Can't find venue that allows self catering

Wedding at 1:00 or 2:00 PM and a reception that ends at 5:00 or 6:00 PM, "or so". With nothing but sugar, 2:00 - 5:00 is fine. With nothing but sugar, 1:00 to 6:00 is too much.

As others have said, conventional reception venues do not want to book a date with a couple who have no interest in providing a meal -- whether plated or buffet. They have a list of caterers they allow because their reputation is important to them. They know that your guests will walk away from their venue with an opinion based on their experience -- so, beyond the liability issues -- there's also the fact that they want to host full, fledged weddings that will impress your guests (we had a venue here that would not allow any silk/faux arrangements on their guest tables -- regardless of what the bride/groom wanted. Their reasoning was that they didn't want photos of their venue to land on social media unless real flowers were on the table). It's about branding.

That doesn't mean you can't have what is essentially a cake and punch reception. You may have to look at less conventional venues, but there are plenty of places that will hold a large group of people for an afternoon. You'll find one.

That's because it's a disproportionately bad idea- and a huge liability.

that's why.

i.e.

don't fucking do it. please.

You are planning a wedding from 1-6pm and only serving cake? No. That is far too long without substantial food. For a cake and punch reception, 2-4pm is enough. And I would also serve fruit and additional dessert options as well.

Have you looked into outdoor areas, such as parks or conservation areas? how about community halls, or event halls?

I know it sounds silly, but perhaps google search for venues for hosting a bridal shower or baby shower. Only because these types of events typically do not serve full meals, but will have something similar to a "cake and punch" reception; so a venue that would host a shower, would happily host you reception I'm sure.

ETA - Double post :-/

You should change the title of your thread. This isn't self-catering. This is bringing in desserts from an outside caterer. You're going to get a lot of flack from people thinking that you're self-catering. Have you checked local parks and community centers? Also, you can't have a reception that lasts that long without a meal. Plan for it to be a short and sweet two-hour reception at a non-meal time.

You are not self catering-- i would change your title to cake and punch reception. And the time should be 2-4pm something in between major meal times.... Most typical wedding venues are not going to book your wedding because they make money off their food. You need to look at less traditional routes such as parks/vfw's/church halls etc. Call your baker and ask for some suggestions or do some googling!

Having a cake and punch reception is fine, but a 5-hour cake and punch reception is too long, especially since you're going to be cutting into dinnertime. Have it from 1-4 and that way people will be able to go have dinner after.

As for venues, you'll have to consider parks or the fellowship hall at the church (if you're getting married at a church)...something along those lines.

Winter park farmers market. You can use your own caterer and it's so pretty there!

Eta: and I did say caterer. Not self catering. The rental itself is really affordable and you could even do 4 rivers for really really cheap. Not sure what part of central Florida you're in but I'd definitely serve a meal.

Sorry it wouldn't let me add a pic to my comment.

While I get saving money by having a cake and punch reception I would honestly reconsider how long the reception will be. Cake and punch weddings are great for saving money! But not if you are having it for an extended period of time. Also don't self cater anything, even appetizers.

I say good job to all the venues then! Don't self cater, at least go to Walmart and get cake cupcakes cookies etc

It may be hard to find a venue without an in-house caterer - and you're talking about a shorter reception, which may mean they make less on the venue and staff fees from you. Look for civic and nonprofit spaces - park structures, gardening societies, League of Women Voters, church halls, community centers, etc.

I would check with the bakery and see who they normally work with.

Shes getting her cake from a bakery.

I would say a recent center or community center that is maybe in a nice area.

As others have pointed out, you ought to change your post's title and take out the mention of self catering. You are planning a catered dessert reception from an outside vendor. Self catering would mean you or a family member were actually making the food, and self catering is a very hot topic on the forums.

You should wait to get married if you can't afford it.

I planned a work party last year and rented a Masonic venue. The rental was only $500 and they let us bring in our own vendors.

You need to find somewhere that you are just renting the space. So a lot of historic places, or town gardens...places that have a building but aren't a running business with a kitchen!