Need help wording an invitation - a call for word smithers!

[KillyKillall]

All,

My fiance and I are about to send evites for our engagement dinner (just to friends/family - really informal).

Anyways, we want everyone to pay for their own plate at the restaurant - we can't afford to buy for all.

I was thinking about wording it on the invitation as a "provide your own plate" affair. Would this get the point across? Any other ways you guys would think about saying it?

 

[QED]

At the bottom of your informal invite, just say (half-jokingly)

"Your first glass of water is on us..."

 

[Coquito]

Complimentary silverware

 

[imported_LoKe]

"We'll cover the napkins, you cover the rest."

 

[Sluggo]

Dont come hungry

 

[Xonoahbin]

"The meal will cost you a few dollars, but the fun's on us!" 🙂