[sissy22]

How should wedding invitations read?

My husband and I just attended a wedding out of state. The church ceremony was 6 PM. When we arrived at the reception there was some fruit, cheese, raw veggies and one kind of puff meat pastry. A bit later the staff at the reception place called us up by tables. We went up to what we thought would be dinner, but it was two different kinds of finger sandwiches and either pork or chicken pieces on a stick. That was it until a few little pastries came out later on.

My husband was a bit disturbed. In our state most weddings are gala affairs and the cocktail hour alone is an event, but at even the modest of weddings there is usually dinner. I just figured perhaps this is what is tradition for this area. In any case, we didn't eat before the wedding since we expected dinner.

My husband said they should have said in the wedding invitation something like "a reception of hors d'oeuvers to follow" to give their guests a hint that there would not be a full meal served.

Should the wedding invitation mention the menu?

Thank you in advance.

This post has been edited by TWQadmin: 09 August 2025 - 07:58 PM

[Etiquette Now]

Dear Sissy,

No. The invitation is not supposed to be an itinerary. Host are supposed to provide the refreshments their guests would be expecting at the time of the event. So, they should have provided a meal if hosting at 6 pm.

Best wishes,

[sissy22]

thank you so much for your response, i know different states, religions all do weddings and receptions differently. It was just a bit upsetting cause my husband just went on and on about how they should of either made the invitation more clear or informed us as to what to expect. I tried to explain to him they didn't have to explain but it would have been nice if someone clued us in as to what to expect or not expect.

Anyway thanks again for your response.