wedding reception in houston, tx... 4800$?

Check outside city limits . Another way to save is to think ouside the box and look for places that aren't labeled "event or reception halls" and you'll get much better deals like a resturant with a private room.

When I was planning in Cleveland and looking it was about 2-3k difference by only going about twenty minutes away. Even if you have to hire a car to make "shuttle" rounds because your guests don't/won't/can't drive themselves you may come out ahead in the end.

One couple rented out the meeting room at the local movie theatre. It had the long confrence table that they decorated with centerpieces and candles. As part of the evening they showed the bride and groom's movie they saw as their first date, or even do the slideshow thing. When the movie is not on the theatre can project some really great graphics onto the screen to help with ambiance.

Be careful when choosing outdoor locations like a park or something like you mom's house....it doesn't always save. By the time you bring in EVERYTHING you need like tents, tables, restrooms, etc. it can add up to be just as much as some reception halls.

Our reception (and probably ceremony) will be at the local Freemason's Lodge....sort of like an Elks. We get the whole thing all day for a donation, usually $100-$300.

Another option to check is state parks and with local Parks and Recreation in city hall. They can give you a list of city owned locations that you can rent and they are usually fairly cheap. For instance here there is a huge log cabin in one park, another has a historical mansion.

Some subdivisions have clubhouses that you can rent.

Pair your wedding with an activity. Dave and Buster's have gorgeous private rooms and if you pair it with something they offer like a billiard table they are very affordable.

Spend whatever you can afford...just make sure you've got many stocks of roast beef, roast pig, barbecue, and gravy!!! If you will personally attend to it...I am sure you can save enormous funding. After the guests have gone ensure that you've got something to stuff your stomach with.....eating the leftover roast beef, barbecue, gravy, can reall y make you forget the funds you've spent. Attend to it personally in order that you may be able to save hard -earned money!!!!!