When organising a wedding reception you are probably planning a party for at least 50 people, maybe even as many as 100 or 200, so first you need to decide if you are going to organise it yourselves or if you want to leave it to the experts.

There are lots of different options available for your wedding reception, and you need to choose the most suitable one for you, taking into account how much it is going to cost.

Weighing up the options

Most hotels and large venues can provide you with a range of menus, from a simple finger buffet to a full-on seven course dinner.

You will usually be quoted a price per head for the food and this can vary greatly depending on the type of venue you have chosen.

There is usually a separate charge for the hire of the room as well and this can sometimes be several hundred pounds.

If you are on a budget then it is best to go for a simple buffet, but if you find you have got the cash to spare and you want to go for the full works then invest in a more lavish affair. You don't always have to go for the menu options provided and if there is something you want to change this can generally be done. You will find it works out a lot cheaper to stick to foods that are in season at the time.

When booking the venue you only need to give the caterers a rough idea of the number of people coming but you must confirm this nearer the time, otherwise you will be charged for people who don't turn up.

Usually caterers can make amendments up to 48 hours before the wedding.

You need to start looking at reception venues very early in the planning stage. It is best to shop around and see which one offers the best value for money but this could take several weeks.

Speak to people who have got married recently and see if they can recommend anywhere, or think about receptions you have been to yourself. Which venues did you prefer?

Popular tipples

As well as the food you also have to think about what you are going to offer your guests to drink.

Champagne is the traditional drink for toasts and many couple choose to have this throughout the reception and the meal.

Although this may seem like an expensive option a lot of your guests won't have more than a glass because they will be driving. Or you could just have champagne for the toasts and then move on to sparkling wine, which is a much cheaper option.

A good indication of what you should allow for is six glasses of champagne per bottle and three glasses, or half a bottle per personfor a two or three hour reception. Similarly if you are drinking wine with the meal allow half a bottle per head. Some people may drink more but others will drink less so in the end it should work out right.

Caterers

If you are choosing to hold the reception at someone's house or in a marquee you will need to hire your own caterer, unless you are lucky enough to have someone in the family who will do it.

There are usually plenty of advertisements in the local press.

If you hire your own caterers you will have much more freedom when it comes to choosing food. Think about having more original choices for your main course such as lemon sole, venison or guinea fowl rather than the traditional chicken and salmon.

You could also choose a type of cuisine that is popular in the area of the country or the world that you or your partner are from.

Don't forget to have at least one vegetarian dish for those who don't eat meat or fish.

Another benefit to having the wedding at home or in a marquee is that you can also supply your own alchohol. You will often get a discount at off licences if you are buying in bulk making it far more affordable than paying hotel prices.

You will usually be able to hire glases as well free or charge, although you will have to pay for any breakages.