by: Sonya

Even though you expect your guests to pay for their own meal, I would at least offer them free appetizers if your budget allows. Free appetizers and drinks would be even better. And of course, your cake can serve as free dessert. Therefore, I would simply state on the bottom of the invitation something like this:

Appetizers and dessert will be provided, and you may purchase an entrée if you wish.

If you are not able to provide free appetizers, then make sure you just state that dessert will be given. You can also add a print-out menu to the invitations for your guests’ convenience, or tell them the average price of an entrée. And make sure you are going by the prices for either the lunch or dinner menu, depending on the time of day that your shower will take place. For example:

Appetizers and dessert will be provided, and you may purchase an entrée if you wish. A copy of the lunch menu is enclosed for your convenience.

Or

Appetizers and dessert will be provided, and you may purchase an entrée if you wish. The average price for a lunch entrée is $10.00.

If you come up with a better way to do this, I hope you will visit again and share your ideas with us.

Thanks for submitting your questions, and best wishes with your baby shower planning!