How do you do a cake and punch reception?

Your title says a cake and punch reception, but your post asks about a brunch reception. This is confusing - they aren't the same thing.

Are they not? Well, goes to show what I know. What's the difference?

A crunch reception would be cake, punch, and brunch.

Brunch is done during a mealtime- 11am to 1pm. Cake and punch is done during a non mealtime, 2-4 pm.

A cake and punch reception is about 2 hours long where there is usually just desserts (like cake) and not a whole meal, no dancing, etc.

Has anyone done either of these or have planning tips?

Personally, unless it's an early wedding, I think it's not good hosting.

You don't know what brunch is? It's a meal. A combination of breakfast and lunch.

Cake and punch is literally just those two things at a non-meal time (although I would add fruit and other finger foods personally). Usually 2pm.

This has all been SO helpful! I think I'll start by learning what brunch is!

Those both sound like nice options! Early-mid afternoon is definitely a good timeframe for a tea party or cake & punch reception- when you're not serving a full meal, you definitely want to stay away from mealtimes. Champagne, maybe some dessert wines, and coffee would be a great addition to to a dessert reception, and some little snacks too- definitely want there to be some food there if you're having alcohol. Hiring a couple string musicians to play would be a nice touch, or you could totally get away with just playing some downloaded background music if you're not doing announcements & special dances and whatnot (I'd get a DJ or MC if you're doing the traditional reception activities though!)

I love the idea of a brunch reception- I would think starting the reception any time noon or earlier would be good, but not 100% sure what's typical. You could do some different flavored mimosas & bellinis, maybe a Bloody Mary bar.

No matter what you choose (brunch or cake and punch), please hire a licensed bartender. It's their job to make sure people don't get super wasted. If someone is obviously sloppy a good bartender will cut them off. Maybe have just beer, wine, and typical brunch drinks like mimosas?

Brunch = breakfast and lunch foods, mimosas, Bloody Mary, coffee, etc.

Brunch weddings have become a big trend and can be a good way to save money as long as you make sure there's plenty of substantial food and drinks. The tone of the reception will be different, so if you've always imagined dancing the night away with your guests, a brunch wedding probably isn't the best way to go.

Cake and punch weddings are done at a non meal time (think 2 pm). You would serve cake and punch, and ideally some finger foods. These receptions are fine as long as they're kept short and sweet. Don't expect your guests to party for hours if you're having a cake and punch wedding.

Oh, and this is off subject, but when you get a chance, it would be great if you would change your avatar (profile picture). Right now we're just seeing the default double rings picture, and that makes it hard for us to tell you apart from everyone else and start getting to know you. You can choose a picture of yourself or just about anything that you like...it's up to you! I'm posting instructions below, but if you have any trouble, just email a picture to community@weddingwire.com, and we'll be happy to update it for you!

More than breakfast, less than lunch. I love brunch. I think a 5 AM sunrise ceremony on the beach and then a brunch reception would be wonderful!! A lot of folks might not agree with the 5 AM time though!