I know at the SJGOR a private reception is the $75pp sit down plated dinner, and the semi-private is a free dinner at the buffet. They reserve a section for the group and then you eat with everyone else in the resort. We opted for the private reception, as providing a nice meal for all of guests is (we feel) the least we can do for all traveling down to share in our special day. Stick with the budget you have and I am sure your resort will make everything fabulous.