Writing Wedding Invites: Late Arrival Etiquette

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are a few things to consider to ensure your guests have all the information they need. The invitation should include the who, what, where, and when of the event, as well as the dress code and an RSVP card. It is also important to consider the level of formality of the wedding and use the appropriate wording and phrasing in the invitation. For example, if you are having a traditional, formal wedding, the date and time should be written out in full rather than using numerals. On the other hand, if you are having a more casual wedding, you can be more relaxed with the wording and use numerals for the date and time.

Spell out the date and time

When writing out the date and time for wedding invitations, it's important to consider the formality of your wedding and invitation. Formal invitations for black-tie weddings tend to use more traditional language, while casual invites can be more relaxed and informal. Here are some tips to help you spell out the date and time for your wedding invitations:

Spell Out the Date

For formal wedding invitations, it is customary to spell out the date rather than use numerals. Here's how to format it:

• Begin with the day of the week, capitalised and followed by a comma. For example, "Saturday,"
• Write out the date, including the number and the month. For dates between the 21st and 31st of a month, use a hyphen between the tens and ones place. For example, "the twenty-sixth" or "the twenty-eighth."
• Capitalise the month and write it out in full without abbreviations. For example, "of October."
• The year is usually written on a separate line and spelled out as "two thousand and twenty-four."

Here's an example of how the date would look on a formal invitation: "Saturday, the twenty-sixth of October two thousand and twenty-four."

If you're having a more casual wedding, you can be more flexible with the date format. For instance, you could write "Saturday, May 17th, 2025" or use numerals like "Saturday, 8/12/2026."

Spell Out the Time

When it comes to the time, there are also different formats depending on the formality of your wedding. For formal invitations:

• Write out the time in full, including o'clock. For example, "four o'clock" or "half after four o'clock."
• Specify whether it's in the morning, in the afternoon, or in the evening.
• For times on the hour, simply write the number and "o'clock." For example, "seven o'clock."
• For times on the half-hour, use "half after" instead of "half past." For example, "half after six o'clock."

Here's an example: "at half after three o'clock in the afternoon."

For casual invitations, you can use numerals and write "4:30 pm" or "5:00 pm." Just remember to match the formality of the time with the date.

Include the full address

When it comes to writing wedding invitations, it's essential to include certain details to ensure your guests have all the information they need. One crucial aspect is the full address of the wedding venue. Here are some instructive and focused guidelines on including the full address in your wedding invitations:

The Importance of Including the Full Address

It is essential to provide your guests with clear and precise information about the wedding venue. Including the full address ensures that your guests can easily locate the venue, especially if it is in an unfamiliar area or a private home. This information is vital for out-of-town guests or those attending a destination wedding.

Format and Details of the Full Address

When writing out the full address, ensure that you spell out all the words. Avoid using abbreviations for street names, cities, or states/provinces. For example, write out "Street" or "Avenue" instead of using "St." or "Ave." Additionally, include the house number and the full name of the venue. If your wedding is taking place abroad, provide the country name as well. Here's an example:

"The Smith Residence, 325 Wide Oak Lane, Longville, Tennessee,"

Addressing the Envelope

When addressing the envelopes for your wedding invitations, it is essential to follow proper etiquette. Write out the full address of your guests, including their names, house number, street name, city, and state/province. Avoid using abbreviations in the guest's address as well. The return address should be written on the back flap of the envelope. Here's an example:

"Ms. Emma Johnson, 123 Elm Street, Springfield, Illinois, 62701"

Including a Map or Directions

While providing the full address is essential, you may also choose to include a map or additional directions to the wedding venue. This extra detail can be included in your invitation suite or on a separate details card. It can be especially helpful for guests who are unfamiliar with the area or if the venue is located in a remote or hard-to-find location.

Timing for Sending Invitations

Remember to send your wedding invitations with ample time for your guests to plan and respond. For local weddings, it is customary to send invitations six to eight weeks in advance. However, for destination weddings or weddings that require extensive travel, it is considerate to send invitations three months in advance.

In summary, including the full address in your wedding invitations is crucial for providing clear and concise information to your guests. By following the guidelines above, you can ensure that your guests have all the details they need to attend your special day.

Provide an RSVP deadline

When it comes to wedding planning, setting an RSVP deadline is crucial to finalising the details of your big day. Here are some instructive guidelines on providing an RSVP deadline for your wedding invitations:

Timing is Key

It is recommended to set your RSVP deadline for around four weeks before your wedding day. This gives your caterers, venue, and other vendors enough time to prepare with an accurate headcount. Typically, they will request a final headcount one to two weeks before the wedding. By setting your deadline two weeks before the wedding, you allow yourself a buffer to chase up any late responses.

Be Mindful of Your Guests

When setting your RSVP deadline, consider your guests' needs. They will require time to decide on their attendance, make travel arrangements, and finalise their schedules. Sending out invitations six to eight weeks before the wedding is standard practice, allowing guests ample time to respond. However, be cautious not to set the deadline too early, as guests may procrastinate and forget to respond.

Destination Weddings

If you're planning a destination wedding, remember to adjust your timeline. Send out invitations four to five months in advance, and set the RSVP deadline for six to eight weeks before the wedding. This gives guests sufficient time to arrange travel plans and accommodation.

Finalising Details

Once you've received most of the RSVPs, you can start finalising the details. About two weeks before the wedding, connect with your caterer, planner, venue coordinator, and other vendors to finalise table settings, entrees, wedding favours, and other guest-dependent arrangements. This is also when you'll want to start working on your seating chart.

Chasing Late Responses

Despite your best efforts, there may be guests who miss the RSVP deadline. It is generally advised to wait about a week after the deadline passes before sending friendly reminders via phone, text, or email. This gives your guests some leeway, but also ensures you can finalise your guest list promptly.

A Smooth Planning Process

Setting the right RSVP deadline is essential for a smooth wedding planning process. It helps you balance finalising the details with giving your guests enough time to respond. By following these guidelines, you can ensure you have a well-organised and stress-free lead-up to your wedding day.

Avoid abbreviations

When it comes to writing wedding invitations, it's important to avoid abbreviations and instead spell things out in full to maintain a formal tone. Here are some tips to achieve this:

Dates

The traditional way to write the date is to spell it out completely, including the day of the week, the date, the month, and the year. For example: "Saturday, the twenty-sixth of October two thousand twenty-four". The day of the week should be capitalised, and there should be no commas between the day and the date, or between the month and the year.

Times

For formal wedding invitations, it's customary to write out the time in full, including "o'clock" or "half after". For example, instead of "4:00 pm", write "four o'clock in the afternoon" or "half after four o'clock". The time of day should be written in lowercase.

Addresses

It is typical to write out the name and full street address of the wedding venue, including the city and state. The street address is usually only omitted if the venue is well-known or the wedding is taking place at the host's home. The zip code is generally not included.

Reception Details

If the ceremony and reception are at the same venue, a simple "reception to follow" will suffice. If the reception is at a different location or is not immediately following the ceremony, include the full address and other relevant information.

Dress Code

Including dress code information is optional but can be helpful for guests. This is usually placed in the lower right-hand corner of the invitation. If no dress code is specified, guests will infer the formality of the event from the invitation itself.

Include the dress code

Including the dress code on your wedding invitations is a great way to ensure your guests know what to expect and help you set the right tone for your celebration. Here are some tips and examples to guide you in including the dress code when writing your wedding invitations:

Where to Include the Dress Code

• Wedding Invitation: You can include the dress code in the lower left or right-hand corner of the invitation or at the bottom centre of the design. This is a good option if you want to be specific about the dress code.
• Separate Information/Details Card: If you are providing additional details to your guests on a separate card, you can include the dress code here to keep your invitation simple and uncluttered.
• Wedding Website: If you have a wedding website, you can use this space to provide guests with more detailed information about the dress code, along with examples and explanations if needed.

Wording the Dress Code

The wording of your dress code should be consistent with the tone and style of the rest of your invitation. Here are some examples of dress code wording for different levels of formality:

• White Tie/Full Evening Dress: "White Tie Celebration: Please join us in your most royal formalwear." This is the most formal dress code, indicating exquisite ball gowns for women and tailcoat tuxedos for men.
• Black Tie: "A Formal Affair: Our venue requires Black Tie attire." This indicates formal attire, such as tuxedos or suits for men and floor-length gowns for women.
• Black Tie Optional: "Black Tie Optional: Formal attire is suggested." This gives guests the option to choose a dark suit and tie instead of a tuxedo or a floor-length dress that isn't a full evening gown.
• Creative Black Tie: "Creative Black Tie: Formalwear is suggested, with some flare." This encourages guests to add a unique twist to their formal attire, such as bold patterns or materials.
• Cocktail Attire: "Cocktail Attire: Elegance encouraged." This indicates a semi-formal event, with knee-length cocktail dresses or tie-optional suits being appropriate.
• Semi-Formal/Lounge Suit: "Semi-Formal Attire: We can't wait to celebrate with you in your daytime attire." This is a step down in formality, suitable for a daytime wedding, with men wearing suits and women in cocktail dresses or pantsuits.
• Jacket and Tie: "Jacket and Tie: A suit and tie affair." This indicates that men can wear a sports jacket, suit jacket, or blazer with chinos and a tie. Women can wear shorter cocktail dresses, pantsuits, or dressy separates.
• Garden Party Attire: "Garden Party Attire: Dress in your best outdoor-friendly semi-formalwear." This is similar to cocktail attire but with a focus on practical footwear and spring dresses for an outdoor setting.
• Dressy Casual/Sunday Best: "Dressy Casual: Comfort encouraged." This indicates a polished yet comfortable dress code, with options like button-down shirts, blouses, skirts, or smart trousers.
• Beach Casual: "Beach Casual: Arrive in your best beachwear." Guests can wear long or short-sleeved shirts with pants or shorts, while women can opt for sundresses and sandals.

Remember, the most important thing is to choose a dress code that fits your vision for the wedding and clearly communicate it to your guests. You can also provide examples or additional details on your wedding website to ensure your guests feel well-prepared for the celebration.

Frequently asked questions