Wording Out The Time: Wedding Invite Etiquette

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are many ways to write out the time 3:30. The most common ways are half past three o'clock, “half after three o'clock”, “three thirty o'clock”, and three thirty in the afternoon. The choice depends on the level of formality of the wedding. For example, half past three o'clock is more suitable for a formal wedding, whereas three thirty in the afternoon is more appropriate for a casual event.

Formal invites use 'half after three o'clock'

When it comes to wedding invitations, the level of formality of the event will dictate the style of the invite. Formal invites use traditional language, whereas casual invites are more relaxed and informal.

If your wedding is formal, the correct way to write 3:30 on your wedding invite is:

> at half after three o'clock

This is the traditional way to write this time on a formal wedding invitation. It is worth noting that "half after" is the preferred wording, rather than "half past" or "three-thirty". The "in the afternoon" phrase is also unnecessary, as it is assumed that the wedding will not be taking place at 3:30 am!

However, if your wedding is more casual, you may choose to write the time as "3:30 pm" or "three thirty in the afternoon". Just remember to match the style of the time with the style of the date. For example, if you write out the date in full, you should also write out the time in full.

The time of your wedding should always be written in lowercase, starting with "at", followed by the number and whether it is morning, afternoon, or evening. For example:

> at three o'clock in the afternoon

> at half past four in the afternoon

Remember, your wedding invitation is a guide for your guests, giving them an idea of how formal or informal your wedding will be.

Half past three is also acceptable

When it comes to wedding invitations, it's important to provide clear information about the time and date of the ceremony to ensure your guests arrive on time. While there are different ways to write out the time "3:30", depending on the formality of your wedding, "half past three" is always an acceptable option.

"Half past three" is a versatile phrasing that can be adapted to fit the level of formality you desire for your wedding invitations. For a more formal affair, you might write "half past three o'clock", or “half after three o'clock”, without the need to specify "in the afternoon", as your guests will likely assume you don't mean 3:30 am! This phrasing maintains a sense of elegance and tradition while still being clear and easy to understand.

If your wedding is formal but not black-tie, "half past three" can be a great choice. It strikes a balance between formality and a more relaxed tone. You may choose to include "in the afternoon" for added clarity, though it is not necessary. This phrasing adds a touch of charm and glamour to your invitation while still being appropriate for a formal event.

Even for a casual wedding, "half past three" can work well. It's a simple and direct way to convey the time while maintaining a level of politeness and formality that suits the occasion. You might choose to write it as "half past three in the afternoon" to provide a bit more context for your guests.

Ultimately, the choice of how to write out the time on your wedding invitations is a personal one and should reflect the style and tone of your wedding. "Half past three" is a versatile and acceptable option that can be tailored to suit a range of formality levels, from formal and elegant to casual and relaxed. Remember to consider the overall design and wording of your invitations to ensure a consistent and cohesive look.

Three thirty in the afternoon is informal

When it comes to wedding invitations, the level of formality of the wording often depends on the formality of the event. More formal, traditional invitations tend to use more traditional language, while casual invites can be more relaxed and informal.

If you're aiming for an informal tone, "three thirty in the afternoon" is a suitable way to indicate a time of 3:30 pm on a wedding invitation. This phrasing is a concise and clear way to convey the time of the event, and it aligns with the everyday language that people use to describe times.

However, it's worth noting that some traditional etiquette guides suggest using "half after" or "half past" instead of numerical formats like "three thirty." These guides recommend writing out the time in full, such as "half after three o'clock" or "half past three o'clock."

Ultimately, the choice of wording depends on the desired tone and level of formality you wish to convey. If you're aiming for a more casual and contemporary style, "three thirty in the afternoon" is a perfectly acceptable option.

To maintain consistency, ensure that the chosen format for the time aligns with the style used for the date. For example, if you write out the date in full, such as "Saturday, the twenty-sixth of October," it may be best to write out the time in a similar manner.

3:30 pm is too informal for invites

When it comes to wedding invitations, the level of formality of the event should be reflected in the wording of the invite. While there is no one "correct" way to write the time on a wedding invitation, the use of numerals and abbreviations is generally considered too informal for a formal wedding.

For a formal wedding invitation, the time is typically written out in full, with no numerals. So, for a wedding starting at 3:30 p.m., the time would be written as "at half after three o'clock" or "half past three o'clock". It is worth noting that formal wedding invitations traditionally use the phrase "half after" rather than "half past". The time should be written in lowercase letters, and there is no need to specify "in the afternoon" unless the wedding is at a time when it could be ambiguous (such as between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.).

On the other hand, if you are having a more casual or modern wedding, it is perfectly acceptable to use numerals and abbreviations when writing the time. So, for a more informal invitation, you could simply write "3:30 p.m." or "3:30 pm". This approach may be particularly suitable if you are using a modern invitation style or if you want to match the format of the time with a numerically written date.

Ultimately, the most important consideration is to provide clear information to your guests about when and where your wedding will take place. Working with a stationer can help you determine the best wording and format for your invitations to ensure that your guests have all the details they need.

At half past three is another option

When it comes to wedding invitations, the level of formality of the event should be reflected in the wording. For instance, formal invitations for black-tie weddings tend to use more traditional language, while casual invites can be more relaxed and informal.

If you're aiming for a formal tone, the traditional way to write 3:30 on a wedding invite is:

> At half past three o'clock

Or:

> At half after three o'clock

Note that "half after" is considered more formal than "half past". The time should be written in lowercase letters, and you can drop "in the afternoon" as this is assumed.

If your wedding is more on the casual side, you could opt for a simpler phrasing such as:

> At three thirty

Or:

> At 3:30 pm

Remember to be consistent with the tone and formatting throughout your invitation. For example, if you write out the date in full, it's best to do the same for the time. On the other hand, if you use numerals for the date, using them for the time will match the modern feel.

Frequently asked questions