Tips for Hosting a Beautiful Baptism Reception on a Budget

Last updated on September 7th, 2020 at 06:47 pm

A baptism is a beautiful event that brings together your closest family and friends.  You want to throw a lovely reception to allow more time socializing with guests who have traveled to show support on such a special day, but cost is a factor. Never fear, Jennifer Carver, from Spaceships and Laser Beams, is here sharing her tips for hosting a beautiful baptism reception on a budget.  Take note of Jen’s budget saving ideas for invitations, reception décor and refreshments.

Tips for Hosting a Beautiful Baptism Reception on a Budget

Tips for Saving Money on Invitations

If funds are limited, consider saving money on your invitation expenses by paring down your guest list to your most intimate friends and closest family members.  The truth is, those “other” people may actually feel relieved by not being invited if your relationships are not tight knit.  This will significantly cut down on the number of invitations you need to print and mail.  Next, instead of paying premium price for a graphic designer or boxed invitations, try your skills at making your own.  Choose your favorite photo or two of the guest of honor and add details with a simple, free photo editing program.  Based on your budget constraints you can choose whether to print the invitations or send digitally via email.

Tips for Saving Money on Decorations

While it’s perfectly acceptable to “go all out” when decorating for a religious ceremony, it’s also acceptable to keep décor to a simple elegance.  Inexpensive items from dollar stores can be dressed up with spray paint, glitter and ribbon for added sophistication. Keep your eyes peeled for candles, candlesticks, photo frames, vases and basic serving ware. While these items may seem ordinary, it’s amazing what a little elbow grease and ingenuity can do!  Candlelight adds ambience and elegance.  Picture frames can be filled with favorite pictures of the guest of honor or favorite religious scriptures or quotes.  Vases can be filled with inexpensive flower bouquets from your local farmer’s market or use them as balloon weights.  Speaking of balloons, they are a highly effective and budget friendly way to decorate.  They can be filled with helium or hung (without helium) from the ceiling to add drama and interest.  You can keep them white or clear for a classic look or add a pop of color.

Tips for Saving Money on Refreshments

The biggest tip for saving money on baptism reception refreshments is to keep your menu simple.  In fact, rather than serve a full meal, you can serve some palette pleasing appetizers and have a dessert bar with just a few offerings.  Finger appetizers and desserts are perfect for cutting down the amount spent on utensils.  Some popular items to consider:  meatballs, veggies, fresh fruit served on skewers or toothpicks.  A tray of meats, cheeses and crackers is also popular. Mini cupcakes and brownies or dipped marshmallows arranged on trays make a lovely and inexpensive dessert bar.  Perhaps simplifying your menu will allow you to splurge on a signature dessert like a custom cake.

Keep the costs down on drinks by serving a flavored punch, lemonade or fruit-infused water instead of more expensive beverages.

Coupled with your own budget savvy, these tips will help you host a beautiful baptism reception on a budget.

Looking for recipe ideas for your reception? Try one of these!