When it comes to wedding invitations, wording can be an essential factor in both conveying the important details and setting the overall tone of the event. The language used in an invitation can set the tone for the wedding’s theme and level of formality, so it’s important to get it right.
If you’re planning a wedding reception-only celebration, you may be wondering how to craft an invitation that accurately conveys the details and tone of your special day. Here’s a guide on how to word a wedding reception-only invitation:
The Basics of Wedding Reception-Only Invitations
First, it’s essential to understand what a reception-only invitation is. These types of invitations are typically sent when a couple is having a private wedding ceremony or destination wedding but still want to invite friends and family to celebrate their union at the reception.
Reception-only invitations should feature wording that excludes the ceremony and politely conveys to guests that they’re only invited to the reception portion of the wedding. It’s essential to be clear and concise in this type of invitation, so that guests fully understand the wedding’s details and expectations.
Traditional Wording for Wedding Reception-Only Invitations
If you’re looking for a more traditional approach to wording your wedding reception-only invitation, consider using the following wording:
Mr. and Mrs. John Doe
Request the pleasure of your company
At the wedding reception of their daughter
Jane Marie Doe
On Saturday, the twelfth of July
Two thousand and twenty
At six o’clock in the evening
The Wedding Venue
1234 Elm Street
Seattle, Washington
With this type of language, guests understand that they’re only invited to the reception portion of the wedding but are still being asked to celebrate the newlyweds’ union.
Informal Wording for Wedding Reception-Only Invitations
If your wedding theme is more casual, consider using less formal language in your invitations. Here’s an example of a more informal wedding reception-only invitation:
“All that was missing was their family and friends”
Join them for the after-party
Celebrating the marriage of
Jessica and John
Saturday, July 12th at 6 pm
The Wedding Venue
1234 Elm Street
Seattle, Washington
These types of invitations convey a more laid-back vibe to guests and signal that the night will be more about celebrating with loved ones than formality.
Casual Wording for Wedding Reception-Only Invitations
For a casual and fun vibe, consider using a playful or unique format for your wedding reception-only invitation. Here are some examples:
“Let’s eat, drink, and be married!”
Join us at our reception
When:
July 12th, 2020; 6 pm
Where:
The Wedding Venue
1234 Elm Street
Seattle, Washington
“Party of the Year!”
Celebrate with Jessica and John at their wedding reception
Saturday, July 12th, 2020
6 pm
The Wedding Venue
1234 Elm Street
Seattle, Washington
These types of invitations convey a sense of excitement and joy, signaling that the reception will be a memorable event and should not be missed.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the wording of a wedding reception-only invitation depends on the couple’s preference and the event’s planned theme and level of formality. A clear and concise invitation will ensure that guests understand the details of the wedding event and feel excited to celebrate the couple’s union.
When designing your wedding reception-only invitations, consider collaborating with a professional graphic designer or using wedding invitation templates, which will make it easy to get your text just right and make your invitations look stylish and polished.
FAQ
How do you invite people to just the reception?
If you are planning to have a private wedding ceremony and want to invite your guests just to the reception party, it is essential to know how to word your invitations correctly so that your guests do not show up to the ceremony and feel awkward.
One option is to adjust the wording of a traditional wedding invitation to make it clear that your ceremony is private. You can write a sentence at the bottom of the invitation such as “The couple will be having a private ceremony with family,” along with the time and location of the reception.
Another option is to create a unique invitation just for the reception since this invitation will alert your guests that they are not invited to the ceremony. This invitation should have all the essential details of the reception, such as the location, time, and dress code. Also, make it clear that it is a reception-only invitation, so your guests don’t get confused.
When it comes to RSVP cards, you can include them in both types of invitations. It is essential to create a separate section for RSVPs, so your guests understand what they are expected to do. You can put something like “Please respond by [date] to let us know if you will be attending the reception.”
Deciding to have a private wedding ceremony and inviting guests just to the reception can be tricky. However, with the right wording and appropriate invitations, you can prevent any confusion and make sure everyone is informed and comfortable.
What is another way to say heavy hors d oeuvres?
Hors d’oeuvres are appetizers that are served before the main meal as a way to stimulate the guests’ appetite. However, in recent years, these small bites have evolved into more substantial and filling options that can stand on their own at an event. This style of appetizer is commonly referred to as “heavy hors d’oeuvres.”
But what if you’re looking for a different term to use? Fortunately, there are several other ways to describe these substantial appetizers. In some cases, they may simply be referred to as “hors d’oeuvres” or “appetizers.” This can be especially true if the event is focused solely on serving a variety of small plates, rather than a standard sit-down meal.
Another term that is often interchangeable with “heavy hors d’oeuvres” is “all appetizers.” This phrase emphasizes the fact that the entire menu will consist of various small bites, rather than a traditional meal. This can be a fun and casual way to entertain guests, as it allows for more mingling, interaction, and movement.
If you’re looking for a term that is a bit more descriptive, you might consider calling the appetizers “substantial bites” or simply “small plates.” These terms still emphasize the fact that the appetizers offer a more filling option, but without using the phrase “heavy hors d’oeuvres.”
The best term to use will depend on the type of event you are hosting and the specific appetizers you are serving. Whatever term you choose, make sure it accurately reflects the style and substance of your menu, and encourages your guests to enjoy all the delicious bites you have to offer.
What is another word for appetizers at a wedding?
When it comes to planning a wedding, one of the many important things that a couple needs to decide upon is the menu for their reception. The menu can vary from open buffets to sit-down dinners, but most weddings serve some sort of appetizer or a pre-dinner snack to get people’s tastebuds excited for the main course. In terms of what the appetizers are called, “hors d’oeuvres” is the term used to describe the small finger foods passed around at a wedding or any other event for that matter.
“Hors d’oeuvres” is a french term that literally means “outside the work” and refers to the bite-sized, savory morsels that are versatile, easy to eat, and leave a lasting impression on guests. These can take the form of anything from hot or cold dips, skewers of meat or vegetables, mini quiches or tartlets, and bite-sized sandwiches, among other things. The term “appetizers” is also commonly used to refer to these pre-dinner snacks, but “hors d’oeuvres” is a more elegant and sophisticated term that adds a touch of class and sophistication to the occasion.
Whether you refer to them as appetizers or hors d’oeuvres, it’s important to ensure that these small bites are carefully chosen to reflect both the couple’s taste and the tone of the event. The right choice of hors d’oeuvres can set the stage for a wonderful wedding experience that will keep guests talking about the food long after the event is over.
How do you word food options for a wedding?
Planning a wedding requires a lot of attention to detail, and one important detail to consider is how to word the food options for your guests. It is important to provide meal options for guests with different dietary needs or restrictions. When wording the food options for a wedding, keeping it concise and easy to understand for guests is key.
One effective way to word the food options on the response card is to provide a phrase such as “Please indicate the entrée choice for each guest.” This ensures that each guest’s meal preference is accounted for, and helps you determine the exact number of each dish that your caterer should prepare.
Choosing the right meal options is also important. Many weddings offer a choice between a chicken, beef, or vegetarian dish. If possible, consider adding a brief description of each meal option, highlighting unique ingredients or cooking techniques. This can help guests make a more informed decision and adds a personal touch to the menu.
Furthermore, it is important to also include the dietary restrictions or allergies of your guests, along with their meal preference on the response card. This shows your care for their well-being and ensures that they have a comfortable and safe dining experience at the wedding.
When wording food options for a wedding, always keep your guests’ comfort and dietary needs in mind. By providing a concise and clear response card and offering a variety of food options, you can enhance their dining experience and ensure a successful event.
How do you word a cocktail style reception?
When it comes to planning a wedding or any kind of social event, getting the wording right for your invitations is one of the most important aspects to consider. If you’re planning to have a cocktail style reception, then you may be wondering how to word your invitations to convey the necessary information to your guests. Fortunately, it’s not too difficult to find the right words that will make your guests understand what to expect.
First off, it’s important to understand what a cocktail style reception is and what sets it apart from a traditional plated meal reception. Essentially, a cocktail style reception is a standing, more casual affair that features appetizers, small bites, and drinks, with no formal table setting or seating arrangements. Guests are free to mingle and socialize while enjoying the food and drinks being provided.
To convey the cocktail style reception format on your invitations, there are a few key phrases or terms that you should consider using. One easy way to do this is to include the words “cocktail reception” or “cocktail party” somewhere in your invitation text. For example, you could word your invitations like this: “Please join us for a post-wedding cocktail reception,” or “We invite you to celebrate with us at our cocktail party immediately following the ceremony.”
Another term that’s often used to describe a cocktail style reception is “reception with hors d’oeuvres.” This provides a little more detail about what type of food will be served, and can help guests understand that this isn’t a sit-down meal event. So you might say something like “Join us for a reception with hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and dancing” or “Come celebrate with us at our hors d’oeuvre reception following the ceremony.”
Keep in mind that you don’t have to stick to any one specific wording formula when creating your cocktail-style reception invitation. The most important thing is to make sure you’re clear about what type of event you’re inviting your guests to, so they can properly plan their schedules and expectations. You can add fun and playful wording that reflects your personality or the theme of your event as long as the message is clear.
Finding the right words to convey a cocktail style reception is relatively easy when you understand the basic elements that define this type of event. Be clear about the format, mention the availability of hors d’oeuvres and drinks, and use appropriate words that convey the party atmosphere and set the right tone for your wedding reception or social gathering. With these tips in mind, you can create the perfect invitation that will have your guests eagerly looking forward to your big day.