Go to college. Got a university or college in town? If so, that's a great place to look for a reception site. Many have alumni halls, faculty clubs and other facilities that are available to the general public at affordable rates. And you don't always have to be a student or alumnus to book a site.

Consider a business hotel. If you like the convenience of a hotel reception but not the costs, check out hotels that cater to business travelers. Why? Most are dead on the weekends and may be willing to cut a deal for a wedding reception. A bride in Los Angeles found dramatic savings. She priced a 250-guest reception (four-course, sit-down dinner, cocktail hour with open bar and appetizers, beer, wine and a champagne toast) for $7,500 at a Wyndham hotel. ''That's pretty amazing considering that this is Los Angeles,'' she said. ''I don't feel like we are giving up on the quality either. The food is excellent.'' An additional bonus: she got a special weekend hotel room rate of $75 for out of town guests, which is a steal in LA.