dinner a necessity?

LaceyH13

I may be opening a can of worms here...

I am getting married this summer (2:30pm start time) and am planning a cake & punch reception immediately following.

Reading on these (and other sites) boards makes me feel like the worst bride in the world! I would rather invite anyone who wants to come, and give everyone cake (lots and lots of cake!) than exclude a large group just to feed everyone dinner.

Am I alone in this?

snwilson0416

I believe a cake and punch reception is generally considered okay as long as it's not at a meal time.

brianabrad

Cake and punch is fine just as long as you let your guest know. Just make a note on the invite that a cake and punch reception will follow or something like that. Also, don't expect for your guest to stay much past 5:00pm. If the ceremony starts at 2:30 you'll likely be done by 3ish and you should go directly to the reception. If you need to take pictures do it before or after your reception ends.

bsn1752

I agree with PP.  Cake and punch is fine since it's not a meal time event.  Just make sure and note it in the invitation.  Something as simple as "Cake and punch reception to follow". 

Good luck!

Wiscisbliss

If your wedding isn't during a meal time you don't need a meal. 

If you are doing cake and punch (and it is in your budget) I might add a veggie tray or cheese and crackers in the mix.  In my brain people fall into categories when it comes to food they like: sweet, salty, and healthy. 

baystateapple

You are fine with the time of your wedding not serving a meal.  Just make sure that you let everyone know that it's going to be a cake and punch reception, and be aware that everyone will clear out by dinner time.  If you're okay with that, then by all means, go right ahead!  I've been to weddings with cake and punch receptions and had a blast.  You're not a terrible person for serving what you can afford.

AnnaKay12

Since you will be starting at 2:30, it is not necessary to serve dinner. In fact, if I went to a wedding that started at that time, I would find it odd if I were served dinner! I think a cake and punch reception is fine, but second the suggestion of notating this on your invitation to let your guests know.

MyNameIsNot

What you are doing is perfectly fine!  If you were doing cake and punch at 6:00, I'd give you the side eye, but in the afternoon, it is perfect.

As a matter of fact, cake and punch at 2:00 is a very popular suggestion on this board for people who are trying to keep a tight budget.  Cutting out the meal makes the budget much more reasonable.

aegrish

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_dinner-necessity?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:7f156b29-8599-4e28-a57e-61abd2cf7a84Post:97a17b1a-6e2d-455a-9a66-f9b47b9203b9">Re: dinner a necessity?</a>:
[QUOTE]Since you will be starting at 2:30, it is not necessary to serve dinner. In fact, if I went to a wedding that started at that time, I <strong>would find it odd if I were served dinner! I</strong> think a cake and punch reception is fine, but second the suggestion of notating this on your invitation to let your guests know.
Posted by AnnaKay12[/QUOTE]

I agree!  Lucy you are fine.  You are hosting what you can afford at the right time of day and your guests will appreciate it.

trix1223

Wouldn't be a problem for me at all.  It would be a problem if your reception were in the evening at a mealtime, but I think your idea is fine.  Just know that it will be a shorter reception, but that's fine as well!  Good luck.

w102nao

It is your wedding do whatever you want  

Have you thought about a cocktail hour? 

McKenna2012

I love cake and punch receptions!

DeadUtopia

The only suggestion I would throw in there is that if you are going to offer any kind of alcohol, even if it's just champagne or mimosas), then you should consider having simple fruit, veggie, or cold cut trays. Just have something available so people who do drink will have something else in their stomach. Also, I agree with PP's that you should at least mention on the invites/rsvp's that it will be a cake and punch reception so no one expects a full meal. BUT, other than that, what you described sounds really nice and it fits well within the etiquette for the time of day!