Photo: Aaron Dyer
You don't have to sacrifice a super chic soirée if you can't afford a traditional evening wedding reception with dinner and dancing. Instead, throw a stylish punch-and-dessert party. "A cake-and-punch party is best in the late morning or afternoon," says Kathryn Storke Grady, the fab blogger behind Snippet & Ink who selected the amazing wedding details shown here. "Word your invite clearly so guests know not to expect a full meal." And then follow the five tips below to throw a bang-up bash.
1. Offer gourmet versions of your favorite childhood treats. "Your guests will get a kick out of dressed-up takes on desserts you loved as a kid, like mini milk shakes and grown-up cotton candy," says Grady.
Photo: Aaron Dyer
2. Serve your cake with a keepsake. This vintage personalized cake server from Wooden Hive ($39) makes "such a sweet memento—whenever you serve cake, you'll think back on your wedding," says Grady.
Photo: Aaron Dyer
3. Counting pennies? Serve punch! "Offering several pretty punches is cheaper than a full bar," says Grady. "Just be sure to have a non-alcoholic one, too!" And the ten-piece "Optic" punch bowl set (above) from Godinger is just as useful after the big day.
Photo: Aaron Dyer
4. Wow your crowd with the cake. "Since you're not serving dinner, take that savings and splurge on a show-stopping cake," says Grady. This too-pretty confection from Lael Cakes looks picture perfect on its color-coordinated stand from Fishs Eddy ($100).
Photo: Aaron Dyer
5. Send guests home with a bang. Mini Moët & Chandon champagne ($15, available at Grand Wine Cellar) is "such a luxe party favor!" says Grady. "Plus, it will encourage guests to keep the celebration going at home." Go overboard with fun details like custom labels from MaeMae Paperie ($270 for 100 labels).
Browse more wedding catering ideas in our gallery.
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