You don't have to spend a lot on your wedding reception catering in order to show your guests a good time. You can have a classy catered affair without breaking your reception budget with a little careful planning. Saving money on catering doesn't have to mean serving your friends and family members hot dogs and hamburgers, unless you're going for a casual, campfire-inspired feel. 

There are several things that you can do in addition to choosing more inexpensive foods to save cash. The good news is that you can also afford to hire a professional caterer as long as you make a few items yourself, and don't have an open bar.

Here are some wallet-friendly tips for catering your wedding reception:

1. Don't Hire Servers 

While you can hire a caterer to provide the celebratory food, refrain from hiring professional servers as well. Consider serving the meal buffet-style, so that guests can customize their own plates and take them back to their tables. 

Another idea is having the caterer set up serving stations, where guests can serve themselves. For instance, you can have separate meat-carving, pasta, salad, dessert and beverage stations.

2. Make the Appetizers or Desserts Yourself

Unless you're having a very large reception, think about making the appetizers or desserts yourself to save a bit of money. Have the caterer provide the main course, and then make a selection of dips, fresh salads or bite-size sweet treats in your own kitchen. You can also enlist in help from a friend or family members who loves to cook or bake.

3. Only Serve Non-Alcoholic Beverages 

If you're on a limited reception budget, an open bar is most likely out of the question, so consider serving only non-alcoholic beverages instead. You can get creative with the drinks, serving everything from fresh fruit smoothies to tropical punches.

If you prefer to allow guests to drinks, give them a bring-your-own-beverage option after clearing it with the reception venue first. 

3. Have a Sweets Station Instead of a Cake

One of the most costly wedding reception items is a fancy cake, but you don't have to sacrifice dessert in order to save money. Some other sweet treat options include a cupcake cake on a pretty tiered stand, a dessert sampler tray filled with bite-sized brownies, frosted petit fours and homemade caramel candies, or a build-your-own ice cream sundae bar.

You can also set up a candy table, which can also serve as party favors. Place colorful confections, such a gumballs or rock candy sticks, in vintage apothecary jars and have guests fill small bags with their favorite treats.