Crafting Appetizing Wedding Food Descriptions For Your Invitations

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are many elements to consider, from the request to attend to the dress code. But what about the food? Including menu choices in wedding invitations is not necessary, especially if you are planning a set menu for everyone. However, if you are offering different options, it is a good idea to include the full menu and tick boxes for guests to choose their preferences. In this case, it is important to also include a way for guests to indicate any dietary requirements or allergies. Including children's menu options can be more complicated, and it may be preferable to sort these privately or include a separate card with children's choices. Ultimately, the decision of how to describe wedding food on invitations depends on the couple's preferences and the level of formality desired.

Including dietary requirements

Invitations and RSVP Cards:

It is not necessary to include a detailed menu in your wedding invitations, especially if you are planning a set menu for everyone. However, if you are offering menu choices or expect your guests to pre-order, it is a good idea to include the full menu with tick boxes for their selections. In any case, always include a line about dietary requirements. This could be on the RSVP card or alongside the RSVP information. A simple phrase like, "Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements" is sufficient. If you are not including RSVP cards, you can add a line with the RSVP details, such as "RSVP by 18th August to 'your wedding email' (please include dietary requirements)."

Children's Menus:

Including children's menus can be a bit more complicated. You can choose to handle their menus privately without mentioning them in the invitation. However, if you want to include them, consider adding a separate card with the children's options and a dedicated way for them to respond, such as their own reply card or a designated email address.

Understanding Dietary Requirements:

It is essential to understand the difference between food allergies, intolerances, and dietary preferences. A food allergy occurs when the body's immune system reacts unusually to specific foods, and it can be severe. A food intolerance is the body's inability to digest certain foods, leading to unpleasant physical reactions. Some common dietary requirements include vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, gluten-free, halal, and kosher diets.

Communicating with the Venue and Caterers:

Once you have gathered information about your guests' dietary requirements, communicate this to your venue and caterers well in advance. Discuss their ability to accommodate special requests and work together to create a plan. It is also a good idea to provide them with the final table plan to avoid confusion during the meal service.

Going the Extra Mile:

If you want to go beyond the basics, consider choosing a cuisine that inherently suits your guests' dietary requirements. For example, Indian food often has many vegetarian options, while Mexican food works well for those with gluten intolerance (celiac disease). You can also suggest that guests with dietary restrictions bring their own sweet treats and provide labels to indicate which treats accommodate specific needs.

Remember, your guests will appreciate your efforts to accommodate their dietary requirements, and it will make their experience at your wedding more enjoyable and memorable.

Wording for a cocktail-style reception

When it comes to wording for a cocktail-style reception, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to let your guests know that there won't be a traditional sit-down dinner or a big buffet. Instead, you can mention that a variety of appetizers, small plates, or heavy appetisers will be served. Here are some paragraphs you can use as inspiration:

"Please join us for a cocktail-style reception following the ceremony. We will be serving a variety of delicious appetisers and small plates, so come hungry!"

"We invite you to celebrate with us at our cocktail-style reception. Instead of a formal dinner, we will be offering a selection of tasty treats, including [mention 2-3 specific items]. There will be something for everyone, and plenty of food to go around!"

"In lieu of a traditional wedding dinner, we invite you to mingle and enjoy a variety of hors d'oeuvres and cocktails at our cocktail-style reception. We promise you won't leave hungry!"

"Join us for a fun and elegant evening to celebrate our union. We will be forgoing the sit-down dinner and instead offering a range of delicious appetisers and drinks. It's sure to be a night to remember!"

"We're excited to celebrate with you at our upcoming wedding. Please note that the reception will be cocktail-style, with no formal seating or dinner. We will have plenty of tasty treats and drinks for you to enjoy throughout the night."

Remember, it's important to manage your guests' expectations and let them know what to look forward to. You can also include details about the dress code and whether there will be seating available, so guests can plan accordingly.

How to ask for the pleasure of your guests' company

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are many ways to ask for the pleasure of your guests' company. This is known as the "request line" and is a crucial element of the invitation. Here are four to six paragraphs with different variations of this request:

One option is to go with a traditional and formal approach: "Request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their children [bride's name] and [groom's name]." Including the phrase "pleasure of your company" is a polite and respectful way to invite someone to an event, and by adding "at the marriage of their children," you provide a clear context for the wedding celebration.

Another traditional variation is: "[Bride's name], daughter of [parents' names] and [Groom's name], son of [parents' names], request the honour of your presence at their wedding." This version includes the names of the couple's parents, which can be a lovely way to honour and involve them in the invitation. The use of "honour" indicates that the ceremony will take place in a religious setting.

If you prefer a more modern and casual tone, you could say: "Together with our families, [Bride's name] and [Groom's name] invite you to share in the joy of their wedding day." This version emphasises the role of both families and sets a joyful and inclusive tone for the celebration.

For a simple and direct approach, you can use: "The pleasure of your company is requested at the wedding of [Bride's name] and [Groom's name]." This version is concise and straightforward, focusing solely on the request for the guest's presence at the wedding.

If you want to emphasise the celebratory aspect, try: "We would love for you to join us as we celebrate the marriage of [Bride's name] and [Groom's name]." This version expresses your happiness and excitement in sharing this special day with your guests.

Lastly, if you want to be creative and whimsical, you might say: "Let the feast begin! Join us for a celebration of love and laughter as [Bride's name] and [Groom's name] tie the knot." This version adds a fun and lighthearted twist to the invitation, setting the tone for a joyful and festive wedding.

Remember, the key is to choose a request that reflects the tone and style of your wedding, whether it's formal, casual, traditional, or whimsical. Feel free to personalise and adapt these examples to make them your own!

Whether to include the full menu

Whether or not to include the full menu on your wedding invitations depends on a few factors. If you're offering a set menu with no options, it's not necessary to include the menu at all. In fact, some sources advise against it, as guests won't have the opportunity to be fussy and request something different.

However, if you're offering your guests different options for their meal, it's a good idea to include the full menu so that they can pre-order their preference. This can be done via their reply to your invitation, with tick boxes for each dish they have chosen. It's important to include guests' names with their choices so that you know who has ordered what.

If you're offering a more casual cocktail-style reception with food stations, it's still a good idea to give your guests a heads-up so that they don't worry about leaving hungry. You can include a line on the invitation such as ""Cocktails, stations and hors d'oeuvres immediately following the ceremony" or "Join us after the ceremony for cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and dancing".

Regardless of whether you include the full menu, it's always a good idea to ask guests to let you know about any dietary requirements or allergies, which they can do on their reply card.

How to ask for meal choices

When it comes to asking for meal choices on your wedding invitations, there are a few different approaches you can take. Here are some detailed instructions and suggestions to help you navigate this aspect of your wedding planning:

Do you need to include meal choices at all?

If you are planning to offer a set menu for everyone, with the exception of those who have dietary requirements, you don't need to include meal choices on your invitations. This approach can prevent guests from being too picky or requesting something different on the day. However, if you are offering different options and want guests to pre-order, including meal choices is a good idea.

How to include meal choices:

If you decide to offer pre-order options, include the full menu with all the choices as part of the main invitation. Pocketfold or concertina-style invitations work well for this, as they provide ample space. Encourage guests to reply with their menu selections and include their names to ensure you know who has ordered what.

Dealing with dietary requirements:

Regardless of whether you offer menu choices, always ask guests to inform you of any dietary requirements or allergies. This can be done on their reply card or, if you're not using reply cards, include a simple line with the RSVP details, such as "RSVP by [date] to [email/address] (please include dietary requirements)."

Children's menu:

Including children's menu options can be a bit more complicated. Depending on the number of children attending, you can choose to sort their meals privately without mentioning it in the invitation. If you want to include children's options, consider adding a separate card with their menu choices and a dedicated way for them to reply, such as their own reply card or a separate email address.

Types of invitations for meal choices:

Pocketfold or concertina-style invitations are ideal for including menu options, as they offer plenty of space for a full menu and a reply card with tick boxes for guest selections.

Reminding guests of their choices:

If guests are pre-ordering their meals well in advance, they might forget their selections by the wedding day. Consider providing personalised individual menu cards at each guest's place setting, complete with their name and meal choice, to avoid any confusion.

In summary, including meal choices in your wedding invitations is not necessary unless you have options that need to be pre-ordered. If you do include choices, be sure to provide clear instructions and ample space for guests to indicate their selections. Always ask about dietary requirements, and handle children's menus separately if needed.

Frequently asked questions