Affordable Reception Restaurant Location – Low Budget

Questions To Ask When Planning An Affordable Reception Restaurant Location

Last post I wrote about low budget, Affordable Wedding Locations. Choosing to have your wedding  in a more affordable location usually means having your reception and wedding in  different locations. Restaurants have become a popular and affordable  reception location or venue for a low budget wedding, especially for smaller weddings.

Why does a restaurant save you money over renting a facility?

• No chairs, tableware, glassware, and linens to rent.
• No need have to hire a caterer.
• Decorations and decor are already in place because a restaurant comes with an inviting, welcoming ambiance.

What other reasons are there for choosing a restaurant?

• A broad choice of unique locations.
• Most restaurants come with a distinctive ambiance and décor, which allows for individual taste being reflected in your environment.
• Restaurants have a particular and unique cuisine.
• Restaurants want return business, unlike a wedding location, so often you get more personal attention.

How do you find a suitable restaurant to fit your low budget wedding?

• Search Google using these possible search phrases: (city, county, or state) restaurant reception location (site), (city, county, or state) restaurant wedding reception location (site)
• Search local Chamber of commerce: at Half Moon Bay Coastside Chamber you can do a search for restaurants.
• Consider a restaurant that doesn’t normally have receptions, perhaps one where you are a regular customer and they may be open for your reception.
• Here is a list of San Mateo Coastside restaurant locations at Weddings By The Sea.

What things should you consider, what questions should you ask?

• Can the restaurant handle your number of guests?
• Do they have a location apart from regular diners or do you need to rent the whole location? The best option when you have a limited budget is to choose a location with more than one dining area or that has private dining facilities.
• Is there an option for brunch or buffet?  What is the cost difference between a sit-down dinner and a buffet?
• Are their options for dishes to select from? Can there be individual ordering for each guest?
• Are there enough bathrooms and parking?
• What amenities are included with the event?
• Does the quoted price include the waitperson’s tips and parking for the guests?

One final tip: Be sure to test the food several times yourself and experiment with different dishes.
Authored by Terry Plank