SMS template · Utility
Table Booking Confirmation SMS Template for Restaurants & Cafes
A ready-to-adapt SMS message for restaurants, cafes and cloud kitchens, with placeholders, sample values and compliance notes.
When to Send This Message
Send after a table is booked. For restaurants, cafes and cloud kitchens, this is one of the everyday messages that keeps diners informed without a phone call. It works best when it is triggered automatically from your booking, billing or CRM software.
Diners choose restaurants from maps, reviews, delivery apps and social media, often within minutes.
The SMS Template
India (DLT format)
Hi {#var#}, your table for {#var#} at [Business Name] is confirmed for {#var#} at {#var#}. We will hold the table for 15 minutes. See you soon.International (plain text)
Hi {guest}, your table for {people} at [Business Name] is confirmed for {date} at {time}. We will hold the table for 15 minutes. See you soon.Example with sample values
Hi Priya, your table for 4 at [Business Name] is confirmed for 17 Oct at 8:30 PM. We will hold the table for 15 minutes. See you soon.
With these sample values the message is 136 characters in the standard GSM-7 character set, which is 1 SMS part (square brackets count as two characters each). Long links or local-language (Unicode) text increase the count, as Unicode SMS allow 70 characters per single part.
Replace [Business Name] with your registered brand name. Links shown use example.com as a placeholder; use your own domain.
Placeholders and Sample Values
| Placeholder | Meaning | Sample value |
|---|---|---|
| {#var#} | Guest | Priya |
| {#var#} | People | 4 |
| {#var#} | Date | 17 Oct |
| {#var#} | Time | 8:30 PM |
Filling in each placeholder
- Guest (sample: Priya): Use the first name or the salutation the customer gave you; fall back to a neutral greeting if the field is empty.
- People (sample: 4): Keep the value short and specific; test the longest realistic value to check the message still reads well.
- Date (sample: 17 Oct): Write dates in an unambiguous form such as 14 Oct or 14 Oct 2026; avoid formats like 10/11 that customers read differently.
- Time (sample: 8:30 PM): Give times with AM/PM or a clear range, and the time zone if the customer may be in another country.
This template has 4 placeholders and a body of 142 characters before values are filled in. Shorter messages cost less and are more likely to be read in full; aim to keep the filled-in message within one or two SMS parts.
Category and Approval
In India this type of message is usually registered as Service Implicit: it relates to an existing transaction or relationship and can be delivered to numbers on the DND registry. It must not contain promotional content.
Compliance Checklist
- The header (sender ID) and the template are registered on a DLT platform, and the template text matches exactly, apart from the variables.
- Each {#var#} holds only the kind of value it was registered for; most platforms limit each variable to 30 characters.
- Any link uses a domain whitelisted for your header, as TRAI requires for URLs in commercial SMS.
Rules to keep in mind for Restaurants & Cafes
Food businesses must display their FSSAI licence number, and menu and offer messages should state prices inclusive of applicable taxes. Promotional messages need opt-in, and alcohol advertising is prohibited in India.
General guidance, not legal advice. Rules change, so confirm current requirements before launch. See our SMS compliance guide for India.
Tips for Better Results
- Send it as close as possible to the event it relates to, such as right after booking or the day before an appointment.
- Keep one purpose per message; if you need to send a reminder and a document, the reminder should still make sense on its own.
Getting the table booking confirmation message right
Confirm date, time, number of guests and any special requests, and say how long the table will be held. Share parking tips.
Where this message fits for Restaurants & Cafes
Diners search 'restaurants near me', check menus, photos and reviews on Google Maps, Instagram or delivery apps, and then book a table or order online. Regulars are won through good experiences, loyalty offers and remembering their preferences.
Google Maps and delivery apps drive discovery; Instagram and TikTok show dishes and atmosphere; WhatsApp takes reservations and orders; SMS sends booking confirmations and loyalty offers; email shares event and menu news.
Campaign ideas that pair with this template
- Birthday offers for loyalty members
- Quiet-day promotions on Monday and Tuesday evenings
- New menu launch invitations to regular diners
Need this SMS template set up?
We register, submit and connect templates for you, and send test messages before launch.
Questions About This Template
When should a restaurant send the table booking confirmation message?
Send after a table is booked. Automate it from your software where possible so it is never forgotten.
Can I send this SMS in India without DLT registration?
No. Commercial SMS in India must use a header and a content template registered on a DLT platform. Messages that do not match a registered template are blocked by the operator.
What does {#var#} mean?
It marks the variable part of a DLT template, such as a name, date or amount. Everything outside the variables must be sent exactly as registered.
Can DND Teams set this up for my restaurant?
Yes. We adapt the template to your business, register or submit it, and connect it to your software or our panel. Share your use case on WhatsApp or through the form.
Related Templates
More SMS templates for Restaurants & Cafes
This message on other channels
Get Help With SMS Templates
Tell us what you need and we will get back to you, usually within one working day.
- Free requirement discussion
- Clear written quotation, in USD on request
- No long lock-in for most services
Prefer to talk? Call +91 88274 09728 or message us on WhatsApp.