Elegant Wording For Your Wedding Cocktail Hour Invitation

Wording your wedding invitations can be a tricky task, especially when it comes to cocktail hour. The last thing you want is for your guests to be disappointed or confused about the schedule of events. While some couples opt for traditional phrasing like reception to follow, others choose to include more specific details such as cocktail hour, dinner and dancing to follow. If you're having a cocktail hour before the ceremony, it's a good idea to clearly state the start time to avoid any confusion. You might also include an end time, such as Cocktail reception to follow, 5 pm to 8 pm. This gives your guests a clear picture of what to expect and allows them to plan accordingly.

Whether to mention cocktail hour at all

Another factor to consider is the level of formality of your wedding. Formal weddings often adhere more strictly to traditions, so mentioning a cocktail hour may be unnecessary. In contrast, a more casual wedding might call for a light-hearted mention of drinks, dinner, and dancing to follow. It is also worth noting that if you are having an hors d'oeuvres-only reception, it is a good idea to mention this on the invitation so that guests know not to expect a full-blown meal.

Additionally, the expectations of your guest list should be considered. If you know that most of your guests are familiar with wedding traditions and will expect a cocktail hour, there may be no need to mention it. On the other hand, if your guests are less likely to be aware of wedding etiquette, providing more detailed information about the cocktail hour could be helpful.

Finally, you could consider including a wedding website or additional insert card with your invitation. This would allow you to provide more detailed information about the cocktail hour and other wedding events without cluttering your main invitation. This approach ensures that guests who want more information can find it while maintaining a more traditional and concise main invitation.

Wording ideas for cocktail hour

The wording of your wedding invitations is important, and there are different ways to go about it depending on the tone and style of your wedding. Here are some ideas for how to word the cocktail hour on your wedding invitations:

Traditional Wording

If you want to stick to tradition, the wording of your invitation will depend on who is hosting the wedding. If the bride's parents are hosting, the invitation might say something like: "Mr. and Mrs. Smith request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their daughter..." If the couple is hosting with their families, you could say: "Together with their families, Arianna Manning and Dylan Cullen invite you to share in the celebration of their marriage..."

When it comes to the cocktail hour, traditional invitations often include a separate line at the bottom, such as "Reception to follow", "Dinner and dancing to follow", or "Cocktails, dinner and dancing to follow". This indicates that there will be a cocktail hour without giving a specific schedule.

Creative Wording

If you want to add a creative or casual touch to your invitations, you can incorporate phrases such as ""don't miss this" or include themed phrases that match your wedding's style. For example, if you're having a Hawaiian-themed cocktail party, you could use "Luau!" in bold typography. You can also add excitement with your wording by using phrases like "Join us for a night of fun and celebration!"

To indicate the cocktail hour, you could say something like "Join us for a pre-wedding cocktail hour!" or "Cocktails and conversation to kick things off!". This adds a playful element while still conveying the necessary information.

Clear and Informative Wording

If you want to ensure your guests have all the details they need, you can include a separate insert card with a more detailed schedule. For example: "Cocktail hour begins at 3:30 pm, followed by the ceremony at 4:30 pm. Dinner and dancing will follow immediately after the ceremony." This type of wording leaves no room for confusion and helps guests plan their arrival time accordingly.

Formal Wording

For a formal wedding, you might want to use more elegant and sophisticated wording. Some examples include: "The honour of your presence is requested..." or " [Your Names] request the pleasure of your company..." When indicating the cocktail hour, you could say something like "Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will be served from 5 pm to 8 pm, followed by a plated dinner and dancing."

Remember, it's important to include key information such as the dress code, whether guests can bring a plus one, and any costs or drink selections that guests should be aware of.

How to convey there will be no sit-down dinner

When it comes to wedding invitations, it's important to give your guests a clear idea of what to expect, especially when it comes to food and drinks. If you're planning a cocktail hour instead of a sit-down dinner, here are some ways to convey that on your invitations:

Be Direct and Mention "Cocktail Reception"

One effective way to let your guests know about the cocktail hour is to be direct and use phrases such as "cocktail reception" or "cocktails and hors d'oeuvres to follow." This will give them a clear indication that the event will be more casual and that they shouldn't expect a formal, sit-down dinner. For example, you could say, "You are invited to a cocktail reception to celebrate the union of [bride and groom]."

Provide Timing Details

Including timing details on your invitation can also subtly convey that there won't be a sit-down dinner. For example, you could write, "Cocktail hour from 5 pm to 6 pm, followed by the ceremony at 6:30 pm." This way, guests understand the flow of the event and can assume there won't be a formal dinner.

Emphasize "Drinks and Hors d'oeuvres"

If you want to emphasize the abundance of drinks and hors d'oeuvres available during the cocktail hour, you can use phrases like, "Please join us for drinks and hors d'oeuvres at 6 pm, followed by the ceremony." This will give guests an idea of the type and amount of food that will be served, setting the expectation that there won't be a sit-down dinner.

Include "Dancing" in the Itinerary

If your wedding will feature dancing, you can include it in the itinerary on your invitation. For example, "Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at 5 pm, followed by the ceremony and dancing." This implies that the event will be more casual and that guests will be moving around, rather than seated for a formal dinner.

Provide Additional Details on a Wedding Website

If you prefer a more traditional invitation, you can include a simple phrase like, "Reception to follow" or "Drinks, dinner, and dancing to follow," and then provide more detailed information on your wedding website. This way, guests can refer to the website for a clearer understanding of the event, including the absence of a sit-down dinner.

Remember, it's important to manage your guests' expectations to avoid any confusion or disappointment. By conveying the nature of the cocktail hour and the absence of a sit-down dinner, your guests will be well-informed and can plan accordingly.

How to indicate the start and end times

When indicating the start and end times of your cocktail hour on your wedding invitation, there are a few key points to consider. Firstly, it is essential to provide clear timing details to ensure your guests arrive at the right moment and are not left confused or misled. Here are some suggestions for effective wording:

Provide Specific Times

Specify the start and end times of the cocktail hour, such as "Cocktail Hour: 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m." This approach ensures guests understand the duration and are not expecting a full meal during this period. It also helps them plan their arrival time accordingly.

Include a Timeline

Another option is to provide a timeline of events, stating the start time of each activity, including the cocktail hour. For example, "3:30 p.m. Cocktails and Slide Show, 4:00 p.m. Ceremony, 4:30 p.m. Reception." This format offers a comprehensive overview of the entire event, allowing guests to plan their attendance accordingly.

Mention Cocktails and Dinner

If you want to emphasise the cocktail hour, you can explicitly mention it alongside the dinner reception. For instance, "Cocktails at 5:00 p.m., Ceremony at 6:00 p.m., Hors d'oeuvres and Dancing to Immediately Follow." This wording ensures guests understand the sequence of events and can anticipate the duration of the cocktail hour.

Use Traditional Wording

If you prefer a more traditional approach, you can simply state "Reception to Follow" or "Cocktails and Dinner to Follow." This subtle hint suggests a cocktail hour without providing specific timing details. However, it is essential to ensure your guests are aware of the cocktail hour through other means, such as word of mouth or your wedding website.

Consider a Separate Card or Insert

If you have additional information or a detailed schedule, consider including a separate card or insert with your invitation. This approach allows you to provide more context and timing details without overcrowding your main invitation card.

Spell Out Times

When indicating timing, it is generally considered more formal to spell out the time rather than using numbers and abbreviations. For example, write "five o'clock in the evening" instead of "5:00 p.m." Capitalise the days of the week and months, but not the year or day. For example, "Saturday, the Fourth of June, two thousand sixteen."

Remember, clear communication about timing is essential to ensure your guests have a smooth and enjoyable experience at your wedding, especially if you are hosting a cocktail hour before the ceremony.

What to include on a separate insert card

If you are having a cocktail hour before your wedding ceremony, it is important to let your guests know in advance. This is especially important if your wedding is not following the traditional format, as guests may otherwise arrive at the wrong time. For example, if your invitation states that the wedding starts at 3:30 pm, guests may arrive at 3:00 pm or 3:20 pm, which would be during the cocktail hour.

One way to avoid this is to include a separate insert card with your invitation. This card can include a brief schedule of events, such as:

> "Cocktail hour will begin at 3:30 pm, with the ceremony beginning at 4:30 pm. Dinner will be served immediately after the ceremony."

This way, your guests will know exactly when to arrive and what to expect. It is also a good idea to include the end time of the cocktail hour or reception, so that guests can plan their evening, and know if they will need to eat dinner beforehand. For example, you could say:

> "Cocktail reception from 5 pm to 8 pm, with dinner and dancing to follow."

In addition to the timing, there are a few other key details you may want to include on your insert card:

• Whether appetizers or a full meal will be served. If it's a meal, you can list the menu.
• Details of the bar—whether it's full service or limited, and if the latter, what drinks are available.
• Dress code, if it is not evident from the nature of the wedding.
• Any items guests should bring.
• Who is hosting the event, if it is not evident.
• Whether guests can bring a plus one.
• Any costs that guests should be aware of, such as a cash bar.
• RSVP information, including a deadline and how to respond.

Remember to keep your text clear and simple, and try to keep it to 14 lines or less. You may also want to include your wedding website on the insert card, so that guests can find more detailed information if needed.

Frequently asked questions