Franfogel wrote:

> I'm helping a young relative plan her wedding. She and her fiance don'=
t have a
> lot of money, but would like to have dinner for their guests, not just =
wedding
> cake and champagne. What is the least amount they can spend and still =
have
> something respectable? Even the venues are pricey and don't include fo=
od.
> Would I be correct in thinking that they would do better going with a b=
anquet
> hall that could sell them a package, rather than renting a venue and br=
inging
> in food themselves? If anyone's planned a wedding recently and has som=
e good
> advice I'd love to pass it on to her. Thanks!

Have the considered eloping? That would save a bundle.

Personally, I don't like the pretentious sit down dinners with all the si=
lly
frills. I am astounded by the money that people waste on a wedding, with =
so many
brides wanting to be treated like a princess for a day. There is no need =
for center
pieces on every table (to be given away at the end of the reception).

I much prefer a simple reception with cocktails and canap=E9s. Our weddin=
g reception
was held in the back yard of my wife's parent's home. They rented a marqu=
is tent
and hired a caterer and bar tender. It turned out to be a nice day and e=
veryone
had a good time. A number of our friends still comment on what a nice re=
ception it
was, and that must be a test of their memories because it was more than 3=
0 years
ago.