On an invitation, “food will be served” is clear but fairly general. If you know what guests can expect, wording such as “Dinner will be served,” “Light refreshments will be available,” or “A buffet will be provided” is more informative.
Best Wording by Event Type
- Formal meal: Dinner will be served.
- Casual event: Food and drinks will be available.
- Reception: Refreshments will be served.
- Buffet: A buffet will be provided.
- Included catering: A catered meal is included.
Food will be provided
Simple and neutral, with no promise about the type or style of food.
Example: “Food will be provided for all attendees.”
Refreshments will be served
Suitable for drinks and lighter food, particularly at meetings, receptions, and ceremonies.
Example: “Refreshments will be served after the presentation.”
A meal will be served
Clear when guests can expect something more substantial than snacks.
Example: “A meal will be served at approximately 7 p.m.”
Dinner will be served
Specific and appropriate when the event includes an evening meal.
Example: “Dinner will be served following the awards ceremony.”
Lunch will be provided
Straightforward wording for conferences, training days, and daytime events.
Example: “Lunch will be provided during the workshop.”
Catering will be provided
Useful for professional events when the exact menu is not important in the invitation.
Example: “Catering will be provided throughout the day.”
Light refreshments will be available
Signals snacks and drinks rather than a full meal.
Example: “Light refreshments will be available from 10 a.m.”
Food and drinks will be available
Casual and easy to understand for social events.
Example: “Food and drinks will be available throughout the evening.”
Join us for food and drinks
Warm invitation wording rather than a logistical notice.
Example: “Join us for food and drinks after the ceremony.”
Please stay for refreshments
Best when food follows a main event such as a talk, service, or presentation.
Example: “Please stay for refreshments after the meeting.”
A buffet will be served
Useful when the serving style is relevant to guests.
Example: “A buffet will be served from 6:30 p.m.”
A reception with refreshments will follow
Formal event wording, particularly for ceremonies and talks.
Example: “A reception with refreshments will follow in the main hall.”
Breakfast will be provided
Specific and useful for morning events or overnight stays.
Example: “Breakfast will be provided from 8 a.m.”
Complimentary refreshments will be available
Makes clear that guests do not need to pay, though “complimentary” can sound more promotional.
Example: “Complimentary refreshments will be available in the foyer.”
A catered meal is included
Clear when the meal is part of a ticket, package, or registration.
Example: “A catered meal is included in the registration fee.”
Food and Refreshments Are Not Always the Same
Refreshments often suggests drinks and light snacks, while a meal, lunch, or dinner promises something more substantial. Use the more specific wording when guests may plan around whether they need to eat beforehand.
Mention Dietary Information Separately
If guests need to submit dietary requirements, add a separate sentence such as “Please let us know about any dietary requirements when you RSVP.”