Conveying 'No Food' On Wedding Invitations: Etiquette And Wording

When it comes to wedding planning, there are many factors to consider, and one of the most important is the catering. Deciding whether or not to serve food at your wedding is a significant decision that can impact your budget and guest experience. While some couples opt for a traditional sit-down meal, others choose to forgo the food to save costs. If you're in the latter group, it's essential to convey this information clearly to your guests through your wedding invitations.

How to word no food on a wedding invitation without being rude

When it comes to wedding invitations, it can be tricky to convey that there won't be a meal served without causing offence. Here are some tips and suggestions to navigate this situation gracefully:

Be Transparent and Clear

It is important to be upfront with your guests about the absence of a meal. This will help manage their expectations and ensure they don't arrive hungry or expecting a full dinner. You could consider including a phrase such as "hors d'oeuvres reception to follow" or "cocktail reception to follow". This indicates that there will be light snacks and drinks available, but no full meal.

Timing is Everything

The timing of your wedding can also help convey the message. If you choose a time outside of typical meal hours, such as a mid-afternoon or late evening reception, guests are less likely to expect a full meal. For example, having your ceremony at 2 pm and the reception at 5:30 pm might be more suitable. This gives guests the opportunity to have their own meals beforehand.

Provide Alternative Options

You can also include a list of nearby restaurants or your favourite eateries to subtly indicate that guests should eat before or after the wedding. This can be especially helpful for out-of-town guests who may not be familiar with the area.

Offer Refreshments and Drinks

Even if you're not serving a full meal, it's important to provide some refreshments and drinks for your guests. This can include items such as cookies, cake and punch, or light snacks. By including phrases like "cake and punch reception to follow" or "light refreshments", guests will understand that there won't be a meal but there will still be something to enjoy.

Spread the Word

In addition to the invitations, it's a good idea to spread the word informally through family and friends. This way, guests will be aware of the situation and can plan accordingly.

Sample Wording

• "Please join us for a cocktail reception to celebrate the union of Bride and Groom."
• "Join us for an evening of celebration, hors d'oeuvres, and dancing following the ceremony."
• "Cocktail and hors d'oeuvres reception to follow the ceremony. We kindly request that you enjoy a meal beforehand."

Remember, it's important to be considerate of your guests' comfort and needs while also staying true to your preferences and budget. By using clear and polite wording, you can convey the absence of a meal without causing offence.

The best time to hold a wedding without food

If you're set on having an evening wedding, it's important to start the event after 8:30 pm. This way, guests will likely have already eaten dinner and won't expect a full meal at your reception.

• "Cocktail reception to follow"
• "Join us after the ceremony for cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and dancing"
• "Cake, punch, and merriment to follow"
• "Light refreshments to follow"
• "Hors d'oeuvres reception to follow"
• "Dessert reception and dancing to follow"

Remember, it's essential to clearly communicate to your guests that there won't be a meal provided to ensure they don't show up expecting one. You can also spread the word verbally or through your wedding website.

How to ensure guests don't come expecting food

To ensure guests don't come expecting food, it's important to be clear and direct in your wedding invitation wording. Here are some suggestions on how to communicate that there will be no food served:

• Indicate the type of reception: Instead of a general "reception to follow," specify the type of reception, such as a cocktail reception, "hors d'oeuvres reception," or "dessert reception." This will give guests a clear idea of what to expect in terms of food options.
• Be explicit about the absence of a meal: You can include a phrase like "light refreshments only" or "no dinner will be served." While it may seem uncomfortable to be so direct, it's better to be clear to avoid any misunderstandings.
• Choose an earlier time: Consider having your wedding earlier in the day, such as an afternoon wedding. This way, guests will be less likely to expect a full meal and will know to eat beforehand.
• Spread the word: In addition to the invitations, use word-of-mouth to inform guests about the lack of a meal. Ask close friends and family to help spread the message so that guests are aware and can plan accordingly.
• Provide alternative options: Include a list of nearby restaurants or your favourite eateries to guide guests on where they can grab a bite before or after the wedding. This will help set expectations and ensure guests don't arrive hungry.
• Emphasize other aspects: Focus on the celebration and festivities in your invitation wording. Highlight the dancing, music, or other entertainment that guests can look forward to, shifting the focus away from food.

Remember, it's important to be considerate of your guests' needs and comfort. While you may not be serving a full meal, providing some light snacks or refreshments is a good idea to ensure your guests don't go hungry during the festivities.

Wording ideas for wedding invitations when serving light snacks

When serving light snacks at your wedding, it is important to communicate this clearly to your guests through your wedding invitations. This will ensure that your guests do not arrive expecting a full meal and are well-prepared to enjoy the celebration. Here are some ideas for wording your wedding invitations:

"Please join us for a cocktail and hors d'oeuvres reception to celebrate the marriage of [Bride] and [Groom]."

"Cocktail reception to follow the wedding ceremony. Please join us for drinks and light snacks as we celebrate [Bride] and [Groom]'s special day."

"You are invited to a dessert and hors d'oeuvres reception to celebrate the union of [Bride] and [Groom]. Join us for an evening of sweet treats, delicious bites, and celebration."

"Join us for a celebration of love as we honour the marriage of [Bride] and [Groom]. Cocktails and light refreshments will be served throughout the evening."

"We invite you to an intimate cocktail reception to toast the newlyweds, [Bride] and [Groom]. Please join us for drinks, delicious hors d'oeuvres, and an evening of joy and laughter."

It is also a good idea to consider the timing of your reception. If you hold it earlier in the day or specify an end time, guests will understand that a full meal will not be served and can plan accordingly. For example:

"Cocktail reception from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. to celebrate the marriage of [Bride] and [Groom]. Please join us for drinks and light snacks as we honour this special union."

By choosing clear and direct wording, your guests will be well-informed about the nature of the reception and can fully enjoy the celebration with you.

What to serve at a wedding if you're not serving food

If you're not planning to serve food at your wedding, it's important to let your guests know in advance so they can plan to eat beforehand. On your invitations, you could say something like "Join us after the ceremony for cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and dancing" or "Cocktail reception to follow". If you're serving very light snacks, you could also call it a "dessert reception".

Heavy appetisers

If you're going to offer appetisers instead of a meal, make sure they're heavy – think protein-based items like shrimp cocktail, steak kebabs, tuna tartar, chicken wings, sliders and mini tacos. You want to make sure your guests are satisfied, especially if they've been drinking. You could also set up appetiser stations, which ensure everyone gets their fill, rather than relying on hand-passed small plates.

Breakfast, brunch or lunch

Serving a meal other than dinner can save money and create a memorable reception. Think Bloody Mary bars, on-site baristas, omelette stations, or a light lunch with a fruity Bellini. Guests tend to eat and drink less during the day, so it can also cut costs that way.

Cocktail party

If you're having a cocktail party reception, it's best to start after dinner time, unless it's a late-afternoon reception. Make sure to clearly state on your invites that dinner won't be served.

Charcuterie cones

Everyone loves a charcuterie table, but they can leave guests feeling hungry. Instead, you could pass out pre-made charcuterie cones with an assortment of cheeses, meats, crackers and fruit.

Antipasti

Take inspiration from Italian menus and family meals by kicking off the cocktail hour with an antipasti spread of olives, bread, dipping sauce, sliced meats and cheeses.

Sushi

Pay homage to your favourite date night activity by setting up a sushi station. Just be sure to include some veggie options for vegan guests and those who don't eat seafood.

Grilled kabobs

Grilled kabobs are easy to cook and customise. Fill them with your favourite meats or veggies and serve them hot off the grill.

Mini tacos

These bite-sized tortillas can be filled with your choice of meat, veggies and toppings.

Portable French fries

French fries are a crowd favourite. Serve them in small cups with sauce for a portable, casual snack.

Late-night diner food

Turn the reception into a themed late-night party with chicken tenders, fries, waffle stacks, hash browns and omelettes.

Flavoured popcorn

Offer sweet and savoury flavours of popcorn during the cocktail hour or on the dance floor for a grab-and-go snack.

Comfort food

If you're planning a low-key, rustic wedding, opt for a comfort food buffet with dishes like corn on the cob, mashed potatoes and mac and cheese.

Seasonal vegetables

Celebrate the season by serving local, seasonal vegetables. Call out the farm-to-table approach on special menu cards at each table.

Pre-portioned salads

Portion salads into brown paper bags for a cute and practical appetizer.

Bacon and pimento cheese bites

Your guests will have a hard time turning down these tasty bites. Add them to standard party crackers or incorporate a sweet flavour element, like mini pancakes or waffles.

Frequently asked questions