How Common? Cake and Punch Reception

View Quoted Comment What did she have for appetizers? I was thinking of adding some. Did she have other aspects of the event like dancing and speeches?

As long as you’re telling your guests what’s going to be served than there shouldn’t be a problem. If your FML gets offended, that’s her problem. This is your day, not her’s.

View Quoted Comment No she just didn’t pictures, had about six high top tables for people to “hover around”, with chairs lining the venue walls for people who wanted to sit. She had an ice cream bar, cookies, brownies from Costco. Also had veggie wraps, fruit and veggies with hummus, popcorn, and probably some other stuff I can’t remember. Had a caterer do some of the larger platters.

Sorry typo; *she didn’t. She just did pictures after and lots of mingling and nibbling then people left. Had punch, coffee, lemonade

I think as others have said as long as you make that clear. Everything depends on the circle. I have never been to one nor heard of one until joining this site. I like the idea of maybe some small appetizers like cheese and crackers or a fruit tray? Sam's club has great prices. Once I hit my thirties I never saw the purpose of shelling out so much money so I did think if I had a wedding where more guests would be invited doing something like a cocktail hour during a non meal time like you. I like what Kirsten said you are good to go as that will be stated on the invitation and during a non meal time and I do not feel anything will be awkward and in regards to the last thing you posted ignore the word traditional. Traditions change over time and I feel each person can make their wedding like they want. I feel that you can make it a good time how you want.

View Quoted Comment I honestly think it will work well for our group. With it being such a small group, I assumed there would be more mingling with background music. I’ve also asked for recommendations about appetizers. I know we want a fruit tray, veggie tray, meat and cheese trays. We may do something else like tea sandwiches. I’m still thinking on that. Overall, I don’t think anyone will leave hungry, but I still want the wording on invitation.

I honestly have never heard of a cake and punch reception. I think given the circumstances and how small the wedding is, it wouldn't be a bad idea to have a cake and punch reception. And I'm sure all the people coming are very close with you so I don't think they would be upset. I'd go for it if I was you. Just make sure everyone knows it's not a full meal.

View Quoted Comment What type of appetizers did they have?

I personally haven't been to one, nor have I ever been invited to one, but it seems from the WW forums that plenty of people have them. As long as all of your guests are local, cake and punch receptions seem like a great way to celebrate your marriage with your family/friends while saving a boatload of money in the process.

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Oh no definitely say on the wedding. Years ago I went to an evening wedding for my sorority sister and it was basically like a cake and punch reception and I and other guests ended up at an applebee's bc we were starving lol. Had I know I would have prepared. As long as they know in advance and I think some background music and the opportunity to socialize is perfect. If budget allows, maybe some sandwich platters like you said with fruit and veggie trays and cheese and meats is plenty.

View Quoted Comment It’s been so long I can’t remember what all they had! I know they had a meat, cheese & fruit tray. And they had delicious meatballs!

I’ve never been to one, but I know they used to be the norm! I see no issue with having one, especially since you aren’t planning on having it through dinner time. It’s a great way to save money and still ensure that everyone mingles and has a good time. People can go out for meals after if they’d like.

I've personally never been to one and I'm not sure how common they are in my area since I've never heard of them until I joined here but I think its a cute idea especially if you don't have a lot of people.