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I've noticed it's really a matter of timing - mentioning it in the invitation is good, but you also need to give people a week or two in advance so they can wrap their heads around it, like not the day before. What works pretty well too is being positive about it rather than presenting it as a restriction, like saying "we're gonna do this really nice plant-based thing" instead of "well, we won't have any meat." From experience, people who are a bit hesitant accept it better when they feel you're doing it because you want to, not out of obligation or guilt.
Don't sneak it in like you've got something to hide - your guests appreciate knowing in advance. Just announce it straight up in your invitation, like "it'll be a meatless meal" or "vegetarian menu," without making a big deal out of it. If you're worried about reactions, you can also mention that it's tasty and delicious, rather than presenting it as a restriction. Honestly, being upfront about it goes over better than the surprise factor.
What really makes all the difference is presenting it as a culinary choice, not a restriction. Instead of saying "no meat," you can announce "we're doing an amazing vegetarian meal with [specific dishes]" - that puts the focus on what's there, not what's missing. It completely changes how people perceive it. And yeah, it's better to mention it in the invitation, but give some details: tell them what you're serving, and they'll feel reassured right away.
What people often forget is that some guests will panic internally, imagining a sad, empty plate. If you give them concrete examples - like "mushroom risotto, roasted squash gratin, salad" - they see it's a real meal, not a compromise. So they show up without any anxiety.
One thing that causes problems: waiting until the day before to announce it. People who normally eat a lot of meat need time to get their head around it - like "yeah okay, no big deal, it's still gonna be good." A week or two is really the minimum, and you gotta say it clearly from the start so there are no surprises on the day.
Personally, I've learned to just be direct and enthusiastic about it. When I invite people over, I straight up say in the message "we're eating vegetarian, I've got something nice planned" and I add a detail or two about what I'm planning to cook - like "pasta with mushroom cream sauce and ratatouille" or something like that. People react way better when you give them a real idea of what they're going to eat rather than just "no meat." It reassures them and shows that it's not a punishment but an actual thoughtful meal.
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