Is serving just cake and punch okay?

I think it's fine

You should never throw a bigger party than you can afford. I will say though that you may have to base the time of the wedding around meal times. Like I think 2:00p.m. would be a good time for a cake and punch wedding, but around 6:00-7:00p.m.(dinner time) would not be. And make sure you have on your invites that it is a cake and punch reception and not a full meal. Happy planning!

Thank you so much that really helps but we were planning to have our wedding at 2pm

That's what we were originally planning on doing.

I think it is fine for a 2pm wedding!

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It's absolutely fine--and much better than either foregoing marriage because you feel like you can't afford it, or having a wedding you can't afford.

I agree, this is a fine option. And as mentioned, make sure that your guests know that it is a cake and punch reception, so they can grab a bite before they arrive.

I think it sounds fine, who doesn't love cake or punch! If you really want there to be more food, maybe you can have some friends or family members each bring a little something like pot-luck buffet style? You could even grab a few bags of chips and dip from the supermarket or bake some cookies (the mixes are only a few bucks and make about 2 dozen) and that way you could have a table of a bunch of goodies! Be creative and have fun! Have a great wedding!

Who doesn't love cake & punch!

I think that sounds perfect. That's what my parents did. Cake, punch, and pillow mints in the church reception hall. It was lovely.

The 2pm wedding time is a big hint but I would write "Dessert reception to follow" or something similar on your invitations.

Congratulations~

I like the dessert reception part. im thinking of doing the same. thanks krisalicious for the suggestion!

OK my question is this: what all do you do for this?? We have very little money to put towards a wedding, and I love this idea. However, do you still spend the money on the dress? How long would be a reasonable reception time - length?? I just don't want to spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars on a dress that would only be worn for a couple of hours...... we would still do a toast, first dance, parent dance, and that good stuff... plus appetizers..... would love input because we are considering this too!!!

Would love a platinum wedding, but on a walmart budget.....

There's no reason why you can't have a dress - Davids Bridal has $99 gowns at least twice a year. Then there are also websites like the Budget Bride or even Craigslist where brides sell gently worn dresses.

For your bouquet a bunch of roses purchased at your local grocery store can be put together easily for a hand-tied bouquet for around $15 or you can do silk flowers - watch for Michaels or Hobby Lobby to have their silk floral stems for 50% off. I just bought white calla lilies for $0.99 each and it doesn't take but 5 or 6 to make a bouquet from them.

For food - I agree, people love dessert! Cookies are great because you can make them ahead of time. Cupcakes are fun but probably wouldn't want to make them more than a day ahead of time.

You can still have a beautiful wedding on a budget. And we're here to help you with any questions you have.

Congratulations!

I think it fine. I would out it on the invitation so that your guests know to eat beforehand. Like, "Cake and punch following ceremony"

Yes, I think its an excellent idea, choose a time that will be suitable for just cake and punch, and do what you can afford, amazing and touching doesnt have to be expensive!! Good luck!

Im havinga snd hand dress- its beautiful.. and were having punch and cake.. it all u we can do

I think it would be ok. Whatever your budget permits if fine. They are comeing to celebrate with you, not eat with you. Good luck to you!

@Jacqueline- It wouldn't be sensible to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on a cake and punch reception wedding.. if you're budget is already low, put your money where it matters most. As Linda said, it really isn't hard to find an affordable dress! Mine was a $99 dress from DB (all though I recommend ordering from the online store.. MUCH more options and you can return it if necessary).

I kind of wish we'd had a cake and punch reception... we're a little too late in the game to change ;P aaaaaaaaaaaah well. would be nice to save all that money.. haha..

I think whatever your budget allows. sounds fine. its great that you are aware of your limits which a lot of brides dont. happy planning

I think it is totally fine to do cake and punch.

There is nothing wrong with doing a cake and punch reception- at appropriate times. Obviously, you wouldn't want to do it at 6pm- because people will be expecting a meal.

Just make sure you aren't spending serious change on other items, then skimping on food. If you were buying a $1500+ dress and serving cake and punch- that would be wrong. But that's not what you're doing.

The only suggestion I have it to put Cake and Punch Reception to Follow on the invitations- so guests are expecting that.