Wedding Receptions With All the Trimmings

I pity the poor unsuspecting parents of the bride when the estimates for the wedding reception start coming in. That’s when the yogurt hits the Cuisinart.

Trying to find bargains in anything pertaining to weddings is not easy, but where we need the most help is the reception. Hotels, of course, insist that you use their kitchens, and therein lies the trap. But there are some interesting locations where the cost of the reception can be trimmed considerably.

The Los Angeles Police Academy in Elysian Park is one of the most romantic settings in town. The nuptials are held on a bridge over a cascading waterfall in a secluded rock garden. The reception follows at the Police & Revolver Club, where a catered buffet runs $16.50 per person, for 200 guests or fewer. There’s no rental fee. For information, call (213) 222-9136.

In Agoura Hills, the Canyon Club has a wedding chapel for which it charges $350, but there is no charge for using its four banquet rooms, all with dance floors. The menu offers many variations. The sit-down dinner--which includes salad, vegetable, potato or rice pilaf, coffee or tea--ranges from $12.50 per person for a roast turkey entree to $17.50 for beef Wellington. Unlimited champagne punch runs $2.75 per person. As many as 500 can be accommodated. Call (818) 706-0977 for information.

If you have a good bargain caterer (Mom, for instance, or Kay’s Gourmet Catering in Westlake), the Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks’ Orcutt Ranch could put you ahead of the game. For five hours or less, the charge is $700, with a maximum of 175 guests. Orcutt Ranch, in West Hills, has room for both the ceremony and the reception. Tables and chairs are provided, and there is a guest house for changing. If beer and wine are served, a security guard must be hired. No hard liquor is allowed. For information, call Vicki Keoseian at (818) 785-5798.

With a little bit of planning, there’s a good bargain in Santa Monica’s parks. Weddings are treated just like picnics. The parks are free, and no reservations are possible. There’s no alcohol nor amplified sound allowed, but there’s also no bankruptcy after the ceremony. I’ve been to two weddings in Santa Monica parks, and they were terrific. For information, call (213) 458-8311.

Of course, the best bargain of all, and usually the most fun, is to hold the reception at home, where everyone gets involved. Quick! Call Kay’s Gourmet Catering at (818) 889-1161.

Once you know where and when, the next step is getting out the invitations. The Elegant Quill has more than 25 of the most popular bridal albums from which to choose and a full line of accessories such as programs, napkins, toasting goblets and guest books. If protocol isn’t your long suit, not to worry. Owner Ellie Haney is an expert on these matters. Just put yourself in her hands and save about 25% on the invitations. For information, call (818) 888-6135.

Geri Cook’s Bargains column runs every Thursday in Valley View. Questions about shopping may be sent to her, in care of Valley View, Los Angeles Times, 20000 Prairie St., Chatsworth 91311. Letters will not be answered individually, but topics of general interest will be discussed in future columns.