Help with invite wording please!

Ladies, I need to finalize the Reception card for my invitations.

As a side note, there is a gap between the ceremony and reception (could not change either time) but our reception hall offers beverages and cookies etc for guests who arrive up to an hour before the Cocktail hour.

I want to include this on the Reception card so that guests are aware that they CAN arrive early and will have a place to sit, have refreshments, etc. The RH calls it a 'welcome reception'... but I don't want guests to think that FH and I will be there to physically welcome them...

I can't get the wording right. The last part is what I need help with *please*.

Reception

Please join us for
cocktails, dinner, and dancing
at 8:30 in the evening
(or 'at half past eight in the evening')


RH Name
Address
City, State


Welcome reception with beverages will be available
from 7:45pm for guests who arrive early.
(in smaller font size)

that's so nice....honestly, i would leave that off entirely.

If someone is early, they'll be pleasantly surprised when the hall leads them to a welcome reception. And for everyone else that is on time, it doesn't apply!

How about:

Welcome reception at 7:45 pm for early arrivals.
Beverages will be served.

???

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Posted by kbb1977

JT does this and refers to it as a pre-cocktail hour. Does that work?

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Oh thanks! So maybe I can do:

Pre-cocktail hour from 7:45pm for early arrivals.

???? Do you think they'd understand there would be beverages etc? Maybe I could do:

Pre-cocktail hour from 7:45pm for early arrivals.
Beverages will be served.

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Posted by MrsQ-in2007

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Posted by kbb1977

JT does this and refers to it as a pre-cocktail hour. Does that work?

---

Oh thanks! So maybe I can do:

Pre-cocktail hour from 7:45pm for early arrivals.

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I like this one......I think noting that it is a 'cocktail hour' would imply that beverages would be served. I know if I got something like this that is what I would assume.

Yesenia, if i got this invite i wouldnt think it meant youd be there. I think your wording is fine as is.

I keep playing with wording in my head and nothing I come up w/ sounds any better...Beverages and appetizers will be made available upon early arrival to the cocktail hour. Eh, Im stuck! Sorry!

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Posted by Mrs_C_in_'07

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Posted by MrsQ-in2007

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Posted by kbb1977

JT does this and refers to it as a pre-cocktail hour. Does that work?

---

Oh thanks! So maybe I can do:

Pre-cocktail hour from 7:45pm for early arrivals.

---

I like this one......I think noting that it is a 'cocktail hour' would imply that beverages would be served. I know if I got something like this that is what I would assume.

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oh, i think thats a good idea!!

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Posted by MrsQ-in2007

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Posted by kbb1977

JT does this and refers to it as a pre-cocktail hour. Does that work?

---

Oh thanks! So maybe I can do:

Pre-cocktail hour from 7:45pm for early arrivals.

???? Do you think they'd understand there would be beverages etc? Maybe I could do:

Pre-cocktail hour from 7:45pm for early arrivals.
Beverages will be served.

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My vote would be for the 1st wording. Plus Yesenia most guests realize the bride & groom might be using this time to taking pictures. So I think you don't have to worry. HTH You know it's all these little things that people don't realize occupy so much brain space and suck out so much energy.

I think I would put instead of pre-coctail hour (sounds kinda strage)

Hospitality hour begins at 7:45 pm for early arrivals.


Also, I would write Half-past eight.

HTH

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Posted by FullersBride

I think I would put instead of pre-coctail hour (sounds kinda strage)

Hospitality hour begins at 7:45 pm for early arrivals.


Also, I would write Half-past eight.

HTH

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Ahhh, thats the word i was looking for Hospitality!! i agree, better than pre-cocktail hour

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Posted by FullersBride

I think I would put instead of pre-coctail hour (sounds kinda strage)

Hospitality hour begins at 7:45 pm for early arrivals.


Also, I would write Half-past eight.

HTH

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Maria I'm going to have to disagree. Although it does sound nicer I think more guests would wonder what a hospitality hour entailed as opposed to a pre-cocktail hour. IMHO.

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Posted by kbb1977

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Posted by FullersBride

I think I would put instead of pre-coctail hour (sounds kinda strage)

Hospitality hour begins at 7:45 pm for early arrivals.


Also, I would write Half-past eight.

HTH

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Maria I'm going to have to disagree. Although it does sound nicer I think more guests would wonder what a hospitality hour entailed as opposed to a pre-cocktail hour. IMHO.

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Just another phrase I'm throwing in. Each in entitled to their own opinion on what sounds right! That is why each wedding is unique and beautiful.

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Posted by FullersBride

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Posted by kbb1977

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Posted by FullersBride

I think I would put instead of pre-coctail hour (sounds kinda strage)

Hospitality hour begins at 7:45 pm for early arrivals.


Also, I would write Half-past eight.

HTH

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Maria I'm going to have to disagree. Although it does sound nicer I think more guests would wonder what a hospitality hour entailed as opposed to a pre-cocktail hour. IMHO.

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Just another phrase I'm throwing in. Each in entitled to their own opinion on what sounds right! That is why each wedding is unique and beautiful.

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I dont think thered be any worry about whether ppl know what hospitality means or what a hospitality hour is. You could specify if you were concerned- Hospitality hour, including beverages and appetizers (or whatever wording here), begins at 7:45 pm for early arrivals. JMO- hospitality sounds more proper and formal than pre-cocktail.

Thank you ladies!!!!

I have no idea what to do! My friend mentioned that it might just confuse people more (she thought the wording on top was confusing too because it says 'cocktails, dinner, and dancing' so people wouldn't realize there was a separate cocktail hour... but this is the wording I've always seen on invitations)...

So much energy on the silly things I tell you. I'm more lost than ever.

I would just include the part that a welcome reception at 7:45 is available- I don't know if I would put for guest who arrive early. This is a difficult one Yes!