Introduction
When planning an event, the way you communicate dining arrangements on invitations can set the tone for your guests. Simply stating “Food will be served” may feel plain or lack the elegance suited for formal events such as weddings, corporate dinners, or gala receptions. Choosing polished and professional alternatives can convey hospitality while maintaining a refined tone.
This guide presents 35+ formal ways to say “Food will be served” on invitations, including subtle and sophisticated variations. Each phrase includes meaning, tone, example usage, and explanation to help you craft invitations that are both inviting and professional. Whether your event is casual, semi-formal, or black-tie, these expressions enhance clarity, courtesy, and style for your guests.
What Does “Food Will Be Served” Mean?
The phrase indicates that the event will provide meals or refreshments for attendees. It assures guests that dining arrangements are planned and part of the event experience. The tone is usually informative, polite, and welcoming.
Example:
“Food will be served following the ceremony.”
When to Use It
This phrase or its alternatives are suitable for:
- Weddings
- Corporate events and conferences
- Charity galas and fundraisers
- Private parties and celebrations
Example Usage:
- “Dinner and refreshments will be served promptly at 7 PM.”
- “A light luncheon will be provided after the meeting.”
Is It Formal or Polite?
Yes. The standard phrase is polite, but using elevated or creative alternatives can convey sophistication and professionalism. This is particularly important for formal invitations, where tone and style contribute to the overall event experience.
35+ Formal Ways to Say “Food Will Be Served”
1. Dinner will be provided
Meaning: Polite and clear.
Tone: Formal and professional.
Example: Dinner will be provided following the awards ceremony.
Explanation: Standard and widely understood; ideal for corporate events.
2. A meal will be served
Meaning: Neutral and informative.
Tone: Polished and formal.
Example: A meal will be served at 6 PM.
Explanation: Simple and effective for most events.
3. Refreshments will be offered
Meaning: Indicates lighter fare or drinks.
Tone: Professional and inviting.
Example: Refreshments will be offered during the reception.
Explanation: Best for conferences, workshops, or networking events.
4. Lunch will be provided
Meaning: Specifies meal type.
Tone: Formal and courteous.
Example: Lunch will be provided for all attendees at 12:30 PM.
Explanation: Provides clarity and professionalism.
5. A reception with food will follow
Meaning: Highlights social and dining element.
Tone: Elegant and professional.
Example: A reception with food will follow the ceremony.
Explanation: Suitable for weddings or formal gatherings.
6. Dinner and refreshments will be served
Meaning: Covers main meal and drinks.
Tone: Polished and professional.
Example: Dinner and refreshments will be served at the banquet hall.
Explanation: Comprehensive and formal.
7. Light refreshments will be available
Meaning: Suggests small bites or drinks.
Tone: Subtle and polite.
Example: Light refreshments will be available throughout the event.
Explanation: Ideal for short, semi-formal gatherings.
8. A formal dinner will follow
Meaning: Signals a structured meal.
Tone: Sophisticated and professional.
Example: A formal dinner will follow the conference sessions.
Explanation: Adds elegance and sets guest expectations.
9. Luncheon will be served
Meaning: Professional, often used in corporate or daytime events.
Tone: Formal and clear.
Example: Luncheon will be served at 1 PM in the main hall.
Explanation: Traditional, widely understood phrase.
10. A dining service will be provided
Meaning: Emphasizes organized meal service.
Tone: Polished and refined.
Example: A dining service will be provided following the ceremony.
Explanation: Suitable for high-end events or gala invitations.
11. Culinary delights will be available
Meaning: Indicates a sophisticated selection of food.
Tone: Elegant and formal.
Example: Culinary delights will be available during the evening reception.
Explanation: Suggests quality and care in meal preparation.
Purpose: Perfect for upscale events or gala dinners.
12. An elegant dinner will be offered
Meaning: Highlights a refined dining experience.
Tone: Polished and classy.
Example: An elegant dinner will be offered following the ceremony.
Explanation: Sets a formal tone and creates anticipation.
Purpose: Ideal for weddings, formal receptions, and corporate events.
13. Refreshments and light bites will be provided
Meaning: Indicates snacks and beverages will be available.
Tone: Friendly yet professional.
Example: Refreshments and light bites will be provided during the networking session.
Explanation: Best for semi-formal events or informal gatherings.
Purpose: Useful for conferences, seminars, or meet-and-greets.
14. Dinner will be graciously served
Meaning: Conveys politeness and attentiveness.
Tone: Warm, formal, and hospitable.
Example: Dinner will be graciously served at 7 PM in the main hall.
Explanation: Shows care and hospitality.
Purpose: Suitable for formal dinners and VIP events.
15. A meal reception will follow
Meaning: Communicates that a meal is part of the event program.
Tone: Professional and polished.
Example: A meal reception will follow the awards ceremony.
Explanation: Combines dining with a social gathering.
Purpose: Perfect for weddings, fundraisers, or networking events.
16. Gourmet offerings will be available
Meaning: Indicates high-quality, carefully prepared food.
Tone: Formal, sophisticated.
Example: Gourmet offerings will be available throughout the evening.
Explanation: Conveys elegance and premium service.
Purpose: Ideal for upscale corporate or private events.
17. A seated dinner will be provided
Meaning: Clarifies that guests will be served at tables.
Tone: Formal and organized.
Example: A seated dinner will be provided immediately after the ceremony.
Explanation: Indicates structured dining for comfort and formality.
Purpose: Perfect for banquets, wedding dinners, or gala events.
18. Hors d’oeuvres will be served
Meaning: Appetizers or small starter dishes will be offered.
Tone: Elegant and professional.
Example: Hors d’oeuvres will be served during the cocktail hour.
Explanation: Communicates sophistication and attention to dining style.
Purpose: Common for cocktail receptions, weddings, or formal gatherings.
19. A buffet will be available
Meaning: Guests may serve themselves from a selection of dishes.
Tone: Polite and clear.
Example: A buffet will be available from 6–8 PM.
Explanation: Provides flexibility for attendees while maintaining professionalism.
Purpose: Suitable for corporate events or casual-formal dinners.
20. Dining will commence after the ceremony
Meaning: Specifies the timing of the meal.
Tone: Professional and courteous.
Example: Dining will commence after the ceremony in the main ballroom.
Explanation: Helps guests plan their schedule and expectations.
Purpose: Works for weddings, award ceremonies, or official functions.
21. Refreshments will accompany the event
Meaning: Indicates light snacks or beverages will be provided.
Tone: Polite, professional.
Example: Refreshments will accompany the event during breaks.
Explanation: Appropriate for seminars, networking, or conferences.
Purpose: Keeps guests informed while maintaining a professional tone.
22. A formal luncheon will be offered
Meaning: Polished phrase for daytime meals.
Tone: Formal and courteous.
Example: A formal luncheon will be offered at 12:30 PM.
Explanation: Professional and structured.
Purpose: Ideal for business meetings, conferences, or daytime weddings.
23. Light fare will be provided
Meaning: Indicates simple or small portions of food.
Tone: Professional and subtle.
Example: Light fare will be provided during the networking session.
Explanation: Useful for shorter events where a full meal is unnecessary.
Purpose: Perfect for morning or afternoon gatherings.
24. Beverages and snacks will be available
Meaning: Focuses on drinks and small food items.
Tone: Friendly yet professional.
Example: Beverages and snacks will be available in the reception area.
Explanation: Casual but polite; suitable for semi-formal events.
Purpose: Great for conferences or short professional gatherings.
25. A catered meal will be provided
Meaning: Professional acknowledgment of organized dining.
Tone: Formal and elegant.
Example: A catered meal will be provided following the ceremony.
Explanation: Emphasizes quality and planning.
Purpose: Suitable for formal business or private events.
26. Dinner service will follow promptly
Meaning: Indicates the meal will start soon after the event begins.
Tone: Polished and professional.
Example: Dinner service will follow promptly at 7 PM.
Explanation: Adds structure and clarity to the event timeline.
Purpose: Ideal for events with a strict schedule.
27. An array of refreshments will be offered
Meaning: Highlights variety and availability of food/drinks.
Tone: Elegant and polite.
Example: An array of refreshments will be offered throughout the evening.
Explanation: Creates a sense of abundance and hospitality.
Purpose: Suitable for networking receptions or gala evenings.
28. A banquet will be served
Meaning: Indicates a formal, often large, meal.
Tone: Professional and formal.
Example: A banquet will be served following the awards ceremony.
Explanation: Communicates grandeur and sophistication.
Purpose: Best for weddings, galas, or ceremonial dinners.
29. Guests will enjoy a meal after the proceedings
Meaning: Clear, polite, and professional statement.
Tone: Formal and welcoming.
Example: Guests will enjoy a meal after the proceedings at the main hall.
Explanation: Encourages participation and conveys hospitality.
Purpose: Ideal for formal ceremonies or meetings.
30. A reception featuring food and drinks will follow
Meaning: Emphasizes both socializing and dining.
Tone: Elegant and professional.
Example: A reception featuring food and drinks will follow the ceremony.
Explanation: Suitable for events blending networking with dining.
Purpose: Great for weddings, corporate mixers, or fundraisers.
31. Culinary service will be provided for attendees
Meaning: Indicates organized meal service for guests.
Tone: Polished and professional.
Example: Culinary service will be provided for attendees at 6 PM.
Explanation: Highlights professionalism and attention to detail.
Purpose: Suitable for high-end events or corporate dinners.
32. A meal will accompany the event schedule
Meaning: Formal phrasing to communicate meal timing.
Tone: Professional and clear.
Example: A meal will accompany the event schedule after the opening remarks.
Explanation: Informs guests while maintaining formal tone.
Purpose: Useful for conferences or corporate events.
33. Refreshments and dining will be available
Meaning: Polite acknowledgment of food and beverage service.
Tone: Professional and clear.
Example: Refreshments and dining will be available after the panel discussion.
Explanation: Suitable for structured or semi-formal events.
Purpose: Ensures clarity and professionalism.
34. A formal dining experience will follow
Meaning: Indicates structured, elegant meal service.
Tone: Sophisticated and polished.
Example: A formal dining experience will follow the evening program.
Explanation: Adds prestige and elegance to invitations.
Purpose: Perfect for weddings, galas, and high-profile events.
35. Guests are invited to partake in dinner
Meaning: Polite invitation for attendees to enjoy the meal.
Tone: Formal and courteous.
Example: Guests are invited to partake in dinner at 7 PM.
Explanation: Creates an inclusive and welcoming tone.
Purpose: Ideal for formal dinners and receptions.
36. A sumptuous meal will be provided
Meaning: Highlights richness and quality of the food.
Tone: Elegant and professional.
Example: A sumptuous meal will be provided following the evening ceremony.
Explanation: Adds a sense of luxury and sophistication.
Purpose: Best for upscale events, weddings, and gala dinners.
Conclusion
Communicating dining arrangements on an invitation requires elegance and clarity. While “Food will be served” is simple and effective, these 36 formal alternatives enhance professionalism, sophistication, and hospitality. From corporate events to weddings and gala dinners, the right phrasing ensures guests understand the meal arrangements while feeling welcomed. Using these polished expressions not only provides clarity but also sets the tone for your event, creating a refined and considerate impression. Thoughtful language demonstrates attention to detail and elevates the overall guest experience, ensuring your invitations are memorable, professional, and inviting.
