Wording Your Wedding Invitation: Snacks, Drinks, And More

When it comes to wedding invitations, it's important to let your guests know what to expect at the reception. If you're serving snacks and drinks, but not a full meal, you'll want to include this information on the invitation to ensure your guests don't arrive expecting a sit-down dinner. A simple way to do this is by stating cocktail reception or cocktails and hors d'oeuvres to follow on the invitation. This indicates that the reception will be a more casual affair with drinks and light snacks. If you want to provide more detail, you can specify the type of snacks and drinks that will be served, such as cheese, crackers, and crudités, along with a selection of cocktails. It's also a good idea to include the timing of the reception, for example, Cocktail reception to follow from 5 pm to 8 pm, so guests know they might want to grab dinner beforehand or afterward if they prefer a heartier meal.

Wording for a cocktail-style reception

When it comes to wedding invitations, it's important to let your guests know what to expect at the reception, especially if you're forgoing a formal sit-down dinner. Here are some tips and suggestions for wording a cocktail-style reception on your wedding invitations:

Be Clear About the Reception Style:

It's important to explicitly state that the reception will be cocktail-style so that guests know not to expect a full-blown meal. You can use phrases such as "Cocktail Reception" or "Cocktails and Hors d'oeuvres to Follow" on the invitation. This sets the right expectations and ensures your guests won't arrive hungry and anticipating a sit-down dinner.

Provide Timing Details:

Include the timing of the reception, especially if you plan to start earlier than a traditional dinner time. You can say something like, "Cocktail Reception from 5 pm to 8 pm." This gives guests a clear timeframe for the event and allows them to plan accordingly if they wish to grab dinner afterward.

Emphasize the Food Options:

If you're worried about guests leaving hungry, emphasize the food options that will be available. You can use phrases like "Heavy Hors d'oeuvres," "Cocktail Hour with Food Stations," or "Cocktails, Stations, and Hors d'oeuvres." This conveys that there will be substantial snacks or small plates available throughout the reception.

Mention Dancing and Entertainment:

If you plan to have dancing or other entertainment, mentioning it on the invitation can help set the tone. For example, you can say, "Join us for Cocktails, Hors d'oeuvres, and Dancing." This lets guests know that the focus is not only on drinks and snacks but also on celebrating and having fun.

Provide Additional Details on a Separate Card:

If you have more information to convey, consider including a separate details card with the invitation. This can include specifics about the food and drink options, dress code, and any other relevant information. You can also mention if there will be seating available or if it's a more casual, mingling format.

Example Wording:

Here's an example of how you could word the invitation:

"You are cordially invited to celebrate the wedding of [Bride] and [Groom]. Please join us for a cocktail reception with hors d'oeuvres, drinks, and dancing at [Venue] on [Date] from 5 pm to 8 pm. Let's raise a glass to the happy couple!"

Remember to adapt the wording to match your wedding's tone and style, whether it's formal, casual, or somewhere in between. The key is to provide clear information about the cocktail-style reception while keeping the invitation elegant and exciting.

Informing guests about the level of food

When it comes to informing wedding guests about the level of food to expect, it's important to be clear and concise to avoid any confusion or disappointment. Here are some guidelines and suggestions for conveying this information effectively:

Be Transparent About the Food Offerings

It's essential to explicitly state the type of food that will be served. If you're only serving snacks, hors d'oeuvres, or light refreshments, be upfront about it. This will ensure that guests don't expect a full meal and can plan their meals accordingly. Phrases like "light refreshments will be served" or "hors d'oeuvres reception" are appropriate ways to set expectations.

Timing is Everything

The timing of your wedding can also indicate the level of food offered. If your reception falls during typical meal hours, guests may anticipate a more substantial meal. To manage expectations, consider starting your reception outside of standard meal times or specify an end time. For example, "Cocktail reception from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m." leaves room for guests to have dinner before or after the event.

Provide Details About the Food

Giving a brief description of the food offerings can help guests understand the level of food to expect. For instance, if you're having a cheese and charcuterie spread, you could mention "cheese and charcuterie stations" or "a selection of fine cheeses and cured meats." This provides a clearer picture than simply saying "snacks."

Emphasize the Social Aspect

When the focus is more on socialising than a sit-down meal, reflect this in your invitation wording. Phrases like "cocktail reception," "cocktails and hors d'oeuvres," or "drinks and canapés" immediately signal to guests that the event is centred around mingling and that food may be limited.

Consider Additional Communication Channels

If you're concerned about conveying the right message, utilise other communication channels besides the invitation. Word-of-mouth communication can be effective, as guests who have already RSVP'd can be informed verbally about the food arrangements. Additionally, consider including more detailed information on your wedding website or providing separate sheets with recommended restaurants or food options for out-of-town guests.

Manage Expectations for a Cash Bar

If you're having a cash bar, it's essential to indicate this on the invitation. Guests should be aware if they need to bring money for drinks. A simple phrase like "cash bar available" or "drinks available for purchase" will suffice.

Remember, the key is to provide enough information for guests to understand the nature of the event and the level of food offered. This will ensure that everyone comes prepared and avoids any unpleasant surprises.

Letting guests know about the drinks

When it comes to letting guests know about the drinks at your wedding, there are a few different approaches you can take. Here are some detailed and instructive paragraphs to help you navigate this aspect of wedding planning:

Including Drink Information on the Invitation

It is generally considered vital to let guests know in advance if there will be a cash bar at your wedding. This gives them the expectation that they should bring money and helps them come prepared. You can include this information on a ''details' card or somewhere else on the invitation suite. For a more formal invitation style, you can say "Limited bar available." For a more casual affair, you might try "We'll bring the beer and wine, you bring the party." If you want to be very clear, you could say something like "Cash bar available. Beer and wine provided."

Providing Details on a Wedding Website

Another option is to share drink details on your wedding website. This can be a great way to provide more information without making it the focus of your invitation. You can include a link to your wedding website on your details card. This approach allows you to share all sorts of additional details and generates excitement for the reception.

Using RSVP Response Cards

If you want to give your guests options, you can ask them to select their preferred drink or indicate any dietary restrictions on their RSVP response cards. This approach ensures that people can choose what they want and need, and it can be especially useful if you're offering a variety of drink options. It also helps you plan and estimate how much of each drink to provide.

Communicating Through Word of Mouth

In some cases, you may choose to spread the word about drinks through word of mouth. This approach can be useful if you don't want to include too many details on the invitation or if you're concerned about the tone of the message. It can be an effective way to casually inform your guests about what to expect, especially if you have friends or family who can help spread the message.

Offering Drink Tickets or Tokens

If you're covering the first drink and then switching to a cash bar, you might consider providing drink tickets or tokens to your guests. This approach ensures that everyone gets their complimentary drink and makes it clear that subsequent drinks will need to be purchased. It can also add a fun element to the celebration.

Deciding What to Serve

When deciding what drinks to serve, you have several options. You can choose to offer a full open bar, a limited bar with certain drinks included, or a subsidised bar with discounted drinks. Alternatively, you may opt for a cash bar where guests pay for all their drinks. Consider your budget and what you think your guests would appreciate most.

Remember, the most important thing is to communicate clearly and directly with your guests so they know what to expect and can come prepared. Whether you include the drink details on the invitation, spread the word through other means, or use a combination of these methods, your guests will appreciate being informed.

Timing of the reception

The timing of your wedding reception can depend on a few factors, such as whether you are serving a full meal, whether the ceremony and reception are in the same location, and the time of your ceremony. Here are some tips and considerations to help you plan the timing of your reception:

If you are having a gap between your ceremony and reception, it is a nice idea to provide some light refreshments and drinks for your guests during this time. This is often referred to as a "cocktail hour". It gives your guests something to do while you are busy with photos and greeting guests, and ensures they don't get hungry or thirsty. This is especially important if your ceremony and reception are in the same location, as it would be awkward to dismiss your guests for a couple of hours. If your ceremony and reception are in different locations, it is still a good idea to provide some refreshments, especially if there are not many options nearby for your guests to occupy themselves.

If you are not serving a full meal at your reception, it is important to let your guests know this in advance so that they can eat beforehand. On your invitations, you could state "cocktail reception to follow" or "hors d'oeuvres reception to follow". If your reception is in the evening, starting at 8 pm or later, your guests will likely not expect a full meal. However, if your reception is earlier in the day, you may need to be more explicit about the fact that only snacks and drinks will be served. You could say something like "Please join us for a cocktail and hors d'oeuvres reception to celebrate the marriage of Bride and Groom". If your reception begins earlier in the day and continues into a typical dinner hour, you could include an end time on the invitation, such as "Cocktail reception to follow, 5 pm to 8 pm".

If you are serving a full meal at your reception, the timing will depend on the time of your ceremony. If your ceremony is in the afternoon, you may choose to have a cocktail hour first, followed by the meal and then any other activities such as dancing. If your ceremony is in the morning, you may choose to have a longer break between the ceremony and reception, to allow time for your guests to freshen up and relax before the meal.

Finally, if you are planning to serve late-night snacks at your reception, it is a good idea to do so shortly after the wedding cake is cut. This indicates to your guests that the wedding will be wrapping up within the next hour or two, and avoids wasting food.

How to create excitement

The key to creating excitement for your wedding snacks and drinks is to provide a tantalising glimpse of what guests can expect, without giving away all the surprises. Here are some ideas to get your guests' taste buds tingling in anticipation:

Choose a Tempting Theme

Selecting a theme for your wedding snacks and drinks can instantly spark interest and excitement. For example, a "Cocktail and Hors d'oeuvres Reception" or a "Dessert Reception" theme. This gives guests a clear idea of what to expect, and they can start imagining the delicious treats in store.

Provide a Sneak Peek

Offer a subtle hint about the types of snacks and drinks that will be served. For instance, "Join us for a celebration of flavours, including the couple's favourite cocktails and delectable desserts." This approach builds anticipation and has guests looking forward to a unique and memorable culinary experience.

Emphasise Abundance and Variety

Guests love to know that there will be plenty of food and drinks to enjoy. You could hint at a bountiful spread by saying, "Indulge in an array of savoury bites and sweet treats, with something for everyone to enjoy." This assures guests that their tastes will be catered to and encourages them to look forward to the variety.

Highlight Interactive or Unique Elements

If you're planning interactive food or drink stations, build excitement by alluding to them. For example, "Explore our interactive cocktail bar, where you can create your own signature drink." Similarly, if you're offering a build-your-own snack bar or a fun dessert station, give guests a preview: "Get creative at our DIY snack stations, offering endless combinations to satisfy your cravings."

Encourage Socialising and Mingling

Food and drinks are a great way to bring people together, so emphasise the social aspect: "Join us for an evening of delicious bites, refreshing cocktails, and lively conversations." This sets the tone for a fun and engaging atmosphere, where guests can look forward to connecting with others while enjoying the culinary delights.

Use Enticing Language

The choice of words can make all the difference in creating excitement. Opt for descriptive and mouth-watering adjectives: "Tasty treats, delectable delights, and refreshing beverages await your pleasure." This instantly elevates the appeal of the snacks and drinks, making them sound irresistible.

Remember, the goal is to spark curiosity and anticipation, ensuring your guests arrive eager to celebrate with you and savour every bite and sip.

Frequently asked questions