Guide To Etiquette: Writing 4:30 On Wedding Invites

There are many ways to write 4:30 on a wedding invitation, and the choice often depends on the level of formality of the event. For a formal wedding, it is best to write out the time in full, without numerals. So, for a wedding beginning at 4:30 p.m., you could write at half after four o'clock or at half past four o'clock. The in the afternoon specification is unnecessary but can be included if desired. For a less formal wedding, it is acceptable to write the time numerically as 4:30 pm or 4:30 p.m.

Formal vs informal

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are several ways to write out the time depending on the desired level of formality. Formal invitations for black-tie weddings tend to include more traditional language, while casual invites can be more relaxed and informal.

Formal

For formal invitations, it is traditional to write out the time in full, using "half after" or "half past" for times on the half-hour. For example, if your wedding begins at 4:30 pm, you could write this as "half after four o'clock" or "half past four o'clock". It is also acceptable to write this as "half past four in the afternoon" or "half after four in the afternoon". The time of day ("in the afternoon") is necessary if your wedding is taking place between noon and 4:30 pm, as this is considered the afternoon.

Informal

For more casual weddings, it is acceptable to use numerals and write the time as "4:30 pm" or "4:30 p.m. in the afternoon". If you are writing the date informally (e.g. "Saturday, June 21st, 2025"), you can also write the time as "4:30 pm" or "four-thirty in the afternoon".

General Tips

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 based on the layout of your invitations and the amount of space you have. Working with a stationer can help you figure out what looks and sounds best.

Numerals or words

When deciding how to express the time on your wedding invitations, you have two main options: words or numerals. Each has its own advantages and can fit with the style of your invitation and wedding theme. Here is a guide to help you decide which to use and some examples of how to write 4:30 on your wedding invitations.

• Using numerals is a common and straightforward way to express the time. It is simple and modern, and your guests will have no trouble understanding it. For example, 4:30 pm can be written as 4:30, with the colon separating the hours and minutes. This is a clear and concise way to convey the time.
• Writing out the time in words can add a touch of elegance and formality to your invitation. It can be especially suitable for more traditional or formal wedding themes. For instance, you could write, "Half past four in the afternoon," which is a charming and clear way to express the time. This phrasing also leaves no ambiguity about the time of day.
• For a casual or informal wedding, consider "4:30 in the afternoon" or "4:30 pm." These options are straightforward and easy for your guests to understand.
• If you prefer a more whimsical or unique approach, you could write, "Four-thirty in the afternoon," omitting the "o'clock." This style is less formal but adds a touch of creativity.
• For a very formal or traditional wedding invitation, you might write, "Half after four o'clock in the afternoon." This phrasing is elaborate and emphasizes the formality of your event.

Remember to consider the overall style and tone of your wedding invitation when deciding how to express the time. Consistency is essential, so ensure that the time notation aligns with the font, wording, and design choices of your invitation.

Abbreviations

Day and Time

You should avoid abbreviating the day and time on a formal wedding invitation. Write out the day, followed by the month and the year. For example, "Saturday, the first of September two thousand twenty" is preferable to "Sat. 9/1/20".

Time of Day

It is also customary to spell out the time of day in full. For instance, "four o'clock in the afternoon" or "half after four o'clock" are more formal than "4:00 p.m." or "4:30 p.m." The time of day ("in the morning", "in the afternoon", "in the evening") should be included unless your wedding is at 8, 9, or 10 o'clock, where there could be confusion over whether it's morning or evening.

AM/PM

While it's best to avoid "a.m." and "p.m." on formal invitations, you can indicate the time of day by writing "in the morning", "in the afternoon", or "in the evening". Noon can simply be written as "noon", and midnight as "midnight".

Punctuation and abbreviations are generally unwelcome in wedding invitations, unless absolutely necessary. This includes commas after the date and the "and" in the year (e.g., "two thousand and twelve" vs "two thousand twelve").

Reception Details

If your wedding ceremony and reception are at the same location, back-to-back, you can simply write "Reception immediately following" or "Reception to follow". If the reception is at a different location or several hours later, you should include a separate reception card with the full details, including the time written out in the same style as the invitation.

AM/PM

When it comes to wedding invitation wording, the aim is to provide guests with clear information about when and where the wedding will take place. The tone and formality of the invitation should reflect the style of the wedding.

Formal Invitations

For a formal wedding invitation, traditional language is usually used. The time of day should be written in lowercase, and you should write out the time in full, without using numerals. For a 4:30 pm wedding, this could be written as:

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

Note that "half after" is traditionally used instead of "half past", and ""o'clock" can be included or omitted, depending on your preference. The phrases "in the afternoon" and "in the evening" are also optional.

Informal Invitations

For a more casual wedding, you have more flexibility with the wording and can use numerals if desired. For a 4:30 pm wedding, this could be written as:

• "4:30 pm"
• "4:30 in the afternoon"
• "Four-thirty in the afternoon"

Additional Considerations

• It is generally recommended to include the time of day (AM/PM) on the invitation, unless your wedding is at noon or midnight, which are specific times that stand alone.
• Afternoon is considered to be from noon to 4:30 pm or 6 pm, and evening begins at 5 pm or 6 pm. If your wedding is at 4:30 pm, you would use ""in the afternoon" rather than "in the evening".
• If your wedding is on the hour, you can simply write "four o'clock" or "four o'clock in the afternoon".

O'clock

When it comes to wedding invitations, the way you choose to write the time "4:30" will depend on how formal your wedding is.

Formal Weddings

For formal weddings, there are certain etiquette rules to follow. Firstly, you should write out the time in full, with no numerals. So, instead of "4:30 p.m.", opt for “half after four o'clock" or "half past four o'clock". While some sources say that “o'clock" is unnecessary, others prefer it. You can also write "four-thirty" or "half after four", but these options are less common.

It's worth noting that formal wedding invitations traditionally say "half after" rather than "half past". The time should be written in lowercase letters, and you don't need to include "in the afternoon". However, if your wedding is at 8, 9, or 10 o'clock, it's a good idea to specify whether it's morning or evening to avoid confusion.

Informal Weddings

For a more casual wedding, you have more flexibility. You can write the time as "4:30" or "four-thirty". Using numerals is common for informal invitations, and you can also add "p.m." if you wish.

Other Considerations

Remember that the date and time format should match the formality of your wedding. If you're writing the date in full, it's best to do the same for the time. Working with a stationer can help you decide what looks and sounds best on your invitations.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to provide clear information for your guests. Whichever style you choose, make sure the time is easy to understand, so everyone knows when to arrive for your big day!

Frequently asked questions