Cake and Punch Reception

Celia, I never cared about the childhood friends and people who watched my fiancé grow up. However, if you're referring to the childhood friends that I consider my brothers and sisters, that's completely different. Those are just childhood friends, those are literally family just without the blood component. Also, I'm sure that my immediate family members aren't considered just "some" people. Those are the most important people in my life, not "some" people. I understand what you're saying, but I don't agree. And yes, I did ask if it was okay, and I greatly appreciate everyone's feedback; however, no one really answered my other question lol.

Everyone who chose to answer only one part of the thread is wasting their time. If I edit the post to only ask about how to plan for a cake and punch reception, will that help save you time, because you're the one that keeps coming back. Also, I'm not wasting everyone's time, because some people seem to agree with me while a few other don't. AND THATS OKAY. Everyone has different opinions and I can respect that. Just because I don't agree with yours doesn't mean I'm wasting everyone's time.

Idk why I'm in the minority here but I see nothing wrong with this. We tell people all the time to host cake and punch receptions when they can't afford a full meal. Absolutely nothing wrong with this scenario.

OP, have your reception between 1-4. Serve cake and punch and appetizers, maybe mimosas and bloody Mary's or wine and beer if you can.

And if this was a friend of mine, and I knew they were taking family only out to celebrate after? Good for them. I wouldn't feel slighted in the least.

Geesh, she's made a smart choice here and she's still catching flack for it. Let it go people.

Can't believe I'm white knighting a thread. OP you clearly have this handled and I hope it works out for the best for you!

I honestly think it's fine

That's really a tiered reception at that point. What if one of your friends as another friend what they're doing after the wedding. First friend says, "we're going to the wedding dinner". Other friend, "wait theres a dinner?". Awkward.

Bemyguest, thank you for adding the type of beverages we could serve! I'll add that to our list.

Thank you nolegirl

@marykate j, the cake and punch for a large group with the small dinner later for your immediates is fine. I too have a few closer than close friends who I consider family. If I was doing a celebration like this, of course they would be invited. As far as cake und punch, I really don't know. I would just do desserts, a wedding cake and nonalcoholic drinks as it is in a church. I might have some cold catered sandwiches and dips.

Invite who you want with you to dinner that evening and call it a day. Do what YOUR budget can afford, if anyone cant understand and/or is offended then there is no rule against them showing up to the restaurant and paying for their own meal.

To answer your cake and punch portion....if you do this, make sure that it is an a non-meal time. For instance, ceremony at 1:30 followed by cake and punch from 2:30 to 4PM.

You do not want guests to assume that there will be anything other than cake and punch.

Personally, I do not see a problem with having a diner alter with your family...but it may be better to do that the next day and as other said, make it just dinner, not a reception style dinner.

Girl, this is fine. You are hosting a cake and punch reception for everyone who is attending your ceremony.

WAY LATER in the day you are having dinner with family and best friends. I don't see anything wrong with that. Do it.

I don't see any problem with your plan. I think it's smart to go with a minimal cake and punch reception to stay within your budget. As long as the dinner is relatively small, as you have described, I see no issues.

As far as how to plan, I would check your churches rules about having alcohol. If they allow it, you should offer some. I would also consider having a savory option for those who don't like sweets, maybe little finger sandwiches or a selection of dips. Definitely check with the church about what they have and are willing to let you use--plates, napkins, cutlery, serving dishes. I know lots of churches have these items in their kitchens and would be willing to let you use them.

" Also, I'm not wasting everyone's time, because some people seem to agree with me while a few other don't. AND THATS OKAY. Everyone has different opinions and I can respect that. Just because I don't agree with yours doesn't mean I'm wasting everyone's time.:"

Right, they agree with you, which indicates you already made your decision. It's a waste of time asking us what we think when you had already decided what you were going to do before you even started the thread.

Personally, I see nothing wrong with this. Cake and punch reception is perfectly fine. And when you go out to dinner later that night it really is not anyone's business who the heck goes out to eat with you. Honestly, no matter what you say there will be people that will give you flack. You're not being rude, you are having the wedding you can afford. Good luck!!

I agree with @BohoRN2017...if everyone from the ceremony gets to stay for cake and punch that seems fine to me. Who cares what you do after the wedding reception is "over". No one should.

I have never been to a cake and punch reception nor are we having one...but from reading things on here timing I think would be the biggest thing to consider as you do not want to have it scheduled during a lunch or dinner hour because then your guests would expect more food. Early afternoon would probably be best timing and have everything done by like 3-4pm.

If I received an invitation to the wedding and cake and punch but not the intimate dinner with just the immediate family I would NOT think that it's rude!! If the invite just says cake and punch, then that is all I'm expecting!

I wish I could tell you what else to do during a cake and punch reception because I really don't know much about them but I just really wanted to comment saying that what you have planned is completely appropriate in my opinion.

BTW: cake and punch reception to my understanding is having a few light snacks or apps, your wedding cake, and beverages. It is held at a non-meal time and does not last any more than 1-2 hours.

Why ask if it's OK though, and just stick with what you have planned, followed by only responding to those posters that validate this plan? It's abundantly clear that this is what you're going to do.

This is what we did at our wedding. We had a few trays of pinwheel sandwiches and fruit platters in addition to the cake and punch for our guests in the church hall after our ceremony. We later went out to dinner with our best man and matron of honor and their spouses.

Executing a cake-and-punch reception can be as simple as having a venue, buying cake and drinks, and putting something like "Cake and Punch to follow" on the invitations. If it's not at meal time, you'll be perfectly fine.

Oh, and your plan sounds fine. Honestly, nobody should really bat an eye at it. I'm assuming it'll basically be family + wedding party at the dinner? Should be perfectly fine.

Thank you everyone!