"Cake and punch" receptions

daisylove711

We are having a destination wedding, but would like to do something little in our hometown to celebrate. My future MIL suggested a "cake and punch" reception which I had never heard of! I googled it and spent lots of time tonight reading about them. We would have some fruit and veggie trays, a huge cookie table, and our wedding cake. It would take place around 2:00 p.m., but I'm not sure what day yet...? Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks! xoxo

Lasairiona

In my family, that is the only type of reception that people have when they get married. A full dinner completely throws them off. They are very common in church social circles and used to be the norm everywhere, especially in the South. If you watch period movies at all, Victorian/Recency, etc eras, that is the type of reception you always see there. Make sure you don't serve alcohol since you won't have anything on the menu to soak up the alcohol, thus keeping your guests from getting drunk very quickly. And many people don't like the taste combination either. You can have dancing with a dj if you wish but you'd need to serve sandwiches or tacos or something substantial later in the evening.

lyndausvi

I understand cake and punch receptions.  But personally  I think it's odd to have one after an event I'm not even attending.  Directly after the cermony. Yep, it's all good.Weeks after the ceremony.  Nope, it sounds gift grappy to me.

bethak

I agree with the PP. It works good immediately following a church wedding, but seems a little odd to have after the fact.We're having a modified cake & punch reception. We're having a full array of desserts and a wedding cake, as well as a coffee bar with loads of different Starbucks type drinks. We'll also have some fruit & veggie trays for those who don't want to eat so much sugar.

danieliza1127

I've been to a few receptions like that and they are perfect for that time of day, 2 or 3pm.  Just realize that this type of reception is typically shorter than an evening reception.  People usually stay about 2 or 2.5 hours and then leave.  I've never seen people dance at a cake and punch reception either.  So as long as that all sounds good to you, then it will be great!  Everyone will socialize and catch up with friends and family.  It's nice.

Leah&Christian09

I understand cake and punch receptions. But personally I think it's odd to have one after an event I'm not even attending. Directly after the cermony. Yep, it's all good. Exactly! Cake and punch receptions are the norm in small communities and generally where the couple doesn't have much money for the wedding. An at home reception is definately not mandatory, but if you choose to do it, it needs to be really nice.

jenn.daniel

I don't see a problem with it since you're having a destination wedding, and presumably your cake and punch reception would be for people who couldn't attend the wedding. What you're thinking about sounds fine, but I'd try to make it a fairly small event.

daisylove711

Thanks for all of the feedback ladies! I really appreciate it! Now, I must go and make some decisions!!