How to word invitations for cocktail reception and dinner

Reception to follow, is sufficient. We put dinner and dancing to follow. While we are having a cocktail hour, we didn't include that on the invitation.

I would assume "Reception to follow" implies you'll be feeding guests (especially if the time includes a typical meal time). That's what daughter put on her invitations and on the website she had a brief description of the specifics (e.g., "Outdoor ceremony begins at 3:30, followed by cocktail hour on the patio (weather permitting). The reception will be in a temperature-controlled open air pavilion....").

I would just say reception to follow and then give the time the cocktail hour will begin! Or you could say "Cocktail hour beginning at _____ followed by the reception starting at __________." Doing it this way may make people late if they decide to skip the cocktail hour and go do something else before the reception. If it were me, I would just say "Reception beginning at __________" and leave it at that!

"Reception to follow" is fine.

I’m a bit confused by what you’re saying— are they at different places ? Is everyone invited to dinner too? “Reception to follow” is fine if everyone is invited; you’d just include a details card with the where and when of each event. Reception to follow definitely implies being fed, but timing might impact my expectations of what I was eating. But, a cocktail hour for drinks and apps during photos and before dinner is quite common, so reception to follow works for that scenario. If they’re at separate places you should simply include a card with the specifics.

We used the detail card for that info with the address of the church and hotel venues and the times for everything in one convenient place.

I put "reception to follow"

I'd only put the intricate details on an invite if it's something out of the ordinary.

We are doing the same exact thing as you and I just put "Adult Reception to Follow" on my invitations. This way guests know to stay after the ceremony for dinner and dancing as well as they are aware it is Adults only and no children. Also, most guests are already aware that a cocktail hour will occur while pictures are being taken.

I completely forgot about the details card! Thank you! I think I’ll stick with “Reception to Follow” on the invitation and get more specific on the details card. Thank you!!

Ours just say "Dinner & Dancing to follow". We don't mention the cocktail hour.

View Quoted Comment Same as Mrs.D!