Is serving just cake and punch okay?

I think this sounds lovely! I think you just have to look at what your priorities are. If your priorities are a fancy dress and great photos, but you aren't as interested in a long reception, you should have that!

I absolutely agree that you need to forewarn your guests.

I think it's elegant to have just cake and punch! You can do that so beautifully and nicely! Just be aware that wedding cakes can be extremely expensive. If your budget is a concern then there are always ways to do things for less.

I think it's perfectly acceptable and I love the wording that Kris suggested

I agree with the other ladies -- cake and punch is absolutely fine! I just attended a 2:00 wedding that had "light refreshments to follow" at the bride's parents' house. The light refreshments were delicious and were provided by a family member with a catering business (finger sandwiches, appetizers, dessert buffet, etc). We knew not to expect a full meal, based on the invite wording and the time of the ceremony, and no one was disappointed. It was lovely and everyone had a wonderful time.

Congratulations and good luck!

I think Cake and punch would be great.

My ceremony is today at noon.

It is at a Church we go to, so no cost for the Venue or reception.

Dress was $150, flowers were $90

I cooked 2 pans of chicken and a pan of rice, and several people at the church are bringing covered dish.

The Church has also provided the Cake

Low Stress, low budget, my total expense is under $500

Although I am stressing a little now.

Cake and punch is a wonderful idea. I think the ladies already stressed enough that you need to make your guests aware of this.

My advise it to make sure you understand that with a 2:00 wedding and cake and punch to follow, your guests won't stick around very long after the ceremony. They get hungry and leave to find something to eat. This is completely fine, just wanted to bring it to your attention (you probably already thought about it) so you wouldn't be dissappointed when the 'party' didn't last through the night.

I would do a dessert and punch reception... not just cake. You can jazz it up with different kinds of cakes on display (even if you make them all or buy them from the local grocery), add some cupcakes, candy dipped stick pretzels, mints, etc. A very pretty presentation would really do wonders. See image below.

I also think it's fine but stress Meghan B's point. If you have an inexpensive wedding and give me cake and punch I am completely fine with that. But please do not splurge on dress, shoes, hair and make-up then serve cake and punch to your guests. That would send the wrong message.