Cake and punch reception.

A bit from everyone on here but I'm completely clueless as to when it is a good time to host it. That's where my real problem lies. Originally we were thinking a 3 pm ceremony... Would that work with the cake and punch reception? Besides the cake and drinks we do also plan on having some food other than cake.

Does that sound fine?

It depends on how long you want to host your guests. If you move the ceremony to 2 pm, then follow it with a cake and punch reception, no one would expect a meal. You are providing a mid afternoon snack. The closer the end of your reception runs to your normal dinner or supper hour, the more your guests will expect a meal.

2:30 or 3 sounds fine. It'll be over by about 5 for people to go have supper. You can plan on having an intimate group go to dinner around 6. It sounds nice

Technically, all you need is cake and punch. If it's 3pm Ceremony, you can do a cake/punch thing and have it last until 5:30pm or so. You do not have to provide alcohol but if you do, maybe a glass of champagne for toasting?

Other than that, you can provide a few bites of food if you choose to but no need for anything extravagant, fancy or expensive really.

So long as your guests have a place to sit in a comfortable location, cake and punch is all you need.

You can skip the traditional stuff too like first dances, DJ etc. Maybe have some light music in the back, a night photographer and some speeches/toasts.

Thank you guys.

That's great to hear... Perfect really.

We weren't planning on having a first dance anyways, neither of us dance.

Yup!!! Cake and punch reception right here!!! Wedding will be between 2-230...then cake, finger sandwiches, fruit plate, cheese and crackers, sparkling drinks, and light background music...

Sounds like a lovely day! I'm all for the smaller intimate wedding setting. Congrats.

The only thing I can think to add from what I said earlier, is make sure any OOT guests know it's a cake & punch reception, because to spend all that money to travel and get a hotel, then only get finger food and 2 hours of your time may not be received well if you don't tell them ahead of time.

Maybe use the phrase "cake and light refreshments to follow" on the invite.

You can do it if you pay for both.

We'll definitely be paying for our guests.

And I had my plans noting that on the invite just for the sake of transparency, no OOT guests to worry about!

Yep that's a solid plan. If you're going out for dinner I would invite everyone that is at the reception. Otherwise it will look like you're tiering the VIP's for dinner. The ceremony should be at about 2 if you're planning cake/punch type event.

Another idea would be a small ceremony and then everyone goes out to a nice restaurant for dinner (you host, of course). That way, you don't have to fuss with getting a venue, band, caterer etc. One stop shopping.

Sounds like a great plan!

It sounds good. Personally, I like the idea of moving the ceremony time up to 2:00, and have the refreshments from about 2:30-4:30. I like the options Sonia is offering in addition to cake and punch - finger sandwiches, cheese / crackers, fruit / veggies. It would also be nice to offer champagne.

Then cool!