Important Details: Including Date And Time On Wedding Invites

Wedding invitations are a chance to showcase your style and give your guests all the information they need to celebrate your big day. While you can choose to design your invitations however you like, traditional wedding invitations follow a specific format for dates and times. This guide will help you navigate the dos and don'ts of writing dates and times on your wedding invitations, from spelling out numbers to using proper punctuation. Whether you're planning a formal or casual celebration, we'll help you create invitations that are both elegant and clear.

Spell out the date and time for formal invites

When writing the date and time on a formal wedding invitation, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that the details are communicated clearly and elegantly. Here are some guidelines to help you spell out the date and time with sophistication and precision:

Writing the Date:

• Spell out the date completely: Instead of using numerals, it is more formal to write out the date in words. For example, write "Saturday, the twenty-sixth of October" instead of "Saturday, 10/26".
• Capitalize the day of the week: The day of the week should be capitalized, unless your invitation's font is all uppercase or lowercase. For instance, "Saturday, the twenty-sixth of October".
• Include a comma and hyphen: Use a comma between the day of the week and the date. For dates from the 21st to the 31st, use a hyphen between the tens and the ones place. For example, "Saturday, the twenty-sixth of October".
• Write out the month: The month should be capitalized and written in full without abbreviations. For instance, "October" instead of "Oct."
• Format the year: The year is usually written in numerals, but for a formal invitation, it is best to spell it out. Write "two thousand and twenty-four" or "in the year two thousand and twenty-four".
• Separate the year: The year is typically written on a separate line from the day and month, but your invitation style may vary. There should be no comma between the month and year.

Writing the Time:

• Spell out the time: For formal invitations, write out the time in words instead of using numerals. For example, "half after three o'clock" for 3:30 pm.
• Use "half after" instead of "half past": Formal wedding invitations traditionally use the phrase "half after" for times on the half-hour.
• Omit "in the morning," "in the afternoon," or "in the evening": You don't need to include these phrases unless there could be confusion about whether the wedding is in the morning or evening (for times between 8 and 10).
• Write "noon" for 12 pm: Instead of writing "12:00 pm," simply write "noon."
• Include "o'clock": When writing out the time, include "o'clock", such as "five o'clock in the evening."
• Use lowercase letters: The time should be written in lowercase, regardless of the capitalization of the rest of the invitation.

Remember, while there are traditional guidelines, you can also add your own creative touches or work with a stationer to design an invitation that reflects your unique style while clearly conveying the details of your special day.

Use numerals for casual invites

If you're going for a casual vibe for your wedding, you have more flexibility with the wording of your invites. You can choose to write out the date in full or use numerals. For example, if your wedding is on Sunday, May 17, 2025, you could write it as:

"Sunday, May 17th, 2025"

Or, for an even more casual feel, you could use numerals and write:

"Sunday, 5/17/2025"

Using numerals is a great option if you want to save space on your invitation or if you're looking for a more modern look. It's also totally fine to mix and match. You could write the day of the week and the month in words and then use numerals for the date and year. For example:

"Sunday, May 17, 2025"

When it comes to the time, you can also be more relaxed with a casual invite. You can write it out in full like "half after four o'clock" or use numerals and write "4:30 pm". Just remember to be consistent with the style you choose for the date and time. If you write out the date in words, write out the time in words, and vice versa.

Here's an example of what your invitation could look like:

"We're getting married!

Join us for an evening of fun, food, and dancing.

Sunday, 5/17/2025

4:30 pm

Mulberry House

High Ongar Road

Ongar CM5 9LY"

Remember, the most important thing is to include all the necessary information clearly so your guests know when and where to show up!

Include the day of the week

Including the day of the week on your wedding invitation is an important detail that helps set the tone and formality of your event. Here are some guidelines to help you format this information effectively:

Capitalization and Punctuation:

The day of the week should be capitalized. For example, if your wedding is on a Saturday, you would write "Saturday," with the first letter in uppercase. However, if your invitation font is in all uppercase or lowercase, you can follow that style consistently.

A comma is typically placed after the day of the week. For instance, "Saturday, the twenty-sixth of October two thousand twenty-four". This punctuation provides a clear separation between the day and the subsequent date information.

Formal and Traditional Style:

For formal and traditional invitations, it is customary to spell out the day of the week in full. For example, "Saturday, the twenty-sixth of October two thousand twenty-four" rather than using abbreviations or numerals. This style adds a sense of elegance and formality to your invitation.

Informal and Casual Style:

If you're hosting a more casual or informal wedding, you have the flexibility to abbreviate the day of the week. For instance, you could write "Sat., May 17th, 2025". This style choice aligns with a relaxed and contemporary tone for your celebration.

Consistency and Design:

Remember to maintain consistency in the formatting of the day of the week throughout your invitation suite, including any enclosures or response cards. This consistency creates a cohesive presentation. Additionally, consider the overall design of your invitations. If you opt for an all-caps font or a specific style, ensure that the day of the week complements the chosen aesthetic.

Proofreading and Stationery Expertise:

Lastly, don't underestimate the importance of proofreading. Ask friends or family members to review your invitations for any errors or typos. Alternatively, consider working with a stationer or wedding invitation designer who can guide you through the process and ensure that your invitations, including the day of the week, are presented accurately and beautifully.

Write out the month

When writing out the month on a wedding invitation, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the month should always be written out in full, rather than using abbreviations or numerals. So, for example, you would write "October" instead of "Oct." or "10".

The month should also be capitalised, as should the day of the week. For example, "Saturday, the twenty-sixth of October two thousand twenty-four".

If your wedding date falls between the 21st and 31st of the month, there is a hyphen between the tens and the ones place in the date. For example, "Saturday, the twenty-sixth of October two thousand twenty-four".

The year is usually written in numerical form and placed on a separate line from the day and month. For example, "Saturday, the twenty-sixth of October/2024". There is no need for a comma between the month and the year, and the "two thousand" in the year is not hyphenated.

It is also worth noting that you are not required to include the day of the week or the year on the invitation, but it is recommended to provide your guests with as much information as possible.

If you are hosting a more casual wedding, you can write the date more informally, such as "Saturday, May 17th, 2025".

Remember to be consistent with the date formatting on any enclosures in your invitation suite, such as the response card.

Include the time of day

When it comes to wedding invitations, the time of day is an important detail that should be communicated clearly to your guests. Here are some tips and guidelines to help you include the time of day on your wedding invitations:

Spell Out the Time

It is generally recommended to spell out the time of day instead of using numerals. For a more traditional and formal invitation, write out the time in words, such as "half after three o'clock" or "four o'clock". Avoid using "four thirty" or "7:30 pm" in a formal invitation. However, if you're opting for a more casual or modern invitation, you can use numerals and the 12-hour clock format, such as "4pm" or "5:30pm". Just remember to match the level of formality in the time with that of the date.

Include "O'Clock"

For a traditional touch, include the phrase "o'clock" when writing out the time. For example, "half after four o'clock" or simply "four o'clock". Some sources suggest that it is acceptable to drop "o'clock" for half-hour times, such as "half past four".

Specify the Time of Day

To provide clarity and maintain the formal tone, specify the time of day using phrases like "in the morning", "in the afternoon", or "in the evening". For example, "seven o'clock in the evening". Avoid using "AM" or "PM" in a formal invitation. The morning is considered to be from midnight to noon, the afternoon from noon to 5 pm, and the evening from 5 pm onwards. However, some sources suggest that evening can start at 6 pm.

Be Consistent with Formality

Maintain a consistent level of formality throughout your invitation. If you choose to write out the date in full, avoid switching to numerals for the time. For example, if you write the date as "Saturday, the twenty-sixth of October", continue with a spelled-out time like "at half after five o'clock in the evening". Consistency in style and formality adds to the elegance and sophistication of your invitation.

Consider Layout and Design

The layout and design of your invitation can also influence how you present the time. Work with a stationer to determine what looks and sounds best. For example, you might choose to use an all-caps font or write the time in lowercase letters to match the overall design aesthetic.

Frequently asked questions