How can I have a wedding without a sit down meal?
James Austin
Updated on March 02, 2026
How can I have a wedding without a sit down meal?
Host a Cocktail Party Reception Just be sure to make it clear that dinner will not be served by wording your reception card or invites with something like, “Join us after the ceremony for cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and dancing.” Put this on your wedding website too and your guests will get the point.
How do you say only appetizers will be served?
Simply noting “hors d’oeuvres will be served” should be sufficient. Assuming there will also be drinks served at the party, I think most people will assume that if you say “hors d’oeuvres will be served,” you are at least providing enough food to help balance out the drinks.
How do you say light dinner on an invitation?
So, what is the best invitation wording for light refreshments? Using the term “light refreshments” in your wedding invitations is the best way to tell your guests you’re only having snacks instead of a full meal. You can also say you are having snacks following your ceremony. Either term should get the point across.
What should not be included in a wedding invitation?
We’ll take a look at a few here.
- Registry information. Topping the list of what not to include in wedding invitations is registry information.
- No kids.
- Too much information.
- Too many different fonts and font sizes.
- The bride’s married name.
- An incomplete address/location.
Do all weddings have rehearsal dinners?
Traditionally, the rehearsal dinner was given the night before the wedding by the parents of the groom. Everyone in both families, in the wedding party, and from out of town was invited to the dinner, and it was a more formal affair.
What is a floating dinner?
A Floating Dinner is a new concept that’s become really popular over the last couple years. With this style there’s no assigned seating, but plenty of food, fun, and dancing!
How do you mention food on an invitation?
Let guests know the food situation by adding a line or two at the bottom of the invite that says “Light refreshments and drinks provided” or “Full cash bar available,” depending on the party circumstances. Place this line of information in one of the bottom corners of the invitation.
What do you write on a wedding invite?
What information do I need to include on my wedding invitations?
- Names of the happy couple.
- Date and time of the ceremony and reception.
- Names of the wedding venues.
- RSVP contact details.
- RSVP deadline.
How do you describe food on an invitation?
If the invitation says “You are invited to …” and then later you include the information “snacks/dinner/light refreshments/a buffet (or whatever) will be served”, this should be enough. Try to be fairly specific about the amount of food.
Should you mention gifts on a wedding invitation?
Mention wedding gifts on the invitation – whether you have a wedding list or would prefer money it should not be included on the invitation. Gift arrangements should be on your wedding website if you have one and can be mentioned on your information card.
What name goes first on a wedding invitation?
Bride and Groom Lines The name of the bride always precedes the groom’s name. Formal invitations issued by the bride’s parents refer to her by her first and middle names, the groom by his full name and title; if the couple is hosting by themselves, their titles are optional.
What can you do instead of a rehearsal dinner?
5 Savvy Rehearsal Dinner Alternatives
- Host a Backyard Barbecue. Follow the “invite every out of town guest” rule, but host a casual, backyard barbecue instead of a fancy dinner.
- Plan an Afterparty.
- Try Afternoon Tea.
- Plan a Group Activity.
- Opt For Brunch Instead.
How do you invite someone to a formal dinner party?
The below are formal dinner invitation wording ideas for you to use to respectfully request the presence of someone’s company to your formal dinner party. 1. Mr. and Mrs. [last name] are pleased to announce drinks followed by a luxurious meal to celebrate [event].
How do you plan a wedding without dinner?
Plan out your start time thoughtfully. If you’re having an evening wedding without dinner, you want to make sure to give your guests time to eat before heading to the wedding. For that reason, consider having a dessert reception.
Can your guests decide the format of your wedding?
“Never assume that guests can determine an event’s format based solely on the event location and timing ,” says Lehman. “Always use the invitation and your wedding website to let your guests know exactly what to expect. If you’re serving sweet treats and cake only, be sure to mention that so they don’t show up expecting to have dinner.
How do you write a cocktail reception on a wedding invitation?
To clue them in that you’re hosting a cocktail party, not a five-course feast, clearly state “cocktail reception” or “cocktails and hors d’oeuvres to follow” on the wedding invitation. Time it so that the reception begins earlier and include an end time by saying something like, “Cocktail reception to follow, 5 to 8 p.m.”.