Wedding Invitation Etiquette: Concise Half-Hour Wording

There are many ways to write half-hour times on wedding invitations, and the choice often depends on the level of formality of the event. For a formal wedding, it is recommended to write out the time in full, using half after or half past instead of four-thirty, for example, half after four o'clock or half past four o'clock. However, for a less formal wedding, it is also acceptable to use numerals, such as 4:30 pm or four-thirty in the afternoon. It is important to note that the time of day should be indicated, with morning referring to the hours before noon, afternoon for noon to 5 pm, and evening for 5 pm onwards.

Half after vs half past

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are a few different ways to indicate a half-hour time. Some people prefer to use the phrase "half after", as in "half after four o'clock" or "half after four". This is considered the formal way to write out the time and is recommended by etiquette sources like Emily Post.

Another option is to use the phrase "half past", as in "half past four o'clock" or "half past four". This is also a formal way to express the time and is preferred by some people. However, it is worth noting that "half after" is generally considered more correct in formal wedding invitations.

If you are looking for an informal way to write the time, you can simply write "four-thirty" or "4:30 pm". This is a more modern and concise way to express the time, but it may not be suitable for more formal weddings.

It is also worth noting that, regardless of the phrase you choose, you should specify whether the ceremony will take place in the afternoon or evening. For example, "half past four o'clock in the afternoon" or "half after four in the evening". This provides clarity for your guests, especially if your wedding is taking place at a time when it could be either afternoon or evening.

Finally, remember that the level of formality of your invitation wording should match the level of formality of your wedding. If you are having a casual wedding, you can be more relaxed and informal with the wording. However, if your wedding is more formal, you should use more traditional language.

Including o'clock

When writing half-hour times on wedding invitations, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the level of formality of your wedding and invitation will dictate the style of your wording. Formal invitations for black-tie weddings tend to use more traditional language, while casual invites can be more relaxed and informal.

If your wedding is more on the formal side, you have a few options for writing half-hour times. You can use "half after", "half past", or "four-thirty", followed by "o'clock" and "in the afternoon" or "in the evening". For example, "at half after four o'clock in the afternoon" or "at half past four o'clock in the evening". The time of day specification (("in the afternoon" or "in the evening") is optional and can be omitted if desired.

For a less formal wedding, you can simply write the time in numerals, such as "4:30 pm" or "4:30 in the afternoon". This option provides a more modern and concise approach.

• The time should always be written in lowercase letters.
• Avoid using "o'clock" if the time is not on the hour.
• If your wedding is scheduled for 8, 9, or 10 o'clock, it is recommended to include "in the morning", "in the afternoon", or "in the evening" to avoid confusion.
• If your wedding is at 12 pm, simply write "noon".

Using numerals vs spelling out the time

When it comes to writing the time on your wedding invitations, you may be wondering whether to use numerals or spell out the time. Here are some detailed guidelines and tips to help you make that decision and ensure a clear and consistent approach:

Using numerals is the more common and generally accepted practice for indicating time on wedding invitations. It is direct and leaves little room for misinterpretation. For example, 1:30 p.m. becomes "1:30 p.m." or, if space is a concern, as in a more crowded invitation design, it can be shortened to "1:30 p/m" to indicate the time of your ceremony. This concise approach is typical for wedding invitations and provides a clear and straightforward indication of the timing for your guests.

However, there are certain scenarios where spelling out the time can be preferable or even necessary to maintain consistency and a formal tone. If your wedding invitation suite includes other spelled-out numbers, it may be more aesthetically pleasing and consistent to write out the time in words as well. For example, if you're indicating that the ceremony will be held on the "first" of the month, it might be more cohesive to spell out the time as "one-thirty in the afternoon" rather than combining written numbers with numerals.

Another factor to consider is the level of formality of your wedding. While using numerals for the time is generally accepted, spelling out the time can add a touch of elegance and formality to your invitations. Written times are often associated with traditional or black-tie affairs, so if you're planning a more sophisticated event, consider spelling out the time to elevate the tone of your invitation suite. This approach can be particularly effective for formal or traditional weddings where etiquette and customs are closely followed.

Ultimately, the decision to use numerals or spell out the time on your wedding invitations depends on several factors, including the overall design, format, and level of formality you wish to convey. Numerals are direct and concise, especially when space is a concern, while spelling out the time can add a touch of elegance and ensure consistency with other written numbers on your invitation suite. Consider your wedding's tone and the impression you want to make on your guests when making this decision.

Remember, the most important aspect is to provide clear and accurate timing information for your guests, so whichever option you choose, ensure it aligns with your invitation's aesthetic and the level of formality you desire. You can also consider asking the opinions of your wedding party or close friends to gain additional perspectives and ensure your invitations are both beautiful and informative.

Adding in the afternoon or in the evening

When writing the time on a wedding invitation, it is important to consider the formality of your wedding and invitation. Formal invitations for black-tie weddings tend to use more traditional language, while casual invites can be more relaxed and informal.

If your wedding is taking place in the afternoon, between noon and 4:30 p.m., you can specify this by writing out the time in words and adding "in the afternoon". For example, "half past four in the afternoon" or "four-thirty in the afternoon".

If your wedding is taking place in the evening, after 5 p.m., you can indicate this by writing "in the evening" after the time. For instance, "half past four o'clock in the evening" or "four-thirty in the evening".

• For a more formal wedding, you may want to use "o'clock" after the hour, for example, "four o'clock in the afternoon/evening".
• If your wedding is less formal, you can simply write the time using numerals, such as "4:30 p.m." or "4.30 pm".
• Remember that the level of formality in the way you write the time should match the formality of the date. For example, if you write out the date in full, write out the time as well.
• If your wedding is scheduled for 8, 9, or 10 o'clock, it is a good idea to specify whether it is in the morning or evening to avoid confusion.

Formal vs informal wording

The wording of your wedding invitations should reflect the formality of your wedding. Formal invitations for black-tie weddings, for example, tend to use more traditional language, while casual invites can be more relaxed and informal.

Formal Wording

• Half after four o'clock
• Half past four o'clock in the afternoon/evening
• Four thirty in the afternoon/evening

Informal Wording

• 4:30 pm
• Four-thirty
• Half past four

It's worth noting that the time designation should be consistent with the date formatting on the invitation. For example, if you write out the date in full, you should also spell out the time. If you use numerals for the date, it's acceptable to use numerals for the time as well.

Additionally, some sources suggest that the phrases "in the afternoon" and "in the evening" are unnecessary, especially if the wedding is after 5 pm, as this is considered the evening. However, if your wedding is at 6:00 am, you might want to specify "in the morning" to avoid confusion!

Frequently asked questions