Reception Dinner at a Restaurant?

I don’t think that’s tacky at all especially because you are the one hosting it.
I don’t think you have to word it any differently than regular wedding invitation.

There is nothing inappropriate about having that type of reception if that's what you want. As long as you cover the entire bill, you're golden.


Just say "Dinner reception to follow". You don't need to list the time unless there is a gap. But make sure to include directions on the directions card along with how to get to the ceremony.

I think this is based entirely on how many guests you have attending.

Not sure about your locale, but many restaurants in my area beach towns can't accommodate a 100- person wedding reception.

But on the flip side, my best friend is getting married in October and doing just what you're planning. She's only having 20 people and has stated this luncheon arrangement on the invitation.

Something along the lines of: "..... after the ceremony, please join us for a lunch provided by the bride's family at ABC Restaurant (with the address)."

Guests don't need to know the particulars of who is paying (the couple vs parents) as long as they don't have to open their wallets. Make sure the restaurant's banquet area can accommodate your guest count. They are all different so call around before you decide.

View Quoted Comment The restaurant I’m looking into said that if I have at least 60 guests I can have a private room!

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Oh dang, then yeah, do that haha. Will they provide a preset menu?

View Quoted Comment I hadn’t asked them yet. I thought maybe I’ll just let them order whatever they want. Or will that cause chaos?

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I would ask about offering a limited menu. Our rehearsal dinner was with 25 people and it made things run so much smoother. The staff took a tally of who wanted Dish A, B, or C and had dinner served in a time that would be no different then waiting to be served normally.

That’s what we did! Do it if that’s what you want. There’s no right or wrong answer, as long if you two are happy!

It’s common and totally fine to do. I’d list it as “dinner to follow at _____ restaurant” (and include the address of course)

This is totally fine! I would just say "dinner reception to follow" and give the address.

As everyone says, this is a completely fine way to host a reception. I just wanted to comment that it was my experience working for a caterer in high school, and the hundreds of weddings I attended, that led to me knowing I wanted a small courthouse wedding with a lunch reception at a restaurant.