How do you throw a do it your yourself dessert reception on a low budget? What is the proper ettiquite and process?

Cute idea!
Just use caution not to make it in the morning (duh!) or around dinner time when people would expect a full meal. Its also a good idea to give a clue either by word-of-mouth or a slight hint on the RSVP card so people know what to expect.
Ex: "Please join us for a sweet treat after the ceremony"

Some people may not be big on sweet foods, so offer a variety of drinks that suit the spread. (Milk, tea, coffee, juice, champagne, etc.) Fruit also makes a nice addition for any dieters. ;)

I think that's a really creative idea! I like Learning's suggestions above. I'd say look into local bakeries and see what sorts of assorted treats you can get; chocolate covered strawberries, fondue, cake, ice cream, and so on. In your reception room, you could place tables throughout the room with the snacks on them, which encourages people to walk around and mingle. Good luck and have fun!

This is a cute idea. Just be sure to have alternatives for people who may be diabetic or cannot eat wheat based products, etc. Those kind of health issues.

This tidbit is from a larger article:
*Dessert Reception

Whether you and your family prepare the desserts or you purchase them from a bakery, this is still an affordable option. Serve a large variety of desserts, such as pies, cobblers, cookies, brownies, pastries, or do-it-yourself sundaes. A dessert reception is suitable from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. or after an evening wedding. Add this to your wedding invitation: "Dessert Reception Following Ceremony."

In addition to the food, of course, you'll need to serve wedding cake and beverages. Champagne usually starts at about $12 a bottle (unless you purchase it yourself by the case), and an open bar will run that much or more per person. One way to cut down on the cost of the alcoholic beverages is to set a limit of two glasses of champagne per person, serving it only during the wedding toasts. Another option is to provide two punch bowls -- one "virgin" and one "spiked" with champagne.

When it comes to your wedding cake, expect to pay at least $3 per person if you order it from a bakery, or $4 or more per person (plus "cake service" of $1 per person) if ordering as part of your reception package at your site. Affordable alternatives are to:

* Assemble a dummy wedding cake (made out of Styrofoam layers) for "show," but serve the guests from sheet cakes out of the kitchen (there are free dummy wedding cake instructions at my web site: www.dianewarnerbooks.com).

* Have your wedding cake prepared by a private party who bakes them in her own home."

The complete article is here: HEART TO HEART with Diane Warner (http://www.weddinglinks.com/articles/warner.html)

Other articles on the dessert reception are:
A Dessert Table: A Sweet Choice for Wedding Receptions - Associated Content (http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/51468/a_dessert_table_a_sweet_choice_for.html)
Unique Wedding Ideas (http://weddings.pirate-king.com/Unique_Wedding_Ideas.htm) ( I like the idea of the dessert reception following an evening candlelight ceremony)