Do bridesmaids/groom's men normally pay for their own dresses/suits?cheap reception?

Yes, the bridesmaids and groomsmen pay for their own attire. The men usually just rent, but you pick them out. A finger food buffet is perfect, spend more on the finger food than dessert, because your cake will be dessert. You can have trays of meats and cheeses, fruits and veggies with all kinds of dips, chicken wings, burritos sliced and on it's side, chips, salsa, walking taco, nachos, punch, broccoli salad, pasta salads, potato salads, jello just to name a few.

Hi, Attendants usually pay for their own attire. Keep in mind though, the budget of your attendants, so that you are not choosing something that they can not afford. As for your reception, to have a reception with dancing, you really do need to provide a proper meal for your guests. If you are opting for finger foods (& limiting the amount per guest!!!), then you might consider doing a luncheon instead of a dinner. If you have your heart set on a dinner/dance, please, please provide a proper meal. Sandwiches & finger foods do not belong at a wedding reception.

No, a reception like that sounds wonderful. Not the slightest bit tacky I don't think. The bridegroom don't usually pay for the bridal parties attire any more. The bridesmaids pay for their dresses and shoes and it's the same for the groomsmen. I wouldn't be offended but as a bridesmaid, I would appreciate it if the bride picked a dress that was of reasonable price and it was something I could wear again. You should talk to your bridal party about their budgets and make sure they agree to paying for their out fits before choosing anything though so that everyone knows where they stand.

Most people these days don't have a problem with paying for their own dresses/suits because they realise how much a wedding costs. We offered to pay for our bridesmaids dresses etc but they insisted that they pay, same with the groomsmen. Im sure your bridal party will understand if you discuss it with them. Have you looked into a cocktail wedding reception. They are becoming more and more common all the time. I don't think they are tacky. Also try to do as much of the decorating and stationery yourselves. It is fun and you will save heaps of money.

The bridal party pays for their own, just keep it reasonable. I think your reception idea sounds fine.. except... I'd have more finger foods/snadwiches than desserts. If people are rushed for time they may not get to eat a proper meal. It's better to fill up on meats, cheeses and veggies than cookies, cakes and pudding. And I think more people would prefer it. I know that I personally would get sick if I skipped lunch and replaced it with desserts. It screws up my blood sugar levels and I get very very sick.

yes they normally pay for their own - to an extent. if you find these very expensive dresses and they think they can't afford them, but you insist that they have those dresses, then you should pay. for my wedding, i let my bridesmaids pick out the dress themselves. i just told them what color i wanted. that way, it wasn't a problem with them paying since they picked it out

Yes, bridesmaids AND groomsmen are expected to pay for their own attire - dress/suit or tux rental, alterations, shoes, accessories (unless you are giving them jewelry/cufflinks as gifts). I think a light fair reception sounds fine. Your caterer can suggest the right amounts and combinations of food so people don't go hungry.