wait, go back. Picking a reception spot could possibly be the most important aspect of planning your wedding. After all, you and your guests will spend the most time there, and that's where you'll make the most memories.

You could always choose a run-of-the-mill reception hall. But why not boogie amongst the butterflies at the Butterfly House in Faust Park?

Now you have more choices than ever before for a very unique reception site. If gambling the night away is more your speed, The Casino Queen offers you a reception no one will soon forget. Or if you're an aspiring Picasso, the Contemporary Art Museum may be your dream-come-true. Even the Kemp Auto Museum is getting in on the act. Car Buffs can dance the night away next to antique autos and dream machines. History and Science aficionado's, don't despair. We've got you covered too. You can rent out the Missouri History Museum or The St. Louis Science Center for your big day. Just don't forget to book well in advance and follow these tips to get the best deal for your big day:

Negotiate, Negotiate, Negotiate! Don't be afraid to ask for a better price. Venues are competing against each other for those wedding reception dollars. So if you can, pit one against the other and don't get your heart set on a certain location. If saving money is your goal, remember, your reception will be special no matter where you have it.

Don't pick the most popular dates. If you choose to get married on a Saturday night in June, you can forget about wielding any negotiating clout. Instead choose a Friday or Sunday in January. If you make it a brunch wedding, you can also save on food and drinks. People usually eat and drink less during the day. And you can avoid Uncle Charlie's drunken scene!

Pay one flat fee instead of per-person. Try to avoid venues that charge per plate. I know that's hard if you're planning a sit-down dinner. But if you can arrange to pay one flat fee for the entire evening along with a buffet dinner, you'll save a lot of money. Face it, you'll have guests that are no-shows, and if you pay per person, that's a lot of wasted money. Also, picky eaters like buffets. That way they can mingle with different people in line and only eat what they want.

So, whether you're dancing with the butterflies or moving to the music alongside an antique Mercedes, you'll have the most fun at your reception if you just relax and enjoy it.