Writing Out Numbers: Wedding Invitation Etiquette

Wedding invitations are a chance to showcase your style and set the tone for your big day. While modern invites often use numerals, traditional invitations avoid numbers altogether, opting for written-out dates and times. This can be a tricky part of the invitation to get right, as it requires knowledge of formal date and time formatting, which most people rarely use in their daily lives.

Dates should be written out in full, with the day of the week and month capitalised

When it comes to wedding invitations, dates and times can be tricky to get right. While it is becoming more common to use numerals for informal or modern weddings, traditional invitations use very specific formatting.

Dates should be written out in full, with the day of the week and the month capitalised. For example, "Saturday, the Fifteenth of September, Two Thousand Twenty-One". The day of the month is not capitalised and there is no "and" when spelling out the year. The year is also written in lowercase.

The date is followed by the time of day, written out as "four o'clock in the afternoon" or "half after four o'clock in the afternoon". "O'clock" can be dropped for half hours, but both "half after" and "half past" are acceptable. The time of day is important and should be included rather than "am" or "pm". For example, noon is written as "twelve o'clock" or "twelve noon", and not as "12:00 pm".

Evening begins at 5 pm or 6 pm, depending on your source, so be sure to specify the time of day to avoid any confusion.

Times should be written out in full, with the time of day included

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are many rules to follow to ensure that they are correctly formatted and follow the traditional etiquette. This is particularly important when it comes to dates and times, as these are considered to be some of the trickiest parts of wedding invitation wording.

Traditionally, times on wedding invitations should be written out in full, with the time of day included. This means writing out the numbers in full, for example, "four o'clock" instead of "4:00". It is also important to include “o'clock” when writing the time, such as "half after four o'clock" or simply "four o'clock". However, it is worth noting that some sources suggest that it is acceptable to drop the "o'clock" for half hours, such as "half after four".

The invitation should also specify whether the time falls within the morning, afternoon, or evening. Morning is considered to be up until 12 noon, afternoon is from 12 noon to 5 pm, and evening is any time from 5 pm onwards. It is worth noting that some sources suggest that evening begins at 6 pm, so if your ceremony is at 5:30 pm, you would write "half past five in the afternoon" rather than "half past five in the evening".

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your wedding invitations are both traditional and elegant.

Addresses should be written out in full, with abbreviations avoided

When addressing wedding invitations, it is best to write out addresses in full, avoiding abbreviations. This is because abbreviations can be confusing and may lead to mistakes. For example, instead of abbreviating "Street" to "St.", write out the full word. The same goes for "Post Office Box" and "Apt.", which should be written out as "Post Office Box" and "Apartment" respectively.

In addition, it is recommended to write out the city and state names in full. For instance, instead of using the abbreviation "CA" for California, spell out "California". This ensures clarity and avoids any potential confusion, especially for guests who may be unfamiliar with standard abbreviations.

House numbers below twenty should also be written out in full. For example, instead of writing "123 Sesame Street", it would be more appropriate to write "One Hundred and Twenty-Three Sesame Street". This maintains consistency with the recommendation to spell out other address components in full.

Writing out addresses in full demonstrates attention to detail and ensures that your guests receive their invitations without any issues or delays caused by ambiguous or abbreviated addresses. It is always better to provide too much information than too little, ensuring your invitations reach their intended recipients smoothly.

Numbers under 20 should be written out in full

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are many conventions to consider. While some couples opt for a more modern approach, others prefer to stick to the traditional rules of etiquette. If you're addressing envelopes for wedding invitations, it's best to write out numbers under 20 in full. This is in keeping with traditional etiquette and will ensure your invitations look elegant and refined.

For example, if you're writing an address that includes a number under 20, such as "123 Fake Street", you would spell out the number as "One Hundred and Twenty-Three Fake Street". This approach adds a touch of formality and sophistication to your invitations. It also ensures that your guests' addresses are clear and easy to read, reducing the risk of any delivery errors.

Writing out numbers under 20 in full is a simple way to elevate the style of your wedding invitations. It's a classic choice that will impress your guests and make them feel excited about your upcoming nuptials. This traditional approach to addressing envelopes is a favourite among couples who want to add a touch of elegance to their wedding stationery.

Additionally, writing out numbers under 20 in full can be a helpful way to ensure accuracy. When dealing with important information such as dates and times, spelling out the numbers can reduce the likelihood of errors. This is especially useful if you're working with a professional calligrapher, as it will help them create beautiful invitations that are also clear and precise.

The return address should be printed on the envelope's back flap

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are many traditions and rules of etiquette to consider. While some couples choose to follow these traditions, others may opt for a more modern or casual approach. Here, we will focus specifically on the return address and its placement on the back flap of the envelope.

Traditionally, the return address on a wedding invitation envelope was embossed or printed in colorless raised lettering. This was done to create an elegant and sophisticated appearance, with the idea that guests would be intrigued by the fancy engraving. However, this practice is now discouraged by the United States Postal Service (USPS) as it can be difficult to read. Nowadays, most couples opt to print the return address using the same method as their invitations, ensuring clarity and consistency.

The return address should be placed on the back flap of the envelope, also known as the envelope's "sealing flap." This is the preferred and recommended location for printing or writing the return address. It is worth noting that the outer envelope is the one that includes all the information required by the postal service for delivery. If you choose to include an inner envelope, it will only contain the names of the invited guests.

When addressing wedding invitations, it is important to follow the guidelines provided by the USPS to ensure smooth delivery. While you may want to prioritise aesthetics, legibility is crucial. Handwritten addresses are also an option, and they add a personal touch to your invitations. However, if you prioritise aesthetics, you may opt for calligraphy or printed text.

In conclusion, when creating your wedding invitations, carefully consider the placement of the return address. By following traditional etiquette and the recommendations of postal services, you can ensure that your invitations are both elegant and functional. Remember, the return address belongs on the back flap of the outer envelope, contributing to the overall presentation and successful delivery of your invitations.

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