Afternoon Wedding Receptions: Cake-Only Celebrations

If you're looking to save money on your wedding, a cake-only reception is a great option. It's a retro, low-budget wedding trend that has been around since the ''40s and '50s, and it's a perfect way to include more guests in the celebration without breaking the bank. By hosting an intimate wedding ceremony followed by a casual party, young couples can save money on the wedding while still enjoying the love and support of their family and friends.

When planning a cake-only reception, it's important to choose an appropriate time of day, such as mid-morning or mid-afternoon, so that guests don't expect a full meal. It's also crucial to clearly state on the invitations that only light refreshments will be served, to manage expectations and avoid hungry guests!

While cake is traditional, you can also offer other dessert options like pies, cookies, or donuts. And don't forget the drinks! In addition to punch, you can offer coffee, tea, and even alcoholic beverages like champagne or Prosecco.

So, if you're considering a cake-only wedding reception, go for it! With careful planning and clear communication, your guests will have a wonderful time celebrating your special day.

Afternoon timing: 10 am or 2 pm are good options to avoid mealtimes

If you're looking to host an afternoon wedding reception with cake only, it's important to choose an appropriate time to avoid mealtimes. Selecting a time slot when guests are unlikely to expect a full meal can help set the right expectations and ensure everyone has a pleasant experience. Here are some tips for afternoon timing to make your cake-only wedding reception a success:

• Opt for 10 am or 2 pm: These time slots are ideal as they fall outside the typical lunch and dinner hours. By choosing one of these times, you can minimise the risk of guests expecting a full meal. It's a polite way to indicate that your reception will feature light refreshments without having to explicitly state it.
• Be transparent on the invitation: While 10 am or 2 pm are generally safe options, it's still a good idea to be transparent about the nature of your reception. You can include a phrase like "light refreshments" or "cake and punch reception" on your invitations to give guests a clear idea of what to expect. This helps set the right expectations and ensures that no one shows up expecting a full meal.
• Consider the season and day of the week: Weekdays before 6 pm in the winter can be a great choice as they are often cheaper for venue bookings. Additionally, there may be fewer scheduling conflicts for your guests, increasing the likelihood of attendance. Just make sure to take into account any seasonal variations in mealtimes, especially if you have a significant number of elderly guests or guests with young children.
• Provide a variety of beverages: While cake is the focus, offering a variety of beverages can enhance the experience. In addition to punch, consider coffee, tea, sparkling wine, or even alcoholic mixes like Irish Coffee or White Russians. This allows guests to customise their drinks and adds a bit of festivity to the occasion.
• Supplement with light snacks: In addition to cake, you can offer a few light snacks to accompany the beverages. This could include fruit, cheese, crackers, or small sandwiches. Just be mindful of the timing and season to ensure that your chosen snacks align with the overall atmosphere and theme of your reception.
• Emphasise the social aspect: Remember, the primary purpose of your reception is to celebrate your special day with your loved ones. Focus on creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere where guests can socialise and enjoy each other's company. A cake-only reception can be just as memorable and enjoyable as a traditional meal reception when the emphasis is on celebration and spending time together.

Invitation wording: light refreshments or cake and punch can be included

There are many ways to indicate to your guests that your wedding reception will include light refreshments, cake, and punch. Here are some ideas for invitation wording:

• "Light Refreshments to follow"
• "Cake and Punch Reception to follow"
• "Dessert Reception immediately following"
• "Cake and Champagne Reception to follow"
• "Light Appetizer Reception to follow"
• "Champagne Reception to follow"
• "Light Refreshment Reception to follow immediately after the ceremony"
• "Cake, Punch, and Dancing to follow"

It is important to specify what will be served to ensure your guests do not expect a full meal, especially if your reception is at a mealtime. An afternoon reception is a good option if you plan to serve only cake and punch, as guests are less likely to expect a full meal outside of typical lunch or dinner hours.

If you are concerned about guest expectations, you can also include additional information on your wedding website or inform your parents and bridal party in case guests inquire about food.

Drinks: serve punch, coffee, tea, and/or alcohol

Afternoon wedding receptions with cake and punch are a great way to celebrate with friends and family on a budget. It's a good idea to specify on the invitation that it will be a cake-only reception, so guests know to eat beforehand and don't expect a full meal.

If you're serving punch, consider providing a couple of different options, as well as non-alcoholic drinks like tea and coffee. You could also include milk and cookies or arrange for an ice cream sundae bar to go with the cake. If your budget allows, you could include some alcohol. You could have an open bar, or just offer beer and wine. If you want to keep costs down, you could have an open bar for cocktail hour, then switch to wine and beer. Alternatively, you could host the first round and then switch to a cash bar.

If you're serving tea and coffee, you could set up a self-serve table with different types of tea and coffee, as well as milk, sugar, and other additives. If you and your partner are coffee enthusiasts, you could ask your favourite coffee shop to set up a station at the reception. You could also offer coffee-flavoured desserts or coffee-based cocktails, like coffee with Kahlúa shots.

Cake alternatives: consider pies, cookies, brownies, or cupcakes

Cake alternatives are a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding reception. Whether you're not a fan of cake, want to showcase your favourite dessert, or are looking for a more budget-friendly option, there are plenty of delicious alternatives to choose from. Here are some ideas to consider:

Pies

Pies are a perfect choice for a wedding, especially if you're hosting a late-summer bash when fresh fruit is in season. You can still decorate a pie or dress it up with a fun cake topper. If you're having a country or rustic-themed wedding, pies are a perfect fit, but they can be served at any type of wedding. Go with classic flavours like apple or cherry, or opt for something fancier like Earl Grey or key lime pie. You can even offer individual pies or hand pies in a variety of flavours to give your guests a variety of options.

Cookies

If a towering cake isn't your style, how about a stack of cookies? You can have your dessert designer whip up a batch of your favourite cookies, decorated to match your wedding colours or theme. Heart-shaped cookies are a cute way to symbolise your love. Cookies are also a great option for a dessert bar, where guests can decorate their own.

Brownies

For a rich and indulgent dessert option, consider brownies. You can set up a brownie tower or offer individual brownie bites, perhaps with a variety of toppings or flavours to choose from.

Cupcakes

Cupcakes are a popular alternative to a traditional wedding cake, and for good reason. They're a perfect way to give your guests individual treats, and you can get creative with colours and flavours to match your wedding palette. You can have one small cake surrounded by cupcakes or make the cupcakes the main event. Cupcakes are also great for a dessert bar, where guests can decorate their own or choose from a variety of flavours and toppings.

So, if you're looking for something different to offer your guests at your afternoon wedding reception, don't be afraid to think outside the box. These cake alternatives are sure to impress and satisfy your guests.

Additional food: offer light snacks, such as fruit, cheese, crackers, or sandwiches

If you're planning an afternoon wedding reception with cake as the only offering, you might want to consider providing some additional light snacks for your guests. While cake is certainly a delicious treat, offering a few other options can help round out the menu and ensure your guests don't go hungry. Here are some ideas for light snacks that can complement your cake:

Fruit

A great way to add a healthy and refreshing option to your menu is by offering a variety of fresh fruits. This could include seasonal options such as berries, melon, or stone fruits. You could also create fruit skewers or provide fruit salads or cups for easy serving. Fruit can also add a pop of colour to your display and is often a popular choice for guests.

Cheese and crackers

A classic combination, cheese and crackers can be a simple yet satisfying snack for your guests. Offer a variety of cheeses, such as Cheddar, Swiss, and Brie, along with an assortment of crackers. This can be a more substantial option for guests and is also a good choice if you're looking for something that's easy to set up and serve.

Sandwiches

Sandwiches can be a great option for an afternoon reception, especially if you're looking for something more filling. You can offer a variety of options, such as tea sandwiches with cucumber, cream cheese, or tuna salad. Another idea is to provide baguette sandwiches with a variety of fillings to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.

Other ideas

• Vegetables with dip: Carrots, peppers, and cucumbers with hummus or another dip can be a refreshing and healthy option.
• Charcuterie cones: Instead of the traditional charcuterie board, offer "cones" filled with cured meats, cheeses, crackers, olives, and fruits.
• Quiche: Mini quiches or quiche slices can be a tasty and savoury option for guests.
• Dips and chips: A classic combination that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
• Popcorn: A nostalgic and crunchy snack that can be served in individual boxes or bags.

Remember, it's important to communicate to your guests that your reception will be cake and light snacks only, especially if it's at a time when they might otherwise expect a full meal. This will help manage expectations and ensure your guests come ready to enjoy the celebration and the treats you provide!

Frequently asked questions