Wording Your Wedding: 4:30 Pm Invitation Etiquette

When it comes to wedding invites, there are many ways to word the time. The traditional way to write the time on a formal wedding invitation is to spell out the time in full, using the placement of hands on a clock, without using numerals or a.m./p.m. For example, 4:30 p.m. would be written as half after four o'clock or half past four o'clock. However, for a more casual wedding, it is also acceptable to use numerals and write the time as 4:30 p.m. or 4:30 pm. It is important to ensure that the format of the time matches the formality of the wedding and the rest of the invitation.

Spell out the time for formal invitations

When it comes to wedding invitations, the level of formality of the event should dictate the style of the invite. If you're hosting a formal wedding, there are certain etiquette rules to follow.

For formal invitations, it is customary to write out the time in full, using words instead of numerals. So, for a wedding taking place at 4:30 p.m., you would write this as "half after four o'clock" or "half past four o'clock". It is worth noting that "half after" is traditionally used instead of "half past". The time should be written in lowercase, and you should omit "in the afternoon" unless there could be confusion over whether it is morning or evening. For example, if your wedding is at 4:30 p.m., you could write, "at half after four o'clock" or "at half past four o'clock".

On the other hand, if your wedding is more casual, you have more flexibility. You can write the time as "4:30 p.m." or even "4:30pm". Just ensure that the style of the time matches the style of the date. For instance, if you write out the date in full, write out the time as well.

It's also important to be consistent with the time formatting on any enclosures in your invitation suite, such as the response card. For example, if you're using traditional wording and your RSVP deadline is April 17th at 4:30 p.m., you could write, "Kindly respond by four-thirty in the afternoon on the seventeenth of April."

Remember, the invitation is a guide for your guests, giving them a hint about the formality of your wedding day.

Write the time as you would on a clock

When writing the time on a wedding invitation, there are a few options to consider, depending on the level of formality you wish to convey. Here are some examples of how to write "4:30 pm" as you would on a clock:

Formal Wedding Invitation

For a formal wedding invitation, the traditional way to write the time is to spell it out fully, without using numerals. So, for 4:30 pm, you could write it as:

> At half after four o'clock

> At half past four o'clock

> At half past four in the afternoon

The time "four-thirty" is also acceptable, but it is generally recommended to avoid using "four thirty" without "in the afternoon" or a similar phrase to indicate the time of day.

Semi-Formal or Informal Wedding Invitation

If your wedding is less formal, you have more flexibility in how you write the time. You can use either numerals or words, whichever fits better with your invitation design and tone. Here are some examples:

> 4:30 pm

> 4.30 pm

> Four-thirty in the afternoon

Additional Tips

• It is worth noting that formal wedding invitations traditionally use the phrase "half after" instead of "half past."
• The time should be written in lowercase letters.
• You don't need to specify "in the morning," "in the afternoon," or "in the evening" unless the wedding is at 8, 9, or 10 o'clock, where there could be confusion between morning and evening.
• For times on the hour, simply write the number and "o'clock." For example, "four o'clock in the afternoon."

Use half after instead of half past

When it comes to wedding invitations, the general rule is to write out the time in full, with no numerals. This means that if your wedding is at 4:30 p.m., you would write this as "half after four o'clock".

Using "half after" instead of "half past" is the most traditional way to indicate the time. It adds a touch of formality to your wedding invitations and is a clear indication to your guests that your wedding will be a formal event.

It is worth noting that "half after" is not commonly used in modern, everyday language. Some may consider it outdated or unusual. However, for formal wedding invitations, using "half after" is entirely appropriate and a great way to convey the formality of your wedding.

If you are hosting a casual wedding, you may prefer to use more modern wording, such as "4:30 p.m." or "half past four o'clock". While this is less formal, it is more in keeping with how we usually write times in our daily lives.

Ultimately, the choice is yours, and you can decide based on the style and tone of your wedding. If you're unsure, working with a stationer can help you figure out the best wording for your invites.

Include in the afternoon or in the evening

When it comes to wedding invitation wording, the goal is to provide your guests with clear information about when and where your wedding will take place. This is particularly important when it comes to the time of day, as you don't want guests arriving late or at the wrong time!

If your wedding is at 4:30 pm, you have a few options for how to word this on your invitations. Firstly, it is worth noting that the level of formality of your wedding will dictate the style of your invitations. More formal, traditional weddings tend to follow stricter etiquette, whereas casual weddings can be more relaxed and informal.

For a formal wedding, you would usually write out the time in full, with no numerals. So, for a 4:30 pm wedding, you could write "at half after four o'clock" or "at half past four o'clock". You can also specify whether it is afternoon or evening. For a formal invitation, you would write this out in full as "in the afternoon" or "in the evening". As your wedding is at 4:30 pm, you can specify either afternoon or evening, depending on the vibe of your wedding. One source suggests that any time after 5 pm is considered the evening, but another says that 6 pm onwards is the evening, so it is up to you to decide which wording fits best. Some examples of wording for a formal invitation for a 4:30 pm wedding could be:

• "At half after four o'clock in the afternoon"
• "At half past four o'clock in the afternoon"
• "At half past four in the evening"

For a less formal wedding, you have more flexibility with the wording. You could choose to write the time numerically as "4:30 pm" or "4.30 pm", or you could write it out in a more casual way, such as "four-thirty in the afternoon".

Be consistent with the tone of the date and time

When it comes to wedding invitations, consistency is key. This is especially true when it comes to the tone and format you use to present the date and time of the event. Here are some tips to help you achieve a cohesive and elegant look for your wedding invitations:

Formality

Firstly, consider the formality of your wedding. If you're having a traditional, black-tie wedding, a more formal and traditional invitation suite is usually expected. This means spelling out dates and times in full, using phrases like "half after" or "half past" for times on the half-hour, and avoiding abbreviations. For example, for a formal wedding at 4:30 pm, you could write, "at half past four o'clock in the afternoon" or "at half after four o'clock."

Consistency in Tone and Format

However, if your wedding is more casual, you have more flexibility. You can choose to write out the date and time in a more relaxed manner, such as using numerals or writing "4:30 pm" or "four-thirty in the afternoon." Just remember to maintain consistency in the tone and format you choose. If you write out the date in full, do the same for the time. For example, if your wedding is on Sunday, May 17th, 2025, at 4:30 pm, you could write, "Sunday, May 17th, 2025, at four-thirty in the afternoon."

Matching Formality with Date and Time Formatting

It's important to match the formality of your wedding with the formatting of your date and time. This means that if you're having a formal wedding, your invitation suite should reflect that with traditional language and spelling out dates and times. If your wedding is more casual, you can be more relaxed in your wording and even use numerals for the date and time if it suits your invitation design.

Additional Tips

• Avoid redundancy: If your ceremony and reception are at the same location and immediately following each other, a simple "Reception immediately following" is sufficient. There's no need to include a specific time for the reception.
• Provide clear timing for separate events: If your reception is at a different location or several hours after the ceremony, include a separate reception card with the same level of formality in your invitation suite.
• Proofread: Ensure your invitation is error-free by proofreading it yourself and asking others to do the same.

Remember, your wedding invitation is a reflection of your special day, so choose a style and format that aligns with the tone and formality of your wedding while providing clear and consistent information for your guests.

Frequently asked questions