The Art Of Traditional Wedding Invitation Etiquette

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are many different ways to write out the time. For a formal wedding, the traditional way to write the time is to spell it out in full, using o'clock for times on the hour and half after for times on the half-hour. For example, if your wedding is at 12:45 pm, you would write half after twelve o'clock in the afternoon. For a more casual wedding, it is also acceptable to use numerals and write the time as 12:45 pm. It is important to be consistent with the level of formality in the way you write the time and date, and to provide clear information to your guests so they know when to arrive.

Spell out the time for formal invitations

When writing out times for formal invitations, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that you're following the correct etiquette. Firstly, it's important to write out the time in full rather than using numerals. For example, for a time like 12:45, you would write "twelve forty-five" or "quarter to one".

• Always use "half after" instead of "half past". For example, for 12:30, you would write "half after twelve".
• O'clock is typically included when writing out the time. For example, "twelve forty-five o'clock". However, some sources suggest that it's acceptable to drop "o'clock" for half hours, such as "half after twelve".
• Avoid using "a.m." or "p.m." on formal invitations. Instead, indicate the time of day by writing "in the morning", "in the afternoon", or "in the evening". For example, "twelve forty-five in the afternoon".
• Be mindful of the time ranges for morning, afternoon, and evening. Morning is typically from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 a.m., afternoon is from 12:00 p.m. to 5:59 p.m., and evening is from 6:00 p.m. onwards.
• When writing out compound numbers, use a hyphen. For example, "twenty-eighth" or "twenty-eight".
• The time should always be written in lowercase letters.

Remember, these guidelines are specifically for formal invitations. If you're creating more casual invitations, you may have more flexibility to adapt the style to your preferences.

Write the time as the placement of hands on a clock

When writing out the time as the placement of hands on a clock, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, this phrasing is typically used for formal invitations, where the time is written out in full, without numerals. For example, if your wedding begins at 12:45 p.m., you would write this as "twenty-five to one o'clock".

• 1:00 p.m. – "one o'clock"
• 1:15 p.m. – "a quarter past one o'clock" or "a quarter after one o'clock"
• 1:30 p.m. – "half past one o'clock" or "half after one o'clock"
• 1:45 p.m. – "twenty-five to two o'clock" or "a quarter to two o'clock"
• 2:00 p.m. – "two o'clock"

When writing the time in this way, it is important to note that "o'clock" is only used for times on the hour. For times that are not on the hour, a hyphen is used, for example, "two-thirty" or "two forty-five".

Additionally, it is worth mentioning that formal wedding invitations traditionally use the phrase "half after" instead of "half past" for times on the half-hour. The time should also be written in lowercase letters, and you do not need to include "in the morning", "in the afternoon", or "in the evening" unless the wedding is scheduled for 8, 9, or 10, where there could be confusion over whether it is morning or evening.

If you are hosting a more casual wedding, you may choose to write the time using numerals, such as "12:45 p.m." or "12:45pm". However, remember that the date and time should match in formality—don't write out the date fully and then use numerals for the time.

Write noon instead of 12:00 pm

When writing out the time on a wedding invitation, it is best to write out the time in full, rather than using numerals. This means that, instead of writing "12:00 pm", you should write "noon".

There are a few reasons for this. Firstly, it is more formal and traditional to write out the time in full. Secondly, using "noon" avoids any potential confusion. While some people use "12:00 pm" to refer to the middle of the day, this is technically incorrect. This is because "pm" stands for "post meridiem", which means "after midday". Therefore, noon cannot be "after midday" because it is midday itself.

It is also worth noting that, if your wedding is taking place at 12:00 pm, you do not need to include "in the afternoon" after "noon", as you would for other times of day. For example, if your wedding is at 3:30 pm, you would write "half after three o'clock in the afternoon".

However, if you are having a more casual wedding, it is also acceptable to write the time in numerals as "12:00 pm" or even just "12pm". Just remember that the style you choose for the time should match the style you use for the date, so that they are consistent with each other.

• "Twenty-five minutes to one o'clock"
• "A quarter to one o'clock"
• "Twelve forty-five" (note that this is hyphenated, as it is not on the hour)

Remember to write the time in lowercase letters and to avoid using "o'clock" if the time is not on the hour.

Finally, if you are including an end time for your wedding on the invitation, it is important to know that this is usually not included on traditional wedding stationery. However, if you feel it is important to include this information, you can add it to your wedding website.

Write times numerically on accommodation or details cards

When it comes to wedding invitations, the general rule is to write out times in full, rather than using numerals. However, there are some instances where it is acceptable to use numerical times, such as on accommodation or details cards. Here are some guidelines to help you write times numerically on these cards:

Be Consistent

If you choose to write times numerically on your accommodation or details cards, ensure that you maintain consistency throughout. For example, if you write "3:00 pm" for the shuttle time, avoid switching to a written-out time like "half past four in the afternoon" for the welcome dinner. Consistency helps to create a cohesive and polished look for your wedding stationery.

Consider the Context

Numerical times are generally more appropriate for casual or modern weddings. If your wedding is formal or traditional, it is preferable to write out times in full on all your wedding stationery, including accommodation and details cards. However, if your wedding has a more relaxed or contemporary style, numerical times can be a practical choice, especially for shuttle times or brunch the next day.

Provide Clear Information

When writing times numerically, be sure to include am or pm to avoid any confusion. For example, "12:45 pm" is clearer than just "12:45". You may also want to specify whether it is morning, afternoon, or evening, especially for times that could be ambiguous, such as 12:45 pm or 5:30 pm.

Maintain a Balanced Format

While numerical times can be practical, be mindful of the overall format and design of your accommodation or details cards. Ensure that the numerical times do not clutter the card or distract from other important information. Aim for a balanced layout that is easy for your guests to read and understand.

Proofread and Edit

As with all wedding stationery, proofreading is essential. Double-check all the numerical times for accuracy and ensure they correspond correctly with the written-out times on your invitation. It is also a good idea to have someone else review the cards to catch any potential errors or inconsistencies.

In conclusion, while the traditional approach for wedding invitations favours writing out times in full, there is flexibility when it comes to accommodation or details cards. Using numerical times on these cards can be practical, especially for casual or modern weddings. Just remember to maintain consistency, consider the context, provide clear information, and format your cards for optimal readability. With careful attention to these guidelines, you can effectively communicate the timing details for your wedding events.

Write half past instead of half after or four-thirty

When writing out the time on a wedding invitation, there are a few different ways to format it, depending on the level of formality you wish to convey.

For a formal wedding invitation, it is generally recommended to write out the time in full, with no numerals. For instance, if your wedding begins at 12:45 p.m., you would write "half after twelve o'clock". This is the most traditional way to indicate the time, and formal invitations typically use "half after" (not "half past") for times on the half-hour.

However, if you prefer a less formal approach, you can use "half past" or "four-thirty" for a time like 12:30. This is more idiomatic and natural-sounding, especially for US audiences. For instance, "half past twelve o'clock" or "twelve-thirty" are acceptable alternatives to "half after twelve o'clock".

It's important to note that the time of day should be indicated as well. For a formal invitation, you would write this out in full, such as "in the morning", "in the afternoon", or "in the evening". For a less formal invitation, you can use the abbreviations "a.m." and "p.m." or omit the time of day altogether if the context is clear.

• Formal invitation: "half after twelve o'clock in the morning" or "quarter to one o'clock in the morning"
• Semi-formal invitation: "half past twelve o'clock a.m." or "twelve forty-five a.m."
• Informal invitation: "12:45 a.m." or "12:45 in the morning"

Remember that the level of formality in the way you write out the time should match the overall tone and style of your wedding invitation. Consistency is key, so ensure that the format you choose aligns with the invitation's design and language.

Frequently asked questions