Have you considered just renting a punch bowl for the wedding?

I have a huge hurricane style vase that would be great (it also works great for fun/tall centerpeices)

Hollowed out watermelons?

I know its not really summer, but it could be fun! Instead of attaching a spigot, use a ladle.

http://www.thekitchn.com/make-a-summer-drink-keg-out-of-a-watermelon-173269

Have you checked with friends and family yet for one you can borrow?

In the watermelon vein....hollowed out pumpkins?

You might check thrift shops/antique stores for punch bowl sets - I bought one last Christmas that's really cute & was fairly inexpensive. ($10, maybe?) And if you really don't want to store it after, you could just donate it back after - probably cheaper than a rental fee.

You might check thrift shops/antique stores for punch bowl sets - I bought one last Christmas that's really cute & was fairly inexpensive. ($10, maybe?) And if you really don't want to store it after, you could just donate it back after - probably cheaper than a rental fee.

Do ask around, you will know quite a few people who will have punch bowls or appropriate vessels! They will be happy to let you borrow them! I borrowed two punch bowls and bought a giant hurricane type jar from Target for $12, for my wedding.

My grandmother gave me a gift that at first I thought was a huge waste of space, but I was so wrong! It's a punch bowl, kind of, but if you flip it one way, it's a cake stand and cover, if you flip it another way, it's a punch bowl, and if you just use the base, it's a chip and dip. I have used it waaay more than I ever though possible, and storing it takes the same amount of space as a cake cover. It's awesome.

I second the thrift store! I got my fantastic milk glass punch bowl plus 11 matching cups and ladle for $8.

OR. If you don't already have one, you could purchase a large, clear glass mixing bowl. Then, after the wedding you can go back to using it as a mixing bowl.

I always, always, always use one of these with a ladle: http://anchorhocking.oneida.com/anchor-hocking-heritage-hill-jar-2-gallon-20161.html

Always. So simple and it looks great.

My enamel coated dishpan works for me.

I have that too - it's useful!

Tractor Supply Co. has big galvanized metal pails of different sizes in their livestock feed section, inexpensively. I'm not sure what your decor is, but a big galvanized pail with a bow on the handle would fit my style. You could later use it as a planter, storage for umbrellas, or carrying hog slop!

I second the big glass jar idea - I think they have them at Target and Walmart, I love mine.

I doubt that a metal pail from Tractor Supply Co. is food safe, that makes a difference!

I have a glass bowl. It wasn't intended as a punch bowl but I use it for that at least once a year. I also use it for trifile, for salads, just whatever I need it for!

I have a cake stand where the domed lid can be flipped around and rested on top of the bottom and it becomes a punch bowl. I would never buy a punch bowl, but I actually use a cake stand quite a bit so the punch bowl is just a bonus.

I second both the jar and the large glass bowl. they are both multi-purpose. the lid with the jar is also convenient.

Depends on the style of the affair.

I have used the enameld dutch oven. chilled it well before adding shilled punch and used a stainless ladle. worked very well, but might not be your preference with wedding frills.

A big and deep crockery mixing bowl could be dressed up a little and will always be handy to have.

Rental is very easy and great if you don't want to store. You might also check around with churches who host a lot of receptions to borrow a bowl.

Well, if you don't care if it looks "pretty," you can use a stock pot if you have one.