What is so bad about cake & punch

We made a little poem, the ending was please join us for a sweet treat after the ceremony. Everyone thought it was great that we warned/told them it was not a dinner. But sweets, cake pie whatever.

I wouldnt worry about what they think. If they want you to have more, then lets see the cash to make it happen!!! Cake & Punch is totally fine, its your wedding, not theres! Good luck

Cake and Punch is a perfect idea.

NOTHING IS WRONG WITH CAKE AND PUNCH.

Cash bars are considered rude in my circle. But there is nothing inhospitable about serving people cake and punch. That is simple and elegant and timeless.

Honestly, I would have LOVED a light brunch or cake/punch reception, but H wanted a late night dance party. And we had lots of people travelling from OOT, we felt like we should feed them dinner. But really, as a guest? I would SO much rather attend a short, sweet dessert reception than a hot-mess-half-a@@ party with soggy roast beef and a crappy DJ just b/c the couple was pressured to have dinner and dancing.

I can think of 3,573 etiquette blunders that are actually inhospitable to guests. Serving cake and punch is not one of them. Just make it a non-mealtime (2pm or 8pm), expect it to be short/sweet, spend the bulk of your cash on refreshments, and voila.

If your family wants something else, they can pay for it.

YAY KRIS! I agree with her, and she always says things in a way that makes you smile.

I've been to a fun cake and punch reception. I enjoyed it. The cake is always the best part anyway! And if your family isn't paying for a thing, they can't have an opinion. I'd tell them that too!

What is a cash bar? I know it sounds stupid, but I always thought it was just where everyone pays for their own drinks with cash?

Bottom line, do what you can afford and what you choose to do. If a cake and punch reception is your selection, then it is perfect. You can make a reception like this fun, festive and memorable.

There's really nothing wrong with cake and punch. Also, pressure is mostly the question of our own perception. You can also have a very small wedding with brunch for the closest family and a couple of friends. It's most certainly not all or nothing.

If you're planning for 2014, you have plenty of time to explore options and see what fits your budget and vision best. But remember, you can always say no to pressure.

I agree. There is nothing wrong with cake and punch. Mrs. S. gave some great advice...you do have plenty of time to weigh your options. In the end, if cake and punch is what fits the budget, I think it's perfectly acceptable. Maybe remind the people who possibly give you a hard time that it's better than nothing at all.

I hope you'll update your avatar so we can remember you in the future! The default rings could make you get lost in the crowd. Here's how to do that and more: https://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-forums/new-to-the-weddingwire-forums-please-read-before-you-post/b433c40c1a62b96a.html

Don't worry about what other people think and just have what you want/can afford. I don't think there is anything wrong with cake and punch and if people don't like (and they are invited) well then they don't have to come. The day is about your FI and you not about cake and punch!

You shouldn't be getting a hard time, especially since these same people are not willing to give you any financial assistance. There is nothing wrong with cake and punch.

Trust me, you could do things that are a lot worst.

I was just reading an article that brides feel pressured by family members to go over their budget when wedding planning.

That's ridiculous. You're just starting out, I wouldn't want to go to anyone's wedding knowing they were breaking the bank to have the party.

Welcome to WW, happy planning.

Not a damn thing is wrong with cake and punch.

Oh I completely understand this one! No one in my family has been to a wedding that isn't a big blow out dinner affair thing. And I know they are going to give me a hard time about mine too.

There is nothing wrong with a cake and punch reception! If they give you a hard time, ask them how much they are willing to put towards a big affair. Put up or shut up!

My mom always says "whatever happened to cake & punch receptions!"

There is certainly nothing wrong with it! Try to stick to your guns and not let people sway you into something you don't want or can't afford. It won't be any less special if you're not serving a gourmet meal.

Good luck to you!

We are doing it, too!!!!! Thanks for your post and I enjoyed reading the positive feedback of all the people that commented on your post. I am going to move my time back to 2pm and just indicate on the invite. We are on an extremely, super duper tight budget, too. The only problem I am having is that the FH is not agreeing with me that professional pictures important and I found a talented photographer to only do them for 650.00, no book included but CD. She did our engagement pictures. She got them done in less than a week. I loved her style, working with her and her pictures my breath away. My dress cost 150.00. We aren't having a wedding party. My dad paid for the church, which we will have for the reception. The FMIL is cake decorator and she is making our cake as a gift. We are also going to a sugar free option because my dad is diabetic, and sure they may be others that would enjoy that. I can not let go on the pictures. I am having a hard time.

He thinks we should forgo pictures and feed people. I totally disagree. I feel this should be our one indulgence

There is nothing wrong with a cake and punch reception. If your family wants you to have dinner served then tell them to fork over the money.

You are right to choose an elegant reception idea that will not break your bank. Cake and punch is an awesome reception!

Kris' advice is spot on!

No pun intended Maci!

@Jennifer I think you're absolutely entitled to good photography, and $650 is a great price for photography you love. If you were paying $2000 for photography and taking that out of the food budget I would say eeeeek, or if you had a $1400 dress and a potluck wedding like that post from the other day I would say hellz no. But I think what you're doing is just fine. And you know I would tell you otherwise!

Looking at it from the other direction, guests are entitled to be properly thanked for attending your wedding, but they are not entitled to a fancy dinner reception just b/c it's a wedding. If you're having a DW that requires them to buy $400 plane tickets and $300 hotel rooms then that's a different story, but if it's a hometown wedding and you thank them all graciously for coming in a way you can afford then it makes sense to me.