Well, not have to serve but should. It's human nature to expect a meal at certain times of the day. Having cake and punch also allows you to be more creative with other expenses because you have more to spend. Speaking of making all of your guests happy, it might be a good idea to check and see if anyone in your bridal party has food allergies.

If any of your guests are not able to have nuts due to allergies, use some of the extra money you saved and get two types of cakes. Our cake reception went off without a hitch. The wedding finished about 2:30 and the cake was a hit. We got tons of great compliments from everyone.

As we entered the reception hall for the first time as husband and wife, we were met by our guests with compliments of how beautiful everything was. No one knew we were even trying to save money on our wedding by serving cake and punch.

I must admit, I was a bit nervous when we arrived for the first time as husband and wife, even though I have been to a zillion weddings. I thought about whether serving cake and punch would be controversial but as time passed, it was a silly thing to even be worried about.

People are generally very happy for you. You're getting married! I can't imagine anyone approaching you and saying I was hoping for an amazing lunch or dinner but got cake and punch instead. It's the beginning of your new life with your marriage partner and friend.

So, if you decide on a cake reception, go for it and don't look back. Think of ways to make your wedding cake the focal point of the room when every on arrives. Add some creative lighting on it, sprinkle flower pedals around the cake; use decorative colors to accent the table cloths and napkins.

You can also save money by using some of your wedding flowers to make your wedding cake topper. We did and it looked great. We ultimately, we were not concerned about what others thought because we knew everyone had our best interests at heart.

They loved the cake, they loved the punch. We just wanted to have the best wedding day ever; and we did. However, if you decide to have a meal, rather than a cake reception there are many ways to still be frugal. You can always have each of your closest friends bring a dish of food better known as a potluck.

Even though you'll get a variety of food, your bridal party may not like the idea of having to bring a dish of food to a wedding. It has to be prepared and carried from one place to the next I can hear them mumbling under their breath now saying, this is just wrong....

Have cake and punch and see how happy your guest will be. The key to making everything successful is the time of day.

Enjoy! Happy Wedding!