Wording Your Wedding Invitation: Navigating Time Conventions

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are many ways to indicate the time. The traditional way to write the time is to spell it out completely, without using numerals. For instance, if the wedding is at 3:30 p.m., the invitation would say, half after three o'clock. However, for more casual weddings, it is also acceptable to use numerals, such as 4:30 p.m. or 4:30 p.m. in the afternoon. It is important to note that the time of day (in the morning, in the afternoon, or in the evening) should be included unless the wedding is at noon or midnight.

For a formal invitation, write half after five o'clock

When writing a formal wedding invitation, it is customary to write out the time in full, using words instead of numerals. So, for a wedding taking place at 5:30 p.m., you would write "half after five o'clock".

For a formal wedding invitation, it is customary to write out the time in words rather than using numerals. This means that for an event starting at 5:30 p.m., you would write "half after five o'clock". It is worth noting that formal invitations traditionally use the phrase "half after" instead of "half past" or "five-thirty".

If your wedding is taking place on the hour, you would simply write "at five o'clock". You do not need to specify "in the morning", "in the afternoon", or "in the evening" unless your event falls between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. or p.m., where there could be confusion over whether it is morning or evening. For weddings taking place at any time after 5:00 p.m., it is considered evening, and for events between noon and 4:30 p.m., you would specify afternoon. So, for a wedding at 12:00 p.m., you would simply write "noon".

While formal invitations traditionally follow these guidelines, there is room for flexibility. For example, if you are writing the date in a more informal style (e.g. "Saturday, June 21st, 2025"), you could also write the time as "5:30 p.m." Just remember to maintain consistency in the level of formality between how you write the date and the time.

If you are unsure about the exact wording or format for your invitations, it is recommended to work with a stationer to help determine the best wording and layout for your invites.

For an informal wedding, 5:30 pm is acceptable

When it comes to wedding invitations, the level of formality of the wording often depends on the formality of the event. For an informal wedding, there is more flexibility with the language used on the invitations.

For a 5:30 pm start time, acceptable ways to write this time on an informal wedding invitation include:

• 5:30 pm
• 5:30 p.m.
• 5:30 in the afternoon
• Five-thirty in the afternoon
• Half past five in the afternoon
• Half after five in the afternoon
• Half past five o'clock in the afternoon
• Half after five o'clock in the afternoon

It is worth noting that traditionally, the phrases "in the afternoon" and "in the evening" are not necessary. However, if your wedding is at 5:30 pm, it is best to specify that it is in the afternoon to avoid any potential confusion.

For a casual event, you can write half past five

When it comes to wedding invitation wording, the level of formality is an important consideration. Formal invitations for black-tie weddings tend to use more traditional language, while casual invites can be more relaxed and informal.

If you're having a casual wedding, you can write the time as numerals, such as "5:30 pm". This modern approach to stating the time is straightforward and easy to understand.

However, if you prefer a more traditional style, you might opt for "half past five" or "half after five o'clock." The phrase "half after" is considered more formal than "half past." You can also include "in the afternoon" after stating the time, as anything before 6:00 pm is typically considered the afternoon.

• Half past five in the afternoon
• Half past five
• Half after five o'clock
• 5:30 pm

Remember, the key is to match the style of stating the time with the overall tone and formality of your wedding invitation. You can also work with a stationer to help you figure out the best wording for your invites.

If the wedding is in the evening, specify half past five in the evening

When it comes to wedding invitations, the goal is to provide your guests with enough information so that they know when and where your big day will take place (and show up on time!). While wedding invitation etiquette does come into play here, you do have options when it comes to the exact wording. If your wedding is in the evening, specify half past five in the evening.

The traditional way to write the time on a wedding invitation is to write it out in full, with no numerals. So, if your wedding begins at 5:30 p.m., you would write it as "half after five o'clock" or "half past five o'clock". Formal wedding invitations traditionally say "half after" (not "half past"). You can also write it as "half past five in the evening". While it is not necessary to specify "in the evening", it is helpful to include this information to ensure your guests arrive at the correct time.

If your wedding is taking place at 5:30 p.m., it is important to specify that it is in the evening, especially if your ceremony is taking place around sunset. This will help your guests know what time of day to arrive and will ensure they do not confuse the time of your wedding with a morning or afternoon event.

It is worth noting that there are other ways to write the time on your wedding invitations, particularly if you are hosting a more casual event. If you are writing the date more informally, you can also write the time as "5:30 p.m." or "5:30 pm". Just remember that the date and time should match in formality—don't write out the date fully and then use numerals for the time.

If the wedding is in the afternoon, specify half past five in the afternoon

When it comes to wedding invitation wording, the goal is to provide your guests with enough information so that they know when and where your wedding will take place. While wedding invitation etiquette does come into play here, you have options when it comes to the exact wording. When figuring out how to write the time on your wedding invitation, take the formality of your wedding (and invitation) into account. More formal invitations for black-tie weddings include more traditional language, while casual invites can be more relaxed and informal.

If your wedding is in the afternoon, you should specify the time as "half past five in the afternoon". This is because, traditionally, the time of day should be included when specifying the time of a formal event. The phrases "in the afternoon" and "in the evening" are not necessary, but they can provide helpful context for your guests.

It's worth noting that formal wedding invitations traditionally say "half after" (not "half past") for times on the half-hour. So, for a wedding taking place at 5:30 p.m., you could write "half after five o'clock in the afternoon" or "half past five o'clock in the afternoon". However, it's also acceptable to say "half past five in the afternoon" without "o'clock".

If your wedding is more casual, you can be more flexible with the wording. For example, you could simply write "5:30 p.m." or "5:30 p.m. in the afternoon". Just remember that the date and time should match in formality—don't write out the date fully and then use numerals for the time.

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