30+ Best Ways to Say Buy Your Own Drinks on an Invitation (Polite & Funny)

Writing an invitation should feel exciting, but explaining that guests need to pay for their own drinks can sometimes feel awkward. Whether you’re planning a birthday party, wedding reception, dinner, or casual get-together, choosing the right words helps you communicate expectations without making anyone feel uncomfortable. The best ways to say buy your own drinks on an invitation are clear, friendly, and appropriate for your event.

Instead of using blunt wording that might sound demanding, you can choose phrases like “Drinks will be available for purchase,” “Food is on us, drinks are on you,” or “A cash bar will be available.” These alternatives make it easier to explain your beverage arrangements while keeping the invitation welcoming. Below, you’ll find practical examples of polite, formal, funny, casual, and short invitation wording to help you find the perfect fit.

Quick Answer: How to Say Buy Your Own Drinks on an Invitation

The most effective wording depends on your event’s atmosphere. Here are five easy options:

• Polite: Beverages will be available for individual purchase.
• Formal: A cash bar will be available throughout the event.
• Casual: Food is on us, drinks are on you!
• Funny: Come hungry, bring your drink money!
• Short: Drinks sold separately.

1. Drinks Available for Purchase

This is one of the simplest and most professional ways to tell guests that drinks are available but not complimentary. It communicates the arrangement without making money the focus.

Best for: Casual parties, dinners, and professional invitations.

Alternative: Beverages will be available for purchase.

Examples:

Drinks will be available for purchase throughout the event.

A variety of beverages will be available to purchase at the venue.

2. A Cash Bar Will Be Available

A cash bar means guests purchase their own drinks rather than having the host cover the bill. Since venues may accept cards as well as cash, this wording describes the payment arrangement rather than limiting payment methods.

Best for: Weddings, receptions, and formal celebrations.

Alternative: A pay-as-you-go bar will be available.

Examples:

A cash bar will be available throughout the evening.

Please join us for a wonderful celebration. A cash bar will be available for guests.

3. Please Purchase Your Own Drinks

When you want to avoid confusion, a direct but polite statement is a good choice. This wording clearly tells guests what to expect.

Best for: Small gatherings, group dinners, and casual parties.

Alternative: Please plan to cover your own beverages.

Examples:

Please plan to purchase your own drinks during the celebration.

Guests are kindly asked to purchase their beverages individually.

4. Food Is on Us, Drinks Are on You

This friendly phrase makes the arrangement sound relaxed and welcoming. It works particularly well when the host is paying for food but not beverages.

Best for: Birthday parties, backyard gatherings, and dinners with friends.

Alternative: We’ve got the food; drinks are up to you.

Examples:

Food is on us, drinks are on you! Come ready for a great time.

We’ll take care of dinner, so you can choose and purchase your favorite drink.

5. Drinks Are on Your Own

This casual expression is short and easy to understand. It is best for familiar audiences who appreciate straightforward communication.

Best for: Friends’ parties and informal get-togethers.

Alternative: Drinks are at your own expense.

Examples:

Join us for a fun evening! Drinks will be on your own.

Food is covered, but drinks are on your own tab.

6. Beverages Are Not Included

This option works when your invitation includes food, admission, or activities but excludes drinks. It helps guests understand exactly what the invitation covers.

Best for: Formal invitations and ticketed events.

Alternative: Drinks are available separately.

Examples:

Please note that beverages are not included with admission.

Dinner is included, while drinks can be purchased separately.

7. Bring Your Own Drinks (BYOB)

BYOB is a familiar abbreviation that commonly means “Bring Your Own Beverage” in a broad, inclusive context. It is an easy way to let guests know they can bring drinks instead of purchasing them at the venue.

Best for: House parties, picnics, and backyard celebrations.

Alternative: Feel free to bring your preferred beverages.

Examples:

It’s a BYOB party, so bring your favorite drink!

Feel free to bring your own beverages and enjoy the evening with us.

8. Bring or Buy Your Own Drinks

Sometimes guests may bring their own beverages, while others prefer to purchase drinks at the venue. This phrase makes both options clear.

Best for: Flexible, informal gatherings.

Alternative: Bring your own or purchase one at the venue.

Examples:

Please bring or buy your own drinks for the celebration.

You’re welcome to bring your favorite beverage or purchase one when you arrive.

9. Drinks on Your Own Tab

This phrase is natural when guests will order from a restaurant or bar and pay individually.

Best for: Restaurant dinners and group outings.

Alternative: Everyone will have their own drink tab.

Examples:

Join us for dinner! Drinks will be on your own tab.

We’ll enjoy a meal together, and everyone can settle their individual beverage bill.

10. Please Cover Your Own Drinks

This phrase is direct but considerate when paired with a warm invitation.

Best for: Casual dinners and small celebrations.

Alternative: Guests are kindly asked to cover their own beverages.

Examples:

We’d love to celebrate with you! Please plan to cover your own drinks.

Food and good company are waiting; guests will cover their own beverages.

11. Drinks Are Available at Your Own Expense

This more formal wording communicates that beverages are available but must be paid for individually.

Best for: Business events and formal receptions.

Alternative: Beverages are available for individual purchase.

Examples:

Please note that drinks will be available at guests’ own expense.

Guests may purchase beverages separately throughout the reception.

12. Drinks Will Be Purchased Separately

This phrase is especially useful when food and beverages have different payment arrangements.

Best for: Dinner invitations and restaurant celebrations.

Alternative: Beverages are purchased separately from the meal.

Examples:

Your meal is included, but drinks will be purchased separately.

Please note that beverage purchases are separate from the dinner arrangements.

13. Guests Are Responsible for Their Own Drinks

This is a clear, professional way to communicate individual payment responsibilities.

Best for: Workplace gatherings and organized events.

Alternative: Guests cover their own beverages.

Examples:

Guests are responsible for purchasing their own drinks.

Please be aware that beverage purchases are the responsibility of each guest.

14. Please Bring Your Favorite Beverage

A welcoming alternative to directly asking guests to pay for drinks is to invite them to bring their preferred beverages.

Best for: House parties and family gatherings.

Alternative: Bring a beverage of your choice.

Examples:

Please bring your favorite beverage and join us for an enjoyable evening.

Snacks will be ready, so feel free to bring a drink you love.

15. A Pay-As-You-Go Bar

This phrase makes it clear that guests pay for drinks as they order them. It is useful when the venue operates a bar.

Best for: Cocktail parties, receptions, and social events.

Alternative: Guests may purchase drinks individually.

Examples:

A pay-as-you-go bar will be available during the celebration.

Enjoy the evening and purchase beverages whenever you’d like.

16. Drinks Are Separate from the Party Package

If the event package covers food, entertainment, or admission, this phrase explains that beverages are an additional expense.

Best for: Rented venues and ticketed celebrations.

Alternative: Drinks are not included in the event package.

Examples:

Your ticket includes dinner and entertainment; drinks are sold separately.

Please note that beverages are not included in the party package.

17. Each Guest Covers Their Own Beverages

This wording is suitable when everyone in a group is expected to pay for their own drinks.

Best for: Group dinners and social gatherings.

Alternative: Everyone pays individually for beverages.

Examples:

Each guest will cover their own beverages during the event.

Let’s enjoy dinner together, with everyone purchasing their own drinks.

18. Drinks Are Available for Individual Purchase

This polished phrase sounds professional without being overly formal. It also avoids confusion about whether drinks are included.

Best for: Formal parties and public events.

Alternative: Guests may purchase beverages separately.

Examples:

A selection of beverages will be available for individual purchase.

Guests are welcome to purchase their preferred drinks at the venue.

19. We’ll Handle the Food, You Handle the Drinks

This is a warm, conversational way to explain that the host is providing food while guests take care of beverages.

Best for: Friends’ parties and casual celebrations.

Alternative: We’ve got dinner covered; drinks are up to you.

Examples:

We’ll handle the food, you handle the drinks! See you there.

Dinner is taken care of, so bring or buy your favorite beverage.

20. Drinks Aren’t on the House

This expression is playful and memorable. Use it with friends who appreciate humor, rather than in a formal or sensitive setting.

Best for: Informal gatherings and humorous invitations.

Alternative: Drinks are available, but they’re not complimentary.

Examples:

The party is on, but drinks aren’t on the house!

Good food and great company are covered; beverages are available for purchase.

21. Come Hungry, Bring Your Drink Money

This funny invitation phrase communicates the arrangement without making the message feel overly serious.

Best for: Casual dinner parties and close friends.

Alternative: Bring your appetite and beverage budget.

Examples:

Come hungry, bring your drink money, and get ready for a great night!

We’ll bring the food; you bring your appetite and beverage budget.

22. Dinner Is on Us, Drinks Are on You

This phrase is particularly useful when the host is paying for dinner but guests must pay for their own beverages.

Best for: Birthday dinners and family celebrations.

Alternative: Dinner is our treat; drinks are yours.

Examples:

Dinner is on us, drinks are on you! Let’s celebrate together.

Come enjoy dinner with us; just remember that drinks are separate.

23. Your Drink, Your Choice

This short phrase emphasizes guests’ freedom to choose their beverages while keeping the wording relaxed.

Best for: Casual parties and informal invitations.

Alternative: Choose your favorite beverage.

Examples:

Your drink, your choice! Join us for a relaxed evening.

Pick whatever you’re in the mood for and enjoy the celebration.

24. Grab Your Own Drinks

This friendly expression works well when beverages are available at the venue or guests can bring their own.

Best for: Informal gatherings and house parties.

Alternative: Pick up your favorite beverage.

Examples:

Grab your own drinks and join us for a fantastic evening.

The food is ready; just grab your favorite beverage when you arrive.

25. Drinks Are Not Hosted

In event planning, “not hosted” generally means that the host will not pay for guests’ beverages. It is a concise option for a formal invitation.

Best for: Weddings, receptions, and professional events.

Alternative: An unhosted bar will be available.

Examples:

Please note that drinks will not be hosted during the event.

An unhosted bar will be available for guests who wish to purchase beverages.

26. Drinks Sold Separately

This is one of the shortest and clearest ways to explain that beverages are not included.

Best for: Digital invitations and event cards.

Alternative: Beverages available separately.

Examples:

Food and entertainment included; drinks sold separately.

Please note: Drinks sold separately at the venue.

27. Drinks Are Your Call

This relaxed phrase makes the invitation sound friendly while leaving beverage arrangements to the guests.

Best for: Friends’ gatherings and informal parties.

Alternative: Your beverages are up to you.

Examples:

We’ve got the food covered; drinks are your call!

Come enjoy the celebration and choose your own beverages.

28. Good Food, Great Company, Separate Tabs

This catchy phrase is suitable for events where guests will share a meal but pay for their own drinks.

Best for: Group dinners and restaurant outings.

Alternative: Great food, great friends, individual tabs.

Examples:

Good food, great company, separate tabs. Join us for dinner!

Let’s enjoy a meal together, with everyone covering their own drink orders.

29. We’ll Bring the Fun, You Bring the Drinks

This playful wording focuses on the experience rather than the cost. It is best when guests are comfortable bringing their own beverages.

Best for: Backyard parties and casual celebrations.

Alternative: We provide the fun; you bring your favorite drink.

Examples:

We’ll bring the fun, you bring the drinks!

Music, snacks, and good company are waiting. Bring a beverage you love.

30. Celebrate With Us—Drinks Available for Purchase

This balanced phrase combines a welcoming invitation with clear payment information. It works for almost any social event.

Best for: Birthday celebrations, anniversaries, and receptions.

Alternative: Join the celebration; beverages are available for purchase.

Examples:

Celebrate with us! Enjoy the evening, with drinks available for purchase at the venue.

You’re invited to a wonderful celebration. Please note that beverages can be purchased separately.

More Friendly Ways to Say Buy Your Own Drinks

If you want your invitation to feel especially welcoming, choose wording that focuses on the shared experience rather than the expense.

Best for: Friends, family, and relaxed social gatherings.

Alternative: Use a warm, conversational invitation.

Examples:

• “We’ve got the food; drinks are up to you!”
• “Bring your favorite beverage and join the fun.”
• “Dinner is on us; drinks are your call.”
• “Grab your favorite drink when you arrive.”
• “Food is covered, so bring your beverage of choice.”

Funny Ways to Say Buy Your Own Drinks

Humor can make an awkward detail feel less serious, especially when inviting close friends. Keep the joke easy to understand and ensure the payment arrangement remains clear.

Best for: Casual parties and close-knit friend groups.

Alternative: Use a playful phrase with a clear explanation.

Examples:

• “Come hungry, bring your drink money!”
• “We provide the food; your wallet handles the drinks.”
• “Food is covered. Your drink tab is on you!”
• “We’ll feed you; beverage budgeting is your responsibility.”
• “Dinner is on us. Your thirst is on you!”

Formal Ways to Say Buy Your Own Drinks

For professional functions, wedding receptions, or formal invitations, polished wording is usually the safest option. Avoid jokes or expressions that might sound too casual for the occasion.

Best for: Corporate events, receptions, and formal dinners.

Alternative: Use concise, professional event language.

Examples:

• “Beverages will be available for individual purchase.”
• “A cash bar will be available throughout the event.”
• “Please note that beverages are not included.”
• “Guests may purchase drinks separately at the venue.”
• “Beverage expenses will be the responsibility of each guest.”

Short Ways to Say Buy Your Own Drinks

When space is limited, you can communicate the arrangement in just a few words. These options work well on digital invitations, printed cards, and event announcements.

Best for: Short invitations and event details.

Alternative: Use a concise payment note.

Examples:

• “Drinks sold separately.”
• “Cash bar available.”
• “BYOB.”
• “Drinks on your own.”
• “Individual drink purchases.”

How to Choose the Right Wording for Your Invitation

The best phrase depends on the event, your guests, and the arrangement you’re offering. A few simple considerations can help you get it right.

1. Match the tone to the occasion. Formal events usually benefit from phrases like “Beverages available for individual purchase,” while casual parties can use “Food is on us, drinks are on you!”

2. Explain whether guests should bring or buy drinks. BYOB means guests should bring their own beverages. A cash bar means drinks can be purchased at the venue. These arrangements are different, so choose wording that accurately reflects your plans.

3. Be transparent about what’s included. If you’re providing food but not drinks, say so directly. For example, “Dinner is included; beverages are available for purchase.”

4. Keep the wording warm. A simple “We’d love to celebrate with you!” before the payment details helps the invitation feel welcoming.

5. Avoid surprises. Include the information before the event so guests can plan their budgets and decide whether to bring beverages.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do you politely say guests should buy their own drinks?

You can say, “Drinks will be available for purchase at the venue,” or “Guests are welcome to purchase their own beverages.” Both phrases are polite and straightforward.

2. What is the best way to say drinks are not included on an invitation?

Try “Please note that beverages are not included” or “Food is provided, while drinks are available for purchase.” These options explain the arrangement without sounding harsh.

3. What does BYOB mean on an invitation?

BYOB commonly means “Bring Your Own Beverage” in a general invitation context. It tells guests to bring drinks rather than expect the host to provide them. Always check venue rules before allowing outside beverages.

4. How do you mention a cash bar on a wedding invitation?

A simple statement such as “A cash bar will be available during the reception” is clear and professional. If guests can pay by card as well, you can use “A bar will be available for individual drink purchases.”

5. Is it rude to ask guests to pay for their own drinks?

Not necessarily. It is generally acceptable when the arrangement suits the event and guests receive clear notice beforehand. Polite wording and transparency help prevent misunderstandings.

Conclusion

Finding the right ways to say buy your own drinks on an invitation doesn’t have to be difficult. Whether you need a formal phrase for a wedding reception, a friendly message for a birthday party, or a funny line for a gathering with friends, the key is to communicate clearly while keeping the invitation welcoming.

For a professional event, choose “A cash bar will be available.” For a casual gathering, try “Food is on us, drinks are on you!” And if you need something short, “Drinks sold separately” gets the message across.

Choose the phrase that best matches your event, make the payment arrangements clear, and give guests enough notice to plan ahead. A thoughtful invitation helps everyone feel welcome and ready to enjoy the occasion.