Wedding expenses are at an all-time high. Depending on who you ask, the average American nuptials cost anywhere between $29,000 and $44,000. For cash-strapped couples, the struggle of trying to balance a budget-conscious approach with good hospitality is real. The old-school cake-and-punch reception is making a comeback at some weddings. With some forethought and wise choices, you can pull off this classic low-key type of celebration at your wedding.

Food and Fellowship on a Budget

As OffBeat Bride mentions, the cake-and-punch reception was a common staple at church weddings. The ceremony would usually take place during the morning or early afternoon, after which the new couple and their guests would gather in the fellowship hall for cake and punch.

This low-key type of reception is seeing a revival. Now, couples are tweaking their menus to suit their modern tastes. You can still serve cake and punch, but there are plenty of other options. A dessert table with coffee is one great alternative, as well as appetizers and drinks with a wedding cake. Serving alcohol is entirely up to you, but you don’t have to skip the booze if there’s room for it in your budget. Just keep in mind your crowd’s preference while you build your menu.

The Right Timing Is Essential

There’s a reason why cake-and-punch receptions are generally held in the afternoon. They usually follow a morning or midday wedding, allowing the couple to provide some food and drink without serving a full meal. Your budget, venue availability, and goals should dictate when you host your event. With a 2 p.m. ceremony, for example, you can offer lighter foods at your afterparty.

Inside Weddings suggests providing more substantial fare if your wedding falls closer to lunchtime. A brunch appetizer reception is a feasible and delicious take on this trend. Food & Wine shows several examples of small-bite offerings that may work well at your event, but you can collaborate with your food pros to design a palate-pleasing menu.

Truth in Advertising: Your Invitation Wording

Your guests will likely enjoy your hospitality regardless of how elaborate your event is. At the same time, you do want to communicate to them what kind of celebration you’re hosting. The time of day should offer clues that a full meal won’t be served, but it doesn’t hurt to spell it out on your invitations. You don’t necessarily need reception cards, but you could print language such as “Cake and punch reception to follow” or “Please join us for dessert after the ceremony.”

Choosing and Prepping Your Venue

Selecting a venue for your afterparty isn’t that much different than picking a location for any other wedding. The same advice applies: shopping around, visiting venues in person, asking about restrictions, and reviewing contracts before you sign. With outside locations, you may need to rent additional furniture and supplies. The Spruce’s Nina Callaway offers a checklist for those who want to tie the knot in the great outdoors.

Entertainment Options To Consider

With the laidback vibe of your reception, you have many options for entertaining your guests. Martha Stewart Weddings’ Sarah Schreiber shows several party and lawn game ideas that may work well at a cake-and-punch reception. You can also cater to your dance-loving friends and family with a live band, DJ, or even a DIY music setup with a reliable digital player and good-quality sound system. If your shindig’s outside, you may need to rent a suitable outdoor dance floor.

Couples tailor their weddings to suit their desires, but they must carefully balance this with the enjoyment and comfort of their guests. Tying the knot doesn’t have to be expensive if you make good decisions. The cake-and-punch reception is perfect proof, as it’s a classic and fun way to celebrate with your friends and family.