Creating Casual Wedding Invites: Writing The Time Elegantly

When it comes to wedding invites, there are a few different ways to write 4:00. The most formal way is to write it out in full, with no numerals, as in four o'clock in the afternoon. However, if you're having a more casual wedding, it's also acceptable to use numerals and write it as 4pm or 4:00pm. Ultimately, you should choose the style that best fits the formality of your wedding and invitation.

Spell out the time

When writing the time on a casual wedding invite, you can be more relaxed and informal. Here are some ways to spell out "4:00" on your wedding invitation:

• Four o'clock in the afternoon
• Four in the afternoon
• Four o'clock
• Four

Additional Tips

• The time should be written in lowercase letters.
• You don't need to write "in the afternoon" unless there could be confusion over whether it's morning or evening.
• If your wedding is at 4:30 p.m., you could say "half after four o'clock" or "half past four o'clock."
• The time should match the date in formality. If you write out the date in full, write out the time as well.

Use numerals

If you're creating casual wedding invitations, you can use numerals when writing the time. For example, if your wedding is at 4:00 pm, you can write this as "4:00 pm" or "16:00". This approach is more modern and informal than spelling out the time in full.

Using numerals for the time can also help to save space on your invitation, especially if you have a lot of other information to include, such as the date, location, and dress code.

It's worth noting that if you use numerals for the time, you should use the same style for the date. For example, you could write the date and time as "06/11/2024, 16:00".

However, if you're having a very formal wedding, it's more traditional to spell out the time in full. For example, "four o'clock in the afternoon" or "half past four in the afternoon". This style is more elegant and classic, but it can also be more wordy and take up more space on your invitation.

Ultimately, the choice of how to write the time on your casual wedding invitation is up to you. Just make sure that the style you choose fits the overall tone and design of your invitation suite.

• 4:00 pm
• 16:00
• 4.00 pm
• 4pm (if you prefer not to include minutes)

Include the date

When writing the time on a casual wedding invite, it is best to keep the date and time format consistent. For example, if you are writing the date informally, you can also write the time informally as "4:00 pm" or "4 pm".

If you are writing the date more formally, you should also write the time formally. For example, if your wedding is at 4 pm, you would write "four o'clock in the afternoon".

The traditional way to write the date on a wedding invitation is to spell it out completely, rather than use 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

However, if you are hosting a more casual wedding, you can write the date more informally. For example, if your wedding will take place on Sunday, May 17th, 2025, you could write:

> Saturday, May 17th, 2025

You can also use numerals as a design choice on your invitation. For example, Saturday, August 15th, 2026, could be written as:

> Saturday, August 15, 2026

The day of the week should be capitalised (unless your wedding invitation's font is all uppercase or lowercase), and there should be a comma between the day of the week and the date. If your wedding takes place on the 21st through the 31st of a month, there is a hyphen between the tens and the ones place in the date. The month is capitalised and written out fully, without any abbreviations.

The year is usually on a separate line from the day of the week and the month, though your invitation style may require a different format. There is no comma between the month and the year. There is no hyphen between "two thousand", but there is a hyphen between the tens and the ones numbers in the year.

You are not required to include the day of the week or the year, but it is recommended.

Add the address

When it comes to addressing your wedding invitations, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your guests feel welcome and well-informed. Here are some detailed instructions on how to add the address to your casual wedding invites:

Outer Envelope Addressing:

The outer envelope is the one that will be stamped and mailed, so it's important to ensure that the address is clear and easy to read. Here are some tips for addressing the outer envelope:

• Include the recipient's full name(s): Write out the recipient's or both recipients' full name(s), including their personal title(s) such as Mr., Mrs., Ms., Mx., Dr., etc. For example: "Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Warren".
• Use appropriate titles: Be mindful of your guests' preferences and identities. If you're unsure, it's best to forgo titles and use only first and last names. For example: "Thomas Warren and Michelle Warren".
• Handle same-sex couples with care: In the case of same-sex couples, either name can go first. Simply indicate the appropriate prefix, such as Mr., Mrs., or Mx. For example: "Mrs. Shyan Walton and Mrs. Kiara Walton".
• Consider different last names: If the couple has different last names, write their full names on the same line, with the person you are closest to or alphabetically first, followed by their partner. For example: "Ms. Maria Stevens and Mr. David Estevez".
• Provide a clear address: Below the names, include the recipient's home address. For a more formal invitation, avoid abbreviations and spell out the full address. For a casual invitation, you can use standard abbreviations such as "St.", "Rd.", and the two-letter state abbreviation. For example, a formal address could be: "Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Warren, 16 Faux Road, Fremont, California 94539". A casual address could be: "Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Warren, 16 Faux Rd., Fremont, CA 94539".

Inner Envelope Addressing:

The inner envelope is optional and is used to indicate the names of the invitees. Here are some tips for addressing the inner envelope:

• Keep it informal: The inner envelope is more informal, so you can leave out certain elements of the formal name format. You can use personal titles and last names or opt for first names only, depending on the vibe you want to create. For example: "Thomas and Michelle" or "Warren".
• Specify guests: If a single guest is bringing a plus-one, include their name on the inner envelope if you have it. Otherwise, you can simply write "and Guest". For example: "Ms. Chen and guest".
• Be mindful of children: When inviting a family with children, list each child's name on the inner envelope. For girls under 18, you can use "Miss" if desired. Boys don't need a title until they're 16, when they can be addressed as "Mr.". For example: "Mr. and Mrs. Alan Thompson, Alan, Emily, Roger, Miss Jennifer, and Miss Lily".

Remember, these are just guidelines, and you can adjust them to fit the style and tone of your casual wedding invites. The most important thing is to be clear and considerate when addressing your guests.

Specify the hosts

The host line is the opening line on a wedding invitation and typically names the hosts of the event. The hosts are usually the people paying for the wedding. The host line can be omitted if the couple is hosting the wedding themselves.

If the bride's parents are hosting, their names are listed first, followed by the groom's parents' names. For same-sex couples, the names can be listed in alphabetical order or in the order that looks best with the invitation design. If you are including both sets of parents, you can use "together with their parents" or "together with their families".

Hosted by One Set of Parents (Formal)

Mr. and Mrs. Ernie Lively request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter Blake Ellender to Ryan Rodney Saturday, the ninth of September two thousand twelve at noon Boone Hall Mount Pleasant, South Carolina Dinner and merriment to follow.

Hosted by One Set of Parents (Casual)

Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Simon Peter Blunt invite you to the marriage of Emily Olivia Leah and John Burke July 10, 2010, at half past six in the evening Via Regina Teodolinda, 35 Como, Italy Food, wine, and merriment to follow.

Hosted by Both Sets of Parents (Formal)

Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Adams and Mr. and Mrs. David Beckham request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their children Victoria Caroline and David Robert Joseph Saturday, the fourth of July nineteen ninety-nine at half past seven in the evening Luttrellstown Castle Clonsilla, Ireland Reception to follow.

Hosted by Both Sets of Parents (Casual)

With great pleasure, Kimberly and Jonathan Biel and Lynn Bomar Harless and Randall Timberlake invite you to celebrate the marriage of their children Jessica and Justin October 19, 2012, at four o'clock in the afternoon Borgo Egnazia Resort 72015 Savelletri di Fasano BR, Italy Dress as you wish, dine as you like, dance as you please.

Hosted by the Couple (Formal)

Amal Alamuddin and George Timothy Clooney request the pleasure of your company at the celebration of their marriage Saturday, 27 September 2014, at noon Aman Canal Grande Hotel in Venice, Italy Festivities to follow.

Hosted by the Couple (Casual)

Miss Beyonce Knowles and Shawn "Jay Z" Carter are getting married Friday, April 4th, 2018, at four o'clock in the afternoon. Join us for dinner and drinks.

Hosted by Divorced Parents (Formal)

Mr. Angiolo Guiseppe and Ms. Elettra Rossellini invite you to share in the joy of the marriage uniting their son Roberto Rossellini to Ingrid Bergman Saturday, the twenty-fourth of May nineteen fifty at noon Hotel Boca Chica, Acapulco, Mexico Dinner and merriment to follow.

Hosted by Divorced Parents (Casual)

Ms. Pamela Jacobsen and Mr. and Mrs. Fred Jacobsen invite you to share in their wedding festivities at the marriage of their daughter Jordan to Paige Saturday, the tenth of April two thousand and twenty-one at half past six in the evening Hotel Chantelle New York City, NY Dress as you wish, dine as you like, dance as you please.

Hosted by Parent, Including Deceased Parent (Formal)

Mrs. and Mr. Michael Francis Middleton request the honour of your company at the marriage of their daughter Catherine Elizabeth Middleton to Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, son of Charles, Prince of Wales, and the late Diana, Princess of Wales Friday, the twenty-ninth of April two thousand and eleven at eleven o'clock in the morning at Westminster Abbey – 20, Deans Yard London, England Reception to follow.

Hosted by Parent, Including Deceased Parent (Casual)

Together with their families, Malaak Compton, daughter of Gerald and Louisa Compton, and Christopher Rock, son of the late Julius Rock and Rosalie Rock, invite you to share in their wedding festivities November 23, 1996, at eight o'clock in the evening The Estate at Florentine Gardens 97 Rivervale Road River Vale, New Jersey Dinner reception to follow.

Hosted by Same-Sex Parents (Formal)

Mr. Michael and Mr. Sean Flannigan request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of their daughter Julie Marie to Stephen Anthony Saturday, the tenth of April two thousand and twenty-one at half past six in the evening Hotel Chantelle New York City, NY Reception to follow.

Hosted by Same-Sex Parents (Casual)

Ms. Jane and Ms. Courtney Lowe invite you to attend the marriage of their daughter Madison to Colton Saturday, April 10th, 2021, at half past six in the evening Allan House 1104 San Antonio Street New York City, NY Party to follow.

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