Hors d' oeuvre reception - how do you word the invitation?

Question

A friend is having a belated wedding reception (they eloped) and are going to serve hors d' oeuvres. She plans on serving enough to fill everyone up like a dinner would. There won't be formal seating, to encourage mingling. How do you word the invitation so that people won't eat dinner before attending the reception? Thanks.

Answer 1

If it will be enough to fill people up as a dinner, I think just calling it a reception will be fine. People tend to think of hors d'oeuvers as "nibbles". If you call them out specifically, people will eat before.

Congratulations to your friend!

Answer 2

Hi and congratulations on your upcoming wedding! What you have planned is fine up until the cruise part. Suggestions from me: With your small wedding, why not simply have a morning wedding and then a brunch or lunch reception. OR.....a later afternoon wedding with a dinner reception. You do NOT need to have a DJ, dancing, etc. to have a "meal" reception. I would definitely want to do something a "little more" with the small number of guests you are having. If you want to only serve hors d'oeuvres and cake....that is fine also, but do so at a NON-meal time. So....you would need to have a 2 p.m. wedding and then a short reception after. You cannot do hors d'oeuvres and cake at a meal time. Your guests wil not be happy. Then, for the cruise....this should just be the two of you for your honeymoon. It would definitely not be appropriate to invite people on a cruise and then say ...."oh this is only if you can afford to pay for your own ticket." Any why would you want 30 people coming with you on a honeymoon cruise anyway? No, do one of my suggestions....or have your hors d'oeuvres/cake reception, but leave it at that. So...for your invites...you would have the standard wording with names, date, time, etc.

Answer 3

You said it, you call it an Hors d' oeuvre Reception. You might include a menu/list of the hors d'oeuvers which would give people an idea of what will be provided and they can make their own determinations.

Answer 4

problem with this is have you been to weddings involving some of the guests and you were fed a dinner not just d'oeuvres. they will read the invitations and be insulted....30 years ago, my cousin got remarried....his wife was 40 at the time....invitation was very lovely but said 'refreshments only' room used for young children (50) was the venue with 150-160 guests. totally embarrassed my aunt and uncle...used kool aid for the toasts....'just being cheap'.....my dad had a stroke March of that same year....he questioned my uncle about the reception.....laughed....'this is nothing but a cash grab'
bride borrowed a dress from a neighbour....coffee & tea were served.....dishes piled up 3/4 high...
2 or 3 cups and saucer fell & broke....left after 1 hour...went to Keg for dinner.....1 WILL NOT attend any family weddings because of this farce. tell people you will pay me $800 for 5 hours max....
Weddings are so BORING....Funerals are much more interesting....might get fed better....ho ho ho.

Answer 5

"We've Eloped!
For further details
You must attend a reception
In our honor
on July 12, 2011"

Since you plan to fill everyone up on smaller bites I wouldn't word it differently. An hors d'oeuvre or cocktail reception suggests that food will be limited. Calling it a reception lets them know they won't be leaving hungry... even tho the meal portions are smaller.

Answer 6

I would say, "Please join us for a hors d' oeuvre reception following the ceremony." Some people may still choose to eat before the ceremony though. Best wishes!

Answer 7

mr and mrs smith
request the
The pleasure of your company
at our Champagne and hors d'oeuvres Reception
to be held at
LOCATION
ADDRESS
DATE

check at verseit.com for more options

Answer 8

Cocktail Reception, this implies that its only finger foods and light drinks.

Answer 9

Tapas menu

Answer 10

I would use the wording "A light meal will be served"