If you schedule your service for 1 or 2 pm, or for 7 pm, you can have a dessert/tea reception, which lasts just 2-3 hours and is a very inexpensive way to do it, and popular with guests. It is relaxed and friendly.

The thing is, though, with only non-alcoholic beverages, even a simple reception comes to about $10 per guest. If your budget is very limited, you need to consider limiting your guest list; 80=120 people is very feasible for a home kitchen (you don't say where the reception is to be held), while 200 requires a commercial type kitchen, renting equipment and dishes, etc.

You and other family members could begin baking and freezing cookies and bars for a dessert type reception far in advance. One reader started baking Christmas cookies in June for a December wedding.