Wording The Wedding Invite: Time-Related Tips And Tricks

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are a few different ways to indicate the time of your ceremony. The traditional way to write the time is to spell it out completely, with no numerals, for example, half after three o'clock or three o'clock in the afternoon. This format is especially suitable for formal weddings. For a casual wedding, it is also acceptable to use numerals, for example, 4:00 pm or 4 pm. It is worth noting that the time of day should be indicated as in the morning, in the afternoon, or in the evening, except for times between 11 am and 5 pm.

Spell out the time for formal invitations

When it comes to wedding invitations, the level of formality of the wording usually depends on the formality of the event. For formal invitations, it's customary to write out the time in full, with no numerals. For example, if the wedding begins at 3:30 p.m., the invitation would say: "at half after three o'clock". If the time is on the hour, you would write: "at three o'clock".

Formal wedding invitations traditionally say "half after" (not "half past") for times on the half-hour, and the time should be written in lowercase letters. You don't need to write "in the morning", "in the afternoon", or "in the evening" unless the wedding is scheduled for 8, 9, or 10 o'clock, where there could be confusion about whether it's morning or evening. Any time after 5 p.m. is considered evening, and between noon and 4:30 p.m. is the afternoon. If your wedding is at 12 p.m., just write "noon".

There are other ways to write the time on your wedding invitations, especially if you're hosting a more casual event. If you're writing the date informally (e.g. "Saturday, June 21st, 2025"), you can also write the time as "4pm" 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.

You may also make decisions about how to write the time based on the layout of your invitations. Working with a stationer can help you figure out what looks and sounds best.

Use numerals for casual invites

When it comes to wedding invitation wording, the level of formality is determined by the type of wedding you're hosting. More formal, black-tie weddings call for traditional language, while casual invites can be more relaxed and informal.

If you're having a casual wedding, you can use numerals when writing out the date and time. For example, if your wedding will take place on Sunday, May 17, 2025, you can simply say:

> Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 4:00 pm

Or, if you're omitting the day of the week:

> May 17, 2025, at 4:00 pm

Using numerals is also appropriate if you're having a casual wedding and want to write out the time in 12-hour format, such as "4 pm" or "5:30 pm." Just remember to match the level of formality between the date and time—don't write out the date fully and then use numerals for the time.

When using numerals for a casual invite, remember to use upper-case letters for the names of days and months, but lower-case letters for numbers. For example:

> Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 4:00 pm

You can also choose to write out the time of day using "o'clock" or "half after", followed by the number in numerals, like this:

> Saturday, May 17, 2025, at half after 4 o'clock

However, if you're writing a more formal invitation, it's best to spell out the time in full, with no numerals.

Include reception details

When it comes to wedding invitation wording, the goal is to provide guests with enough information about the wedding ceremony and reception so that they know when and where to show up. Here are some tips for including reception details in your wedding invitations:

Reception Location

If the ceremony and reception are held at the same venue, you can simply write "Reception to follow" or "Dinner and dancing to follow" at the bottom of the invitation. If the reception is at a different location, include a separate reception card with the event details as part of the invitation suite. Provide the full address and postcode/zip code of the reception venue, especially if it is off the beaten track or difficult to find.

Timing

If the reception immediately follows the ceremony in the same location, you don't need to include a separate start time. However, if there is a gap between the ceremony and reception or they are held at different locations, include a separate start time for the reception. For example: "Please join us for a reception at six o'clock in the evening."

Transportation

If you are providing transportation for guests from the ceremony to the reception, include brief details on the invitation or a separate details card. Include information such as where and when the pick-ups are and what time the return will be.

Dress Code

The dress code is typically included on a line following the reception location. If your wedding is black-tie, it is essential to include this information on the invitation. For more casual weddings, you may use phrases like "beach-casual" or "barn/farm attire."

Additional Details

Other details that can be included on a separate details card are parking arrangements, accommodation options, whether the venue is cashless, and the menu/dietary restrictions. If children are not invited, you can also include a polite note such as "Respectfully, an adult occasion."

Be consistent with date formatting

When it comes to addressing the time in your wedding invitations, consistency is key. Here are some tips to ensure that your date formatting is consistent and clear for your guests:

Spell Out the Date

For a formal invitation, it is customary to spell out the date in full rather than using numerals. For example, if your wedding is on Saturday, October 26th, 2024, you would write "Saturday, the twenty-sixth of October two thousand twenty-four". This format includes the day of the week, followed by the date and year, with the month written out in full.

Hyphens and Commas

When writing out the date, use a hyphen between the tens and ones place for dates that fall between the 21st and 31st of a month. For example, "the twenty-sixth". Additionally, use a comma after the day of the week, such as "Saturday, the twenty-sixth...". The year is usually written on a separate line from the day and month, with no comma in between.

Abbreviations

While it is customary to spell out the date in full for formal invitations, you may choose to abbreviate for a more casual event. For example, you could write the date as "Saturday, May 17th, 2025" or use numerals like "Saturday, 8/15/2026". Just remember to be consistent with your chosen format throughout the invitation, including any enclosures or response cards.

Time of Day

When indicating the time of day, it is recommended to spell it out in full for formal invitations. For example, 3:30 pm would be written as "half after three o'clock". Avoid using abbreviations like "half past" and stick with "half after". If your wedding starts on the hour, simply write the number followed by "o'clock", such as "three o'clock".

Indicating Morning, Afternoon, or Evening

It is not necessary to specify whether your wedding is in the morning, afternoon, or evening unless there is a potential for confusion. For example, if your wedding is at 8, 9, or 10 o'clock, you may want to add this detail to clarify. Any time after 5 pm is considered the evening, and between noon and 4:30 pm is the afternoon. For a noon wedding, simply write "noon".

Casual Weddings

If you're hosting a more casual wedding, you have more flexibility with the date and time formatting. You can use numerals for the date, such as "Saturday, 6/21/2025", and write the time as "4pm" or "5:30 pm". Just remember to maintain consistency between the date and time formatting.

In conclusion, the key to addressing the time in your wedding invitations is consistency. Choose a date and time format that aligns with the formality of your wedding and stick with it throughout the invitation suite. This will ensure your guests have clear and accurate information about your big day.

Include time on RSVP cards

Including RSVP cards with your wedding invitations is a great way to prompt guests to respond in a timely manner and help you organise the seating chart, menu and music playlist. Here are some tips for including the time on your RSVP cards:

Include a deadline

It is important to include a deadline for guests to respond by, usually dictated by the deadline that your caterer needs a final headcount. Here are some ways to word this deadline:

• Your reply is requested by March 31st
• Kindly RSVP by Friday 31st March
• Please reply on or before 31st March

Blank line for guests' names

It is standard to include a blank line for your guests to write their names, along with the name of their plus one (if offered). The line often has an 'M' at the start, which is supposed to act as the first letter of 'Mr', 'Mrs' or 'Miss', though this is optional.

Accept and decline checkboxes

Each guest will need a way to indicate whether or not they can make it. This could be in the form of checkboxes, circling or fill-in-the-blank lines. Some more formal and traditional wordings include:

• Joyfully accepts / Regretfully declines
• Accepts with delight / Declines with apologies
• Will attend / Will not attend

Number of guests attending

It is useful to include a way for guests to indicate how many people will be attending. For example, you could use "__ guests attending out of __".

Food choices

If you are giving your guests a choice of food options, you will need to include these on the RSVP card. Next to each choice, include a blank line or an empty box for guests to select their preferred option.

Dietary requirements

It is also a good idea to include a blank line for guests to fill in any dietary requirements.

Space for a song request

Including space for a song request is a fun and effective way to get your guests to fill in their RSVP.

Frequently asked questions