Wording Wedding Invites: Placing 1245 Before 1

When it comes to wedding invitation wording, the goal is to provide guests with clear information about when and where the wedding will take place. While there are different ways to write out the time, this paragraph will specifically focus on how to communicate 12:45 before 1 on a wedding invitation.

Spell out the time in full

When writing out the time in full for a wedding invitation, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the time of day should be indicated using "in the morning", "in the afternoon", or "in the evening", instead of a.m. or p.m. Noon and midnight are the exceptions, where you can simply write "noon" or "midnight" without specifying the time of day.

For times on the hour, you can write something like "four o'clock in the afternoon". When writing out half-hour times, it is traditionally written as "half after four o'clock in the afternoon" or "half past four o'clock in the afternoon", rather than "four-thirty in the afternoon". However, some sources suggest that "four-thirty in the afternoon" is also acceptable.

It is important to note that the level of formality of your wedding invitation should match that of your wedding. For a formal wedding invitation, you would traditionally write out the time in full, with no numerals. For a more casual wedding, you have more flexibility and can use numerals or a combination of words and numerals. For example, you could write "4:30 p.m." or "4:30 in the afternoon". Just remember to be consistent with the format you choose throughout your invitation.

Finally, when specifying the time of day, morning is considered to be from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 a.m., afternoon is from 12:00 p.m. to 5:59 p.m., and evening starts at 6:00 p.m.

Use half after instead of half past

When writing out times on wedding invitations, it's important to consider the formality of the event. Traditional and formal invitations tend to use more specific language, while casual and informal invites can be more relaxed.

If you're aiming for a traditional or formal style, it's worth noting that “half after” is considered the most traditional way to indicate time on a wedding invitation. You could write this out as "half after four o'clock," for example. However, this phrase may sound bizarre or outdated to some, and you may prefer to use “half past” or "four-thirty" for a less formal invitation.

Using "half after" instead of "half past" on your wedding invitations is a matter of stylistic choice and personal preference. "Half after" is the more traditional option and may be suitable for a formal wedding. On the other hand, "half past" and "four-thirty" are more commonly used in modern language and could be better suited to a casual event.

Ultimately, the choice is yours, and you can decide which phrase fits the tone and style of your wedding. Remember, consistency is essential, so ensure that the time format matches the overall formality of your invitation.

• Write out the time of day rather than using a.m. or p.m. For example, use "in the morning," "in the afternoon," or "in the evening."
• Avoid writing "twelve o'clock." Instead, use “noon” for 12:00 pm.
• Be consistent with your date and time formatting. For example, if you write out the date in full, consider doing the same for the time.
• If your reception is immediately following the ceremony in the same location, you can simply write "reception to follow" at the bottom of the invitation.
• If you want to include an earlier start time on the invitations to account for potential lateness, it's generally recommended to pad the time by no more than 15 minutes.

Remember, the most important thing is to provide your guests with clear information about the timing of your wedding so they can arrive on time to celebrate with you!

Include the time of day

When writing out the time on a wedding invitation, it is important to consider the formality of the event. For more traditional or formal invitations, the time of day is written out in full, with no numerals. For example, if your wedding begins at 12:45 p.m., you would write this as "quarter before one o'clock in the afternoon".

For a less formal wedding, you may choose to write the time in numerals, such as "12:45 p.m." or "12:45 in the afternoon". It is also worth noting that the level of formality of the time should match that of the date. For example, if you have written out the date in full, you should also write out the time in full.

If your wedding is taking place at noon, simply write "noon". You do not need to write "noon o'clock" or "noon in the afternoon".

For a time such as half past four, you could write "half past four o'clock in the afternoon" or "half past four in the afternoon". It is also acceptable to write "half after four o'clock in the afternoon" or "half after four in the afternoon".

If your wedding is taking place in the evening, you can indicate this by writing "in the evening" after the time. For example, "seven o'clock in the evening".

There is some debate about when afternoon ends and evening begins. Traditionally, afternoon is considered to be from noon until 6 p.m., with evening beginning at 6 p.m. However, some people consider evening to begin at 5 p.m. If your wedding is at 5:30 p.m., you may want to write "half past five in the afternoon" rather than "half past five in the evening" to avoid any confusion.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to provide clear information for your guests. You may choose to break with tradition or formality if it suits your event. For example, if you are having a casual wedding, you may prefer to write the time in numerals as "12:45 p.m." rather than spelling it out in full.

Write out the date in full

When writing out the time for a wedding invitation, it is important to ensure that your guests have all the information they need to arrive at the correct time and place. Writing out the date and time in full provides a clear and elegant solution and is a common approach for wedding invitations.

For your wedding, taking place at 12:45 before the hour of 1 pm, you could write this as: "On the twenty-fourth day of July, at precisely twelve forty-five in the afternoon". This format ensures that your guests have a full understanding of the date and time of your wedding ceremony. It provides an elegant and traditional way to convey the timing without any potential for confusion. The use of "precisely" also adds a sense of formality and importance to the occasion.

Another option could be: "The wedding ceremony will commence at twelve forty-five in the afternoon on the twenty-fourth day of July". This format still provides the full date and time but leads with the time, emphasizing the importance of the guests' punctuality. This approach is also formal and traditional, setting a clear tone for your wedding invitation.

You could also consider a slightly more concise version, such as: "At twelve forty-five in the afternoon, join us for the wedding of [name] and [name] on the twenty-fourth day of July". This format still provides the full date and time but also includes the names of the happy couple, adding a personal touch to the invitation. It is a beautiful way to invite your guests to share in your special moment.

These examples provide a clear and formal way to write out the date and time in full for your wedding invitation, ensuring your guests have all the information they need.

Include the location

When it comes to wedding invitations, the location of the ceremony and reception is imperative information to include. This way, your guests know exactly where they're going and when the festivities are starting. Here are some tips and guidelines for including the location in your wedding invitations:

Providing Clear and Detailed Information:

• Include the full address of the ceremony and reception venues, especially if they are held in different locations. Mention the name and street address of the venues to avoid any confusion.
• If the ceremony and reception are at the same location, you can simply add a line such as "Reception to Follow," "Celebration to Follow," or "Dinner and Dancing to Follow."
• For well-known institutions or landmarks that are easily recognisable and have only one location, such as "Brooklyn Museum of Art," you may omit the address to avoid redundancy.
• If your wedding is taking place at a private residence, include the names of the homeowners along with the address. For example, "Mr. and Mrs. Charles Darwin, 260 East Market Street."
• Consider including extra information about the venue, especially if it is a unique or unfamiliar location. Instructions regarding parking, custom maps, or a list of nearby attractions can be extremely helpful for your guests.

Formatting and Design Considerations:

• Maintain consistency in the formatting of the location information. Use the same font style and size for the venue name and address as you do for other details on the invitation.
• If your wedding invitation has a folded design or includes an inner envelope, ensure that the location information is visible and easily accessible.
• You may also include a separate reception card with the start time and address if it differs from the ceremony location. This card can be presented within the same envelope as the main invitation.

Proofreading and Finalisation:

• Proofread the location information carefully to ensure there are no errors or typos. Double-check the venue name, address, and other details to avoid any last-minute surprises.
• Consider having a friend or family member review the invitation, including the location details, to catch any potential mistakes or omissions.
• Finalise the invitation design and layout, ensuring that the location information is presented clearly and elegantly. Work with your stationer or designer to achieve the desired aesthetic.

Remember, the goal is to provide your guests with all the necessary information to attend your wedding celebration. By including clear and detailed location information, you can ensure that your guests arrive at the right place at the right time, contributing to a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Frequently asked questions