Dinner party invitation wording: 40 examples

A dinner party invitation is short: who's cooking, when to arrive, and what to bring, if anything. The tone tells guests whether to wear jeans or a jacket before they read a dress code.

What every dinner party invitation needs

1. 1HostYour names, or whose dinner it is.
2. 2Date and timeWhen to arrive, and when dinner is served if it's later.
3. 3PlaceThe address, plus parking or a buzzer number.
4. 4Reply byA week ahead, so you can shop for the right number.

Add these only when they apply:

40 dinner party invitation wording examples

Swap in your own names, dates and dishes.

For friends

1. 01Come over for dinner on Saturday. We're cooking, you're eating.
2. 02Dinner at ours, Friday at 7. Bring an appetite and good stories.
3. 03It's been too long. Join us for a long dinner and a late night.
4. 04Pasta, wine and good company. Dinner at Sam and Leah's, Saturday at 7.
5. 05We're trying a new recipe and need taste testers. Dinner at 7?
6. 06A table for eight and you're one of them. Join us Friday.
7. 07Nothing fancy, just friends around a table. Dinner at 6:30.

Formal

8. 08The pleasure of your company is requested at dinner on Saturday, the fourteenth of March, at seven o'clock.
9. 09Mr. and Mrs. James Carter request the pleasure of your company at a dinner party in their home.
10. 10Please join us for an evening of fine food and conversation. Cocktails at 7, dinner at 8.
11. 11You are cordially invited to a seated dinner. Black tie optional.
12. 12Join us for a five-course dinner and wine pairing, Saturday at seven.
13. 13Please join us for dinner at the Oak Room. Jacket required.

Birthday dinner

14. 14Join us for dinner as we celebrate Maria's 40th, Saturday at 8.
15. 15Grab a seat at the table: it's Jordan's birthday and dinner is on us.
16. 16Celebrate Ben's birthday with us over steak and too much dessert.
17. 17A birthday dinner for Priya at Luca's. Reservation at 7:30.
18. 18Help us toast Sarah's 30th over dinner and drinks.
19. 19Birthday dinner for Mom. Join us Sunday at 5 to surprise her.
20. 20Dinner, cake and candles for Leo's 50th. We'd love you there.

Supper club and recurring dinners

21. 21Supper club is back. This month: Thai, at Alex's, Friday at 7.
22. 22Your seat at this month's supper club is waiting. Theme: comfort food.
23. 23First Friday dinner, same time, new menu. Can you make it?
24. 24Dinner club, round three. Host brings the main, everyone brings a side.
25. 25It's our turn to host. Come hungry on the 12th.

Themed nights

26. 26Taco night! Build your own at our place, Friday at 6:30.
27. 27Murder mystery dinner: your character arrives in the mail next week.
28. 28An Italian night under the string lights. Dinner at 7.
29. 29Fondue party. Bring your appetite and a long fork if you have one.
30. 30Dress in white for a summer garden dinner, Saturday at 6.
31. 31Pizza and board games. Dough is ready, you bring the toppings.

Holidays

32. 32Join us for Christmas dinner on the 25th. Turkey at 4.
33. 33A cozy holiday dinner with friends, Saturday the 19th at 7.
34. 34Ring in the new year early: dinner at 7, countdown at midnight.
35. 35Easter dinner at Grandma's. Ham at 2, egg hunt after.
36. 36Diwali dinner at our place. Sweets, lights and lots of food.

Small and last minute

37. 37Making too much soup tonight. Come by at 7?
38. 38Quick dinner before the show? We'll have something on the table at 6.
39. 39Just us and you. Dinner on Sunday, nothing fancy.
40. 40Spare seat at the table on Friday. Want it?

Text messages

41. 41Dinner at our place Saturday at 7? Just a few friends. Let me know by Wednesday!
42. 42We're hosting dinner on the 14th for Maria's birthday. Any allergies I should know about?
43. 43Supper club is at Alex's this Friday at 7. Bring a side. Who's in?

When to send

Paper or digital?

A digital invitation keeps replies, plus-ones and allergies in one list, so you shop once. Paper&Seal invitations open like a real envelope, are free for up to 25 guests, and the reply form can ask for dietary needs.

FAQ

What do you write on a dinner party invitation?

Who's hosting, the date, arrival time, address and a reply-by date. Add dress, drinks or a dish to bring only if they matter.

How do you ask about allergies on an invitation?

One line near the reply: Let us know about any allergies or dietary needs. Ask it on the reply form so the answers arrive with each reply.

What does BYOB mean on an invitation?

Bring your own bottle. The host covers the food and guests bring what they'd like to drink.