The reception...

DF and I have decided we don't want to go too over the top with anything for wedding. I found a beautiful dress for $20 (it needs cleaning and a few small repairs, but that's it!) and my shoes for $8.

We have decided to have the wedding around 2pm, with the reception following. (to avoid having to have a big meal.) So far on the menu we have: cake, brigadeiro (Brazilian fudge candy/best chocolate in the world!!), and fruit (strawberrys, pineapple, grapes and oranges).

Instead of serving alcohol, we want to have a milkshake/smoothie bar. (offer 3 or 4 different kinds of milkshakes, 3 or 4 different smoothies)

Does this seem like enough for a reception? Do you think a milkshake/smoothie bar would go over well?

a wedding reception with no alcohol would not go over well here in Scotland... at all.
I dont know anything about the area you live in, or what the local customs are, but...  no booze does strike me as slightly odd.

However, i commend you on getting your dress for $20!
I think it's ridiculous the amount of money people spend on weddings... particularly dresses, which are only going to be worn the once.   Well done on that! 

$20?? wow that's great!!

I don't see a problem with no alcohol...do people really HAVE to drink to have a good time?  Maybe you could ask your guests if they mind? Its your wedding though so I don't see why your choice should be the final answer

I don't see a problem with no alcohol if that's what you want but if it's a money saving issue, I think you'll find those non alcoholic fruity cocktail type thingies will be almost as costly, so unless you have other reasons for not drinking, you might as well have the bubbly! Really the best way to economise on a wedding is limit the number of guests.

I always like it when people try different things for their receptions-

from a food point of view, there are some things missing for a balance.  Think about the way you feel when you only have sweets.  You want something to balance that in a sense- esp. if the drinks will be quite heavy and sweet also.

What about some light tea sandwiches, crudites or even small savoury finger foods.....there are some simple ones that you and a friend could do (if your numbers are not too high)

Wow, no champagne toast?  I agree with Britwife, if you wanna save money, keep the guest list short.  I dont think Ive ever been to a wedding with no wine/champagne.  Maybe offer tea/coffee along with your smoothie bar... good luck!

If you are having your wedding reception in Knoxville, I am sure there will be no problem with alcohol not being present.  A champagne toast does sound nice.

besides  the two bottles  of wine at the  tables  and champagne  we did NOT have  an open bar.. paid bar if people wanted.. and I'm sure  my 8 English guests  complained..  Oh well.  DH and I aren't big drinkers and neither is  my family  ..so since  they were  paying for it..
 anyway.. in the end, do what makes  you happy.  Like people told me, I'm sure  people  complained  at Diana's wedding as  well.  If people  are going to  talk, they will..  it's up to You.. have  a blast!! 

I agree with the posters who said there isn't a balance. It seems too many "sweets" maybe you can have a cheese and fruit platter? Maybe a meat platter and people can make their own sandwiches with deli rolls on the side etc.

Or some people just have cake and coffee for the reception. I do like the idea of the smoothie and milkshake bar, but coffee would be good, and maybe some of the sparkling grape juice that looks like champagne? Not sure what your reasons are for no alcohol (thats what I wanted for my wedding but we ended up with it). But I'd say do what you want, its YOUR wedding and if people would rather get pi$$ed than enjoy your day, you probably wouldn't want them there anyway...

On the invites, let your guests know that it will be a desert reception so that they don't expect any food...do include tea & coffee as well as soft drinks (and perhaps milk).  Perhaps some chocolate sauce for the fruit would be a nice idea (for those with a big sweet tooth).   I wouldn't worry about the smoothie bar...just go with a bunch of lovely deserts and refreshments - it'll fit the theme...and at that time of the day, and with that theme, it won't be unusual to not have alcohol (thought you could always serve a glass of champagne or a desert wine with it all).

There is a history of alcohol abuse on both sides of the family. I want to keep the drama and chaos to a minimum, so that's the reason for no alcohol. The reception is going to be in Tennessee, so I don't think it will be that big of a deal to not serve alcohol.

I think the sandwich idea is great! I've been trying to think of something else to serve that isn't too sweet.

I think no alcohol is a great idea. I wanted none save for a champagne toast, but DH convinced me to have some nice bottled beers for the lads. We had an hors d'oeuvres reception - so lots of finger foods. We had blueberry lemonade, a fizzy sherbert punch (c. 1960) and iced tea which all went down a treat. (Our reception was 3-6pm.) Food-wise, as long as you add in something like PP have said, such as sandwhiches, I think it'll be great!

Tennessee& no alcohol = no problem!
My friend married a Southern Baptist from Tennessee, but the wedding was up in NY.  The no alcohol thing didn't fly.  The bar was only allowed to serve cocktails during cocktail hour and then closed.  Champagnefor the toast and then wine was served with dinner and that was it.  His family wasn't happy about the alcohol, but she comes from a large Irish family so they weren't thrilled either.  Turned out to be a beautiful day.  No one got out of hand.

I don't think there's anything wrong with no alcohol.  I didn't do a typical champagne toast...people just held up what they had!  I had water!  Do what is best for you and your guests.