Announcing A Wedding Buffet: Etiquette And Invitation Wording

When it comes to wedding invites, it's essential to provide guests with the information they need to know what to expect at the reception. While some prefer to keep the menu a surprise, others choose to indicate the dining style, especially if it's a buffet. There are various ways to do this, from simply stating “dinner” or “luncheon reception to follow” to being more explicit with “buffet dinner to follow” or “reception and dinner to follow”. Some couples opt for a more subtle approach, mentioning “reception to follow” and assuming guests will understand it implies a full meal. Others include a separate reception card with the menu or a wedding website link, ensuring guests know they'll be served a meal and can accommodate any dietary needs.

Invitation wording: “Dinner” or reception to follow

When it comes to wedding invitations, choosing the appropriate wording is very important. Each line and option has a different meaning, and the invitation should communicate a specific set of information to your guests.

If the wedding ceremony and reception are held at the same venue, a separate line is added to the bottom of the invitation to indicate that there will be food following the ceremony. If the reception is not at the same location, a separate insert card is needed for the reception details.

If you are serving a buffet at your wedding, you can simply say "Reception to follow", "Dinner and dancing to follow", or "Cocktails, dinner and dancing to follow". You don't need to mention that it is a buffet on the invitation. However, if you want to be transparent about the menu, you can mention "dinner served buffet-style" on your wedding website.

• "Reception to follow"
• "Dinner and dancing to follow"
• "Cake, punch, and merriment to follow" (if you’re not serving a full meal)
• "Feasting and merriment to follow"
• "Dining, dancing, and happily ever after to follow"

If you are having a less formal wedding, you can also be creative and use wording such as:

• "Brunch to follow"
• "Join us after the ceremony for cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and dancing"

Menu details: List specific dishes or just say buffet dinner

When it comes to wedding invites, there are a few different approaches you can take to indicating a buffet dinner. Here are some options to consider:

Including Menu Details:

If you want to provide your guests with specific menu information, there are a few ways to do this. You could include a line on the invitation that says something like "Buffet dinner to follow" or "Dinner served buffet-style". This gives guests an idea of what to expect without going into too much detail. If you have a wedding website, you can also mention the buffet dinner there and provide more details about the menu options. This approach can be especially helpful if you want to give your guests a sense of the food choices available, such as "Southern-inspired roasted chicken and rice pilaf" or "Asian-inspired Peking duck carving station".

Additionally, if you want to give your guests the option to choose their meals, you can include the full menu with tick boxes for their selections. This way, they can pre-order their meal when they RSVP, and you can also include a line for any dietary restrictions or allergies. This ensures that everyone's needs are accommodated.

Keeping it Vague:

On the other hand, some couples prefer to keep the menu details vague on their invitations. One option is to simply state "Reception to follow" or "Dinner and dancing to follow". This approach doesn't give away too much about the dinner plans, but it still lets guests know that food will be served. Another option is to not mention the menu at all on the invitation or website and let guests know upon arrival at the reception.

Handling Dietary Restrictions:

It is important to consider how you will handle any dietary restrictions or allergies your guests may have. One way to do this is to include a line on the RSVP card that says "Please indicate any dietary restrictions or allergies". This way, you can get a sense of any special requirements and make accommodations as needed. Another approach is to encourage guests with strict dietary needs to contact you directly so you can ensure their needs are met.

In conclusion, when it comes to indicating a buffet dinner on your wedding invites, you have several options. You can choose to include specific menu details, keep it vague, or not mention the menu at all. The important thing is to ensure that your guests have the information they need and that any dietary restrictions are accommodated. By considering the different approaches outlined above, you can make an informed decision about how to best communicate your buffet dinner plans to your guests.

Dietary restrictions: Ask guests to inform you of any dietary needs

When it comes to wedding invitations, the first impression is essential, setting the tone and giving guests a glimpse of the style and theme of the event. While the invitation should reflect the couple's personality, it also needs to convey essential information, such as the hosts, the couple's names, the date, time, and location of the ceremony, and reception details.

If you plan to have a buffet at your wedding, you may be wondering how to indicate this on your invitations. Here are some suggestions:

Be Vague and Let Guests Ask

Some people choose not to mention the menu or dining style on their invitations or wedding website, allowing guests to inquire if they have specific dietary needs. This approach can work if you know your guests well and are confident that those with dietary restrictions will ask beforehand.

Mention "Buffet Dinner" or "Dinner Served Buffet-Style"

You can indicate that a buffet will be served without going into specific menu details. For example, you can simply state "buffet dinner" or "dinner served buffet-style." This approach provides a general idea of the dining style without listing every dish.

List Specific Menu Items with a Note about Dietary Needs

If you want to provide a detailed menu, you can list the buffet items on your invitation or wedding website. In this case, it is essential to include a way for guests to inform you of any dietary restrictions. You can add a line on the RSVP cards, such as "Please indicate any dietary restrictions" or "Special dietary restrictions: ___________". Alternatively, you can request that guests with strict dietary restrictions or allergies contact you directly so you can accommodate their needs.

Use Interactive Features on Your Wedding Website

If you have a wedding website, you can utilize interactive features such as QR codes that direct guests to a personal video or your website. This platform can be an excellent place to provide buffet details and allow guests to reach out with any dietary concerns.

Be Mindful of Timing

Remember to send your invitations with sufficient notice, typically 6-8 weeks before the wedding. If you're hosting a destination wedding, it's advisable to give guests more time, around 3-4 months, to make travel arrangements.

In summary, when indicating a buffet in your wedding invitations, you can choose to be vague, provide general information, or list specific menu items. If you opt for the latter, be sure to include a way for guests to inform you of any dietary restrictions. This can be done through RSVP cards or direct communication via your wedding website or contact information.

Timing: Mention the time to set expectations about the type of meal

When it comes to wedding invites, timing is everything. The time you choose to host your wedding will set the tone for the entire event, including the type of meal that will be served. If you're planning a buffet, here are some tips and considerations for mentioning the timing on your invites:

Firstly, consider the time of day that best suits a buffet. Buffets are typically more casual and can be a great option for lunchtime or early afternoon weddings. If you're having an evening wedding, a buffet may still be appropriate, but you might want to consider a more formal dining option.

When mentioning the timing on your invites, be clear and specific. For example, you could say, "Luncheon Reception to follow" or "Dinner and Dancing from 6 pm". This will give your guests a clear idea of what to expect and when they can enjoy the buffet.

It's also important to manage your guests' expectations regarding the meal. If you're having a buffet, you might want to avoid mentioning specific meal options on the invite. Instead, you could use phrases like "Buffet Reception" or "Dinner served buffet-style". This indicates that a full meal will be served, without getting into the specifics.

Another important consideration is the duration of the event. If your wedding is an all-day affair, with activities and celebrations throughout the day, make sure to mention the timing of the buffet in relation to other events. For example, "Buffet Lunch from 1 pm, followed by an afternoon of games and cocktails". This will help your guests understand the flow of the day and plan their meals accordingly.

Finally, don't be afraid to get creative with your wording. Wedding invites can be lighthearted and fun. You could incorporate themes or puns related to your wedding while still conveying the important information. For example, "Join us for a wild feast at the reception, starting at 7 pm".

Remember, the timing mentioned on your wedding invites will help set expectations for your guests, especially regarding the type of meal they can look forward to. Be clear, specific, and creative, and your guests will be well-informed and excited about your buffet!

Reception card: Include details about the buffet on a separate card

If you want to give your guests more details about the wedding buffet, you can include a reception card with your invite. This can be a great way to provide more specific information about the food that will be served, as well as any relevant dietary information.

For example, you could list the different dishes that will be included on the buffet, such as "salad, bread, two proteins, and accompaniments". This can be especially helpful if you have guests with dietary restrictions, as they can then plan ahead and know what options will be available for them.

If you're having a themed buffet, you could also include this information on the reception card. For instance, if you're having a Southern-inspired menu, you could mention that guests can expect dishes like "roasted or baked chicken and roasted pull roast, rice pilaf, green beans cooked in broth, and mac 'n' cheese".

Another option is to include a line on the reception card for guests to indicate any dietary restrictions or allergies. This can be a helpful way to ensure that you can accommodate any specific needs your guests may have. For example, you could have a line that says "Please indicate any dietary restrictions: ___".

Finally, if you want to provide a more general overview of the food that will be served, you can simply state something like "Dinner served buffet-style" or "Buffet dinner to follow". This gives your guests an idea of what to expect without going into too much detail.

Frequently asked questions