Appetizers / dessert only reception

I haven't been to a wedding like that, but I definitely don't think it's tacky! The gift is supposed to be in celebration of your new lives together, not because you're giving people food. My FILs often just go to ceremonies they're invited to (to save the couple money) and they still give gifts.

As long as the atmosphere is good and you and yours have a good time then don't worry about it!

I don't think it's tacky, you serve what's within your budget means. I've been to a cake & punch reception before & it was recieved well. I've also heard that appetizers can be just as expensive as a meal. Depending on the time of your reception, have you thought about a brunch reception? I'm having a backyard BBQ reception but I'll only have around 30-35 guest. Good luck with your choice.

Definitely not tacky! You don't owe anyone a specific type of wedding. It's quite literally your party!

I would prefer if people who hold a "cake and punch" or "dessert" wedding don't hold the weddings around meal times. If the wedding starts at 2, I think that would be perfect. But if the wedding starts at 11 and there is stuff until 1, you would hear my stomach growling in the wedding video (even if i snack beforehand).

I don't think it's tacky!

I would definitely take into consideration the time of your reception though. Don't have it at dinner time and not offer dinner

Growing up, my grandfather did a lot of ceremonies at our church (he was the Pastor) -- and then afterwards, there was just a cake/punch reception down the rec hall. It was considered the norm there.

It's not tacky at all, work within your means. Hold the ceremony and reception away from usual meal times and on the invitation state that cake and punch will be served. People will understand not to show up starving.

@Ashley - IMO, I don't think that it needs to be stated in the invitation since the deciding factor. But then again, other people advocate stating whether or not the reception is "dry", "cash", etc. lol idk.

My first wedding I had no clue what I was doing, so we had a buffet of heavy appetizers and wedding cake. Jokingly we told people we couldn't afford alcohol so they could BYOB. Well, everyone was full on our apps and cake and there was enough booze that I wound up having to drive my husband home because he got a bit tipsy... not to mention I had to pay my dj to stay an extra hour because my guests were having such a good time they didn't want to leave. Oh, and we got a lot of $$ from our friends and family. Point being, it's your wedding. Make it how you'd like it. If people love you and aren't all caught up in fancy meals and such, they will have a great time and you will still probably get the same amount of gifts had you had a five course meal. It's because they LOVE the couple and are happy for you! Good luck!

I have been to a wedding like that but it didn't go over well because no one knew. She did not put it on the invites (def do so your guests are prepared) so people did not eat before hand or know to eat the appetizers like a meal. I knew because I helped the bride the night before so my friends and I ate but the people at our table did not. We had to tell them there wasn't a dinner coming. It was odd because it was at a steakhouse and the only appetizers offered was a crab dip, vegetables, and a kabob. I think it is definitely fine to do as long as you put hour doers reception to follow so people know.

Appetizers and/or dessert reception sounds just fine! It should definitely be cheaper than a plated meal. Tips:

1. Like PPs have said, don't hold it at a standard meal time and don't have the reception last for several hours. A cake/punch reception starting around 11am is fine, but I'm going to be hungry by 2pm and starving by 3pm if I stick around (serving appetizers in addition to cake, though, would probably hold me longer).

2. On the RSVP card, say something like, "Please join us for an Appetizers and Desserts directly following the wedding at [PLACE]." This lets people know what they're getting.

I would never be upset with a bride/groom for not serving a meal and it wouldn't affect the gift that I give them.

What Karen said!! I love the idea! That was my original idea for my wedding, but Dad took over. Boo. Definitely make it clear to your guest that it will be a Lighter Fare.

Not tacky, but make sure your guests know what to expect.

What does the meal you serve have to do with gifts?

We will be having just cake and punch, because we simply don't have the budget to do anything beyond that. However, the ceremony time is at 3:00 in the afternoon, and the invitations will clearly state "cake and punch reception to follow" so that people know what to expect. I agree with Paris - whether you serve a meal or just some cake should have nothing to do with gifts.

It is not tacky at all. I could see having appetizers being more pricey than a sit down or buffet dinner.

If the apps will not be filling for a full meal, than have it on an non-meal hour such as 2 or 3pm. And let people know that it is not a full buffet or sit down dinner.

I have been to one. But it was not a traditional wedding either. The couple got married in Vegas and then had a reception when they came home. It was an evening reception, starting at 8 pm at a local bar that they loved. They had apps and cupcakes for people to eat, as well as an open beer and wine bar. I thought it was awesome - but then again, I wasn't expecting dinner either.

My cousin had one. Got married at 6:30 with a private ceremony then a larger reception with hot and cold apps and cake at 7:30. I didn't hear any complaints because most people knew to eat prior to coming with the late start time. I think as long as your reception does not cross over the "meal hour" you would be fine. However, I do not believe it was any cheaper for her.

I went to a wedding recently that offered heavy appetizers instead of dinner and I was surprised at how much food there was. My FH and I definitely had enough to eat and I'm pretty sure there was a lot of food leftover. The only thing I didn't like is that they only offered small appetizer plates which would not fit enough food to fill you. So I think we ended up with two highly stacked plates.

I don't think it's tacky, but I wouldn't do it at a typical meal time. If you are planning on having a really appy heavy reception, it may not be cheaper though - in my area, decent quality appetizers are more expensive if you are planning on having enough to feed guests at a meal time.

What about a how long should the reception be then. Our venue gives us 5 hours and was considering the same thing.