How long for cake reception?

Your reception should start at the end of the ceremony. Start serving the drinks. If you are only having cake & punch, most people will begin leaving as soon as they are done eating, maybe slightly later. They will not hang around waiting for your departure. I'd wrap everything up by 4:30.

I think 2 hours, tops.

5:00 seems appropriate.

ETA: Meaning, wrapping things up at 5:00pm, if that is what you are asking.

Thanks everyone!!

I'd opt for a super short reception just because being the center of attention is not our favorite thing; but I don't want people feeling pushed out or like we are frustrated we can't get to our honeymoon. That's another reason why I ask.

My mother's a diabetic. You wouldn't hold her there very long, with just a glass of water.

Two hours is great!

I agree with the pps! Start the reception immediately following the ceremony (2:30) and wrap up by 4:30!

Oh! Yes, that was another thing I was going to ask. My grandma is diabetic. What do you suggest I do for her? Have some fruit instead of cake? Did anyone have any folks with allergies? Do I provide stuff to people with allergies or just let it go + not stress over it. Maybe include a wedding menu to those I know have allergies? Our guest list is so small (100-120) + we both know everyone pretty well.

I'm thinking mine will be about an hour at most. Our ceremony is a lot smaller than yours (20 people), we will serve finger foods as soon as the ceremony ends while we take the rest of our formals, and cut cake as soon as we are done. Once everyone is served cake, will thank everyone for coming and hoping they will trickle out. Our ceremony starts at 5 and we are hoping to have everything wrapped up by 7. FH and I have dinner reservations at 7:45 and I don't want to be late!

I would have some fresh fruit and regular iced tea available for people avoiding desserts. In terms of other allergies like gluten, we're going to get maybe half a dozen gluten free cupcakes because we know of a couple people with restrictions.

I wouldn't go past 4-4:30, you start getting into dinner time.

You should try to accommodate your guests with dietary restrictions. Has anybody listed them on their RSVPs? To be safe, maybe offer some vegan cupcakes for guests with egg or dairy allergies, gluten free cupcakes, and something nut free. For the diabetics, maybe some coffee and tea instead of a sugary drink, and a fruit platter.

Yup agree with ending by 4pm latest to avoid dinner. You can have your send-off at 3:45 or something for fun pictures and a definite signal to people that it is the end of the event. I also agree with others about providing a wide selection of desserts if it is the only thing for the reception!

SO many good thoughts!!! Thank you, everyone!