Welcome dinner but no reception dinner?

I think that's fine since your wedding is early and you're doing a cake and punch reception after. It would be weird if you just had a ceremony the next day and no reception after the wedding.

Sounds like fun!

Normally I think that’s fine, I just wonder from how far your guests are coming? I have a lot of out of town guests as well; they are traveling from 3 hrs drive to 3+ hrs flight. I would make sure everyone’s clear on the plan in advance (wedding website, word of mouth) so they can decide if they want to come just for the overnight or stay longer and explore near you. They may assume they need to stay an extra day if it’s not clear and that’s not fair to them if they get hotels, flights, etc.
While it’s ok to do a cake and punch reception, since it’s not typical there may be assumptions that you’ll want to avoid. Also Saturday night flights can be cheaper than waiting until Sunday!

I don't think that's strange!

I guess as a guest I would think that’s different and maybe a little strange but I wouldn’t be angry about it. Especially since you’re still having cake and stuff. I think it should be fine

Why not do the dinner after the ceremony? That seems like it would be more convenient.

What you are doing is perfectly fine. Full meal receptions have never been necessary. But often family reunion type dinners/ gatherings, or two families meeting, or RD, or out of town RS, do something which often includes dinner, or a full meal worth of apps, the night before, or even a long lunch or cookout the afternoon before. Such gatherings are often hosted by parents or by relatives in the area who offer, so the couple focuses on their ceremony and cake and put chicken reception. The same is true when there is a gathering, not a repeat wedding but many people, the next day. Have fun .

This is rather unusual to me. As a guest and a bride I’d rather have the money spent on a more traditional reception meal than a welcome dinner. Welcome events are optional and extra, I’ve only gone to them if I was local to the wedding (and knew other friends/family were going) or one of us was standing up in the wedding. So as a guest traveling in I’d probably overlook the welcome dinner and then be scratching my head why there wasn’t a meal with the reception.

As long as your invites are clear on the plan, I think it’s fine! Just definitely make sure everyone knows so you don’t have people coming to the wedding hungry thinking there will be a meal!

I agree with PPs, make it clear it is cake and punch the day of!

I don't think so, because of timing of your ceremony. I think hosting the dinner the night before is a great addition.