100+ Ways to Say Buy Your Own Drinks on an Invitation

Writing an invitation can be tricky when you want guests to know that they will need to buy their own drinks without making the message sound rude or uncomfortable. The key is to choose wording that feels natural, friendly, and clear while still matching the tone of your event.

Whether you are planning a casual get-together, birthday celebration, dinner, party, networking event, or night out with friends, there are plenty of ways to communicate the arrangement politely. Instead of simply writing “Buy your own drinks,” you can use softer phrases such as “Drinks will be available for purchase,” “Guests are welcome to purchase their own beverages,” or “Please plan to cover your own drinks.”

The best wording depends on your guests and the type of event. A formal invitation may need something polished and respectful, while a casual party invitation can use a funny or relaxed phrase. Below, you’ll find professional, polite, casual, funny, friendly, and short ways to say buy your own drinks on an invitation without creating an awkward tone.

Drinks Available for Purchase

Simple, clear, and neutral.

Best for: Casual and professional invitations.

Alternative: Beverages will be available for purchase.

Examples:

• “Drinks will be available for purchase.”
• “Beverages will be available to purchase throughout the event.”

Guests Purchase Their Own Drinks

Very direct while remaining polite.

Best for: Clear event details.

Alternative: Guests are responsible for their own beverages.

Examples:

• “Guests will purchase their own drinks.”
• “Please plan to purchase your own beverages.”

Drinks Are on Your Own

Casual and easy to understand.

Best for: Friends and informal parties.

Alternative: Drinks are at your own expense.

Examples:

• “Drinks are on your own.”
• “Food is covered; drinks are on your own.”

Please Cover Your Own Drinks

Polite and straightforward.

Best for: Group dinners and casual gatherings.

Alternative: Please plan to cover your own beverages.

Examples:

• “Please cover your own drinks.”
• “Guests are kindly asked to cover their own beverages.”

Beverages Are Available for Purchase

A softer invitation-friendly option.

Best for: Professional and semi-formal events.

Alternative: Drinks will be available at the venue.

Examples:

• “A variety of beverages will be available for purchase.”
• “Beverages will be available for guests to purchase.”

Drinks Will Be Available at Your Own Expense

Formal and unmistakable.

Best for: Formal invitations.

Alternative: Beverages are not included.

Examples:

• “Drinks will be available at guests’ own expense.”
• “Please note that beverages will be available for purchase separately.”

Beverages Are Not Included

Short and clear.

Best for: Formal event details.

Alternative: Drinks are separate.

Examples:

• “Please note that beverages are not included.”
• “Food is included; beverages are separate.”

Drinks Are Separate

Very concise.

Best for: Casual invitations.

Alternative: Drinks are purchased separately.

Examples:

• “Drinks are separate.”
• “Please note that drinks are purchased separately.”

Food Is on Us, Drinks Are on You

Friendly and playful.

Best for: Casual parties.

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

Examples:

• “Food is on us, drinks are on you!”
• “We’ll handle the food; you handle your favorite drink.”

We’ve Got the Food, You’ve Got the Drinks

Warm and casual.

Best for: Friends and family gatherings.

Alternative: Food is covered; beverages are your choice.

Examples:

• “We’ve got the food, you’ve got the drinks!”
• “We’ll take care of dinner; bring or buy your favorite drink.”

Bring Your Own Drink

A familiar casual phrase.

Best for: Informal parties.

Alternative: BYOB.

Examples:

• “BYOB—bring your favorite drink!”
• “Feel free to bring your own beverages.”

BYOB

Short and widely understood.

Best for: Casual parties.

Alternative: Bring your own beverages.

Examples:

• “BYOB! Come ready to relax and have fun.”
• “BYOB—your favorite beverage, your choice.”

Bring or Buy Your Own Drinks

Makes the arrangement especially clear.

Best for: Casual invitations.

Alternative: Bring your own or purchase at the venue.

Examples:

• “Bring or buy your own drinks.”
• “Feel free to bring your favorite drink or purchase one at the venue.”

Grab Your Own Drinks

Relaxed and friendly.

Best for: Informal gatherings.

Alternative: Pick up your favorite drink.

Examples:

• “Grab your own drinks and join us!”
• “Food is waiting—just grab your favorite drink.”

Drinks Are on the Guest

Clear but slightly more formal.

Best for: Organized events.

Alternative: Beverages are the guest’s responsibility.

Examples:

• “Drinks are on the guest.”
• “Guests are responsible for their own beverages.”

Guests Are Responsible for Their Own Drinks

Very clear and professional.

Best for: Formal or business invitations.

Alternative: Guests cover their own beverages.

Examples:

• “Guests are responsible for their own drinks.”
• “Please note that guests are responsible for beverage purchases.”

Guests Cover Their Own Beverages

Professional and concise.

Best for: Workplace events.

Alternative: Beverages are self-paid.

Examples:

• “Guests will cover their own beverages.”
• “Please plan accordingly, as guests cover their own drinks.”

Drinks Will Be Purchased Separately

Neutral and polished.

Best for: Dinner invitations.

Alternative: Beverages are purchased separately.

Examples:

• “Drinks will be purchased separately.”
• “Please note that beverages will be purchased separately from the meal.”

Beverages Are at Your Own Expense

Formal and direct.

Best for: Professional invitations.

Alternative: Drinks are at the guest’s expense.

Examples:

• “Beverages are available at your own expense.”
• “Please note that beverages are at guests’ own expense.”

Drinks Not Included

Extremely short.

Best for: Event cards with limited space.

Alternative: Beverages not included.

Examples:

• “Drinks not included.”
• “Please note: drinks are not included.”

Drinks Available Separately

Polite and concise.

Best for: Dinner invitations.

Alternative: Beverages available separately.

Examples:

• “Drinks are available separately.”
• “Additional beverages will be available separately.”

Please Plan Accordingly

A subtle way to communicate the arrangement.

Best for: Professional invitations.

Alternative: Please plan for beverages separately.

Examples:

• “Drinks are not included, so please plan accordingly.”
• “Beverages are purchased separately; please plan accordingly.”

Please Bring or Purchase Your Own Beverage

Clear and friendly.

Best for: Casual events.

Alternative: Please bring your preferred drink.

Examples:

• “Please bring or purchase your own beverage.”
• “Guests are welcome to bring or purchase their preferred drinks.”

Your Favorite Drink, Your Choice

Friendly and inviting.

Best for: Casual gatherings.

Alternative: Pick your favorite beverage.

Examples:

• “Your favorite drink, your choice!”
• “Choose your favorite beverage and enjoy the evening.”

Come Hungry, Bring Your Drink Money

Funny and casual.

Best for: Friends’ parties.

Alternative: Bring your appetite and beverage budget.

Examples:

• “Come hungry, bring your drink money!”
• “We’ll bring the food—you bring the beverage budget.”

We’re Covering Dinner, You’re Covering Drinks

Very clear but still friendly.

Best for: Dinner gatherings.

Alternative: Dinner is on us; drinks are yours.

Examples:

• “We’re covering dinner, you’re covering drinks.”
• “Dinner is taken care of; beverages are separate.”

Dinner Is on Us, Drinks Are on You

Casual and easygoing.

Best for: Friends and family.

Alternative: We’ve got dinner covered.

Examples:

• “Dinner is on us, drinks are on you!”
• “Come enjoy dinner with us—just grab your own drinks.”

We’ll Handle the Food, You Handle the Drinks

Friendly and humorous.

Best for: Casual events.

Alternative: Food is covered; drinks are your responsibility.

Examples:

• “We’ll handle the food, you handle the drinks!”
• “We’ve got dinner covered; you’ve got your beverage covered.”

Food Is Covered, Drinks Are Separate

Clear and simple.

Best for: Group dinners.

Alternative: Food is included; beverages are separate.

Examples:

• “Food is covered, drinks are separate.”
• “Your meal is covered; drinks are purchased separately.”

We’ve Got Dinner Covered

A softer approach.

Best for: Friendly invitations.

Alternative: Dinner is our treat.

Examples:

• “Dinner is our treat; drinks are available for purchase.”
• “We’ve got dinner covered—drinks are up to you.”

Drinks Are Your Call

Casual and relaxed.

Best for: Friends.

Alternative: Your drink, your choice.

Examples:

• “Drinks are your call!”
• “Food is covered; drinks are your call.”

Pick Up Your Own Drink

Direct and casual.

Best for: Informal events.

Alternative: Grab your favorite beverage.

Examples:

• “Pick up your own drink and come join us.”
• “Grab your favorite drink when you arrive.”

Grab Your Favorite Beverage

Friendly and inviting.

Best for: Casual gatherings.

Alternative: Pick your favorite drink.

Examples:

• “Grab your favorite beverage and join the fun!”
• “Bring or grab your favorite drink.”

Drinks Are Self-Paid

Short and clear.

Best for: Organized events.

Alternative: Beverages are self-funded.

Examples:

• “Drinks are self-paid.”
• “Please note that beverages are self-paid.”

Beverages Are Self-Purchased

Formal and concise.

Best for: Business or group events.

Alternative: Guests purchase beverages individually.

Examples:

• “Beverages are self-purchased.”
• “Guests may purchase beverages individually.”

Each Guest Covers Their Own Drinks

Makes the arrangement unmistakable.

Best for: Group dinners.

Alternative: Guests pay individually for beverages.

Examples:

• “Each guest covers their own drinks.”
• “Guests are responsible for their individual beverage purchases.”

Drinks Are Individual Purchases

Professional and neutral.

Best for: Event invitations.

Alternative: Beverages are purchased individually.

Examples:

• “Drinks are individual purchases.”
• “Please note that beverages are purchased individually.”

Drinks Will Be Available at the Bar

Useful when the event takes place at a venue with a bar.

Best for: Parties and receptions.

Alternative: A cash bar will be available.

Examples:

• “Drinks will be available for purchase at the bar.”
• “Guests can purchase their preferred drinks at the bar.”

Cash Bar Available

Very common event wording.

Best for: Formal events and receptions.

Alternative: Bar available for individual purchases.

Examples:

• “A cash bar will be available.”
• “Cash bar available throughout the evening.”

Bar Available for Individual Purchase

Professional and direct.

Best for: Events and receptions.

Alternative: Drinks available for individual purchase.

Examples:

• “A bar will be available for individual purchases.”
• “Guests may purchase drinks individually at the bar.”

Drinks Are Available, Just Not Hosted

A polished event phrase.

Best for: Formal gatherings.

Alternative: The bar will be available for guest purchases.

Examples:

• “Drinks are available, but not hosted.”
• “The bar will be available for individual purchases.”

Please Enjoy a Drink at Your Own Expense

Polite and formal.

Best for: Formal invitations.

Alternative: Beverages are available for individual purchase.

Examples:

• “Please enjoy a drink at your own expense.”
• “Guests are welcome to enjoy beverages at their own expense.”

We’ll Provide the Celebration, You Provide the Beverage

Playful and creative.

Best for: Casual parties.

Alternative: We bring the fun; you bring the drinks.

Examples:

• “We’ll provide the celebration, you provide the beverage!”
• “We bring the party; you bring your favorite drink.”

We Bring the Food, You Bring the Drink

Short and catchy.

Best for: Informal invitations.

Alternative: Food from us, drinks from you.

Examples:

• “We bring the food, you bring the drink!”
• “Food is our department; drinks are yours.”

Bring Your Appetite, Buy Your Beverage

Funny and memorable.

Best for: Casual dinner invitations.

Alternative: Bring your appetite and beverage budget.

Examples:

• “Bring your appetite, buy your beverage!”
• “Come hungry and grab your favorite drink.”

Eat, Drink, and Pay Your Own Tab

Funny and direct.

Best for: Close friends.

Alternative: Come hungry, handle your own tab.

Examples:

• “Eat, drink, and pay your own tab!”
• “Good food, great company, separate tabs.”

Good Food, Great Company, Separate Drinks

Playful but clear.

Best for: Casual group dinners.

Alternative: Great food, great friends, individual tabs.

Examples:

• “Good food, great company, separate drinks!”
• “Great food and even better company—drinks are separate.”

Come for the Food, Stay for the Fun, Buy Your Own Drinks

Longer but playful.

Best for: Casual parties.

Alternative: Food, friends, and your favorite beverage.

Examples:

• “Come for the food, stay for the fun, buy your own drinks!”
• “Bring your appetite and enjoy the evening.”

We’ll Bring the Fun

A softer and humorous approach.

Best for: Friends.

Alternative: We’ve got the fun covered.

Examples:

• “We’ll bring the fun; you bring or buy your favorite drink!”
• “We’ve got the fun covered—drinks are up to you.”

Your Drink, Your Choice

Short and friendly.

Best for: Casual invitations.

Alternative: Choose your own beverage.

Examples:

• “Your drink, your choice!”
• “Pick whatever you’re in the mood for.”

Sip on Your Own Tab

Playful and catchy.

Best for: Casual group outings.

Alternative: Drinks are on individual tabs.

Examples:

• “Sip on your own tab!”
• “Good times, great drinks, individual tabs.”

Drinks Are BYOB

Simple and familiar.

Best for: Home parties.

Alternative: Bring your own beverages.

Examples:

• “Drinks are BYOB.”
• “BYOB—bring whatever you’d like to enjoy.”

Bring Your Beverage of Choice

Polite and relaxed.

Best for: House parties and gatherings.

Alternative: Bring your favorite drink.

Examples:

• “Bring your beverage of choice.”
• “Feel free to bring your preferred drink.”

Feel Free to Bring Your Own Drink

Friendly and non-demanding.

Best for: Casual events.

Alternative: Guests are welcome to bring beverages.

Examples:

• “Feel free to bring your own drink.”
• “You’re welcome to bring your favorite beverage.”

Drinks Are Not Hosted

Formal and subtle.

Best for: Weddings, receptions, and corporate events.

Alternative: Bar service is available for purchase.

Examples:

• “Please note that drinks are not hosted.”
• “The bar will be available for individual purchases.”

Unhosted Bar Available

Professional event language.

Best for: Formal invitations.

Alternative: Cash bar available.

Examples:

• “An unhosted bar will be available.”
• “An unhosted bar will be available throughout the event.”

Drinks Are Guest-Paid

Extremely concise.

Best for: Event details.

Alternative: Guests purchase their own beverages.

Examples:

• “Drinks are guest-paid.”
• “Beverages are guest-paid and available at the venue.”

Beverage Purchases Are Separate

Polished and neutral.

Best for: Formal invitations.

Alternative: Beverage costs are separate.

Examples:

• “Beverage purchases are separate.”
• “Please note that beverage purchases are separate from the meal.”

Please Purchase Beverages Separately

Clear and polite.

Best for: Dinner invitations.

Alternative: Please purchase your own beverages.

Examples:

• “Please purchase beverages separately.”
• “Guests may purchase beverages separately at the venue.”

Drinks Are Not Part of the Hosted Menu

Formal and precise.

Best for: Professional events.

Alternative: Beverages are available separately.

Examples:

• “Please note that drinks are not part of the hosted menu.”
• “Additional beverages may be purchased separately.”

Friendly Ways to Say Buy Your Own Drinks

You do not have to make the invitation sound like a financial notice. A friendly phrase can make the arrangement feel much more natural.

Best for: Friends, family, and casual parties.

Alternative: Warm invitation wording.

Examples:

• “We’ve got the food; drinks are up to you!”
• “Bring your favorite beverage and join us!”
• “Grab a drink of your choice when you arrive.”
• “Come hungry and bring your favorite drink!”
• “Dinner is on us; drinks are your call.”
• “We’ll handle the food; you handle your favorite beverage.”

Funny Ways to Say Buy Your Own Drinks

A little humor can make the message feel less awkward.

Best for: Close friends and informal events.

Alternative: Playful invitation wording.

Examples:

• “We provide the food; your wallet handles the drinks.”
• “Come hungry, bring your beverage budget.”
• “Food is covered. Your drink tab is on you!”
• “We’ll feed you; hydration is your responsibility.”
• “Bring your appetite and your drink money.”
• “We bring the snacks; you bring the beverage funds.”
• “The food is free, but your drink has other plans.”
• “Dinner is on us. Your thirst is on you.”

Polite Ways to Say Buy Your Own Drinks

If you want to avoid sounding demanding, these options work well.

Best for: Mixed groups and semi-formal events.

Alternative: Gentle wording.

Examples:

• “Beverages will be available for individual purchase.”
• “Guests are welcome to purchase their preferred drinks.”
• “Please plan to cover your own beverages.”
• “Drinks will be available separately.”
• “Guests may purchase beverages at the venue.”
• “Please note that beverages are not included.”

Short Ways to Say Buy Your Own Drinks

When invitation space is limited, keep it simple.

Best for: Event cards and digital invitations.

Alternative: Concise wording.

Examples:

• “Drinks sold separately.”
• “Drinks on your own.”
• “BYOB.”
• “Cash bar.”
• “Drinks not included.”
• “Beverages separate.”
• “Individual drink purchases.”
• “Guests purchase drinks.”

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

Try “Beverages will be available for individual purchase” or “Guests are welcome to purchase their preferred drinks.”

What is a casual way to say drinks are not included?

You can say “Food is on us, drinks are on you!” or “We’ve got the food; you’ve got the drinks!”

How do you say buy your own drinks on a formal invitation?

Use “Beverages will be available for purchase” or “Please note that beverages are available at guests’ own expense.”

What does BYOB mean on an invitation?

BYOB commonly means “Bring Your Own Beverage” or “Bring Your Own Booze.” For a broad audience, “Bring Your Own Beverage” is the clearer and more neutral wording.

How do you say there will be a cash bar?

You can simply write “A cash bar will be available” or “Drinks will be available for individual purchase at the bar.”

What is a funny way to say drinks are on the guests?

Try “We’ll handle the food; you handle the drinks!” or “Come hungry, bring your drink money!”

How do you say drinks are separate from dinner?

Try “Food is included; beverages are purchased separately” or “Dinner is on us; drinks are separate.”

Final Thoughts

The best way to say “buy your own drinks” depends on the mood of your invitation. For a formal event, “Beverages will be available for individual purchase” sounds polished and respectful.

For a casual gathering, “Food is on us, drinks are on you!” feels much friendlier. If you want to keep things short, “Drinks sold separately” gets the message across immediately. The goal is to be clear while choosing wording that fits the atmosphere of your event.