Franklin Dean
When it comes to wedding programs, there are a few key elements that you'll want to include to ensure that your guests have all the information they need. The date is one of the most important details, and there are a few accepted ways to write it out. Firstly, it's worth noting that the traditional way to write the date is to spell it out completely, rather than using 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. The day of the week should be capitalised, and there should be a comma after it. The month is also capitalised and written in full, and the year is written in numerical form, with no commas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Format | Write out the date in full, including the day of the week, the date, the month, and the year. |
| Day of the Week | Capitalize the day of the week (e.g., Saturday). |
| Date | Write out the numerical date in full (e.g., the twenty-sixth). Use a hyphen for compound dates (e.g., the twenty-eighth). |
| Month | Capitalize and write out the month in full (e.g., October). |
| Year | Write out the number in full (e.g., two thousand twenty-four). Use a hyphen for compound years (e.g., two thousand twenty-three). |
| Time | Write out the time in full, including "'o'clock" (e.g., half after four o'clock). Avoid using "o'clock" for half-hour times. |
| Time of Day | Specify the time of day as "morning" (up to noon), "afternoon" (12 pm-5 pm), or "evening" (from 5 pm onwards). |
| Abbreviations | Avoid using abbreviations like "AM" or "PM." |
What You'll Learn
Write out the date in full
When it comes to wedding programs, one important aspect is deciding how to format the wedding date. While there are no hard and fast rules, writing out the date in full can add a touch of elegance and formality to your program. Here's a guide to help you do just that:
When you decide to write out the full date, it is customary to spell out each part of the date. For example, for a wedding taking place on the twentieth of July in the year two thousand and twenty- four, you would write: "Saturday, the twentieth of July, two thousand and twenty-four." This format adds a sense of formality and tradition to your wedding program. It is a classic way of expressing the date and is easily understood by all guests, regardless of their cultural background or familiarity with numerical date formats.
The written-out date also provides an opportunity to include additional details or cultural references. For instance, you may choose to include the time of day, such as "in the afternoon" or "in the evening," especially if your wedding falls on a time-sensitive date, like New Year's Eve or a summer solstice. Cultural references could also be incorporated here; for a Jewish wedding, you might add "five thousand, seven hundred and eighty-fourth year," representing the Hebrew date.
Another benefit of writing out the date in full is that it leaves little room for ambiguity or confusion. With numerical dates, guests may need to interpret the format (is it month/day/year or day/month/year?). However, with the full written form, your guests will instantly understand the timing of your celebration. This is especially helpful for destination weddings or when you have guests attending from different countries with varying date notation customs.
You can also use this written-out date as a starting point for creative or themed wording. For a winter wedding, for instance, you might write: "On the first day of December, in the year two thousand and twenty-four, as the snow gently fell outside..." This sets the scene and adds a poetic touch to your program. Similarly, for a spring wedding, you could write: "As the flowers bloomed in May, on the fifteenth day, two lovers joined in matrimony..." This approach adds a layer of romance and storytelling to your wedding date notation.
Remember, your wedding program is a keepsake for you and your guests, so taking the time to carefully consider how to write out the date is worthwhile. Writing it in full allows for flexibility in tone and provides a classic, elegant framework to build upon. Whether you choose to keep it simple or add creative flourishes, your wedding date, written in full, will be a memorable part of your special day's itinerary.
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Include the day of the week
Including the day of the week on your wedding program is a great way to provide clear information to your guests. Here are some tips and guidelines to help you format this detail effectively:
The Importance of Including the Day of the Week
Including the day of the week is optional but highly recommended. It gives your guests immediate clarity on when the event will take place, helping them plan their attendance, travel arrangements, and schedules. By providing the full date, including the day of the week, you ensure that your guests have all the necessary information.
Formatting the Day of the Week
When including the day of the week in your wedding program, there are a few standard conventions to follow. Firstly, write out the day of the week in full. For example, use "Saturday" instead of abbreviating it as "Sat." The day of the week should also be capitalised, unless your wedding program's font is already in all uppercase or lowercase letters.
Placement of the Day of the Week
The day of the week typically appears at the beginning of the date line. For instance, "Saturday, the sixteenth of May, two thousand twenty-three" is the correct format. This structure provides a clear and elegant presentation of the date.
Date Formats for Different Styles
The format you choose for the date on your wedding program can vary depending on the style and formality of your wedding. For a formal wedding, traditional wording is often used, such as "the sixteenth of May in the year two thousand and twenty-three." On the other hand, a casual wedding allows for more flexibility, and you can use more straightforward wording like "May 16th, 2023."
Creative Layout Options
You can also get creative with the layout and design of the date. Consider using different fonts, colours, or symbols to make the date stand out. For instance, if your wedding has a beach theme, you could incorporate a starfish or seashell image near the date. The key is to ensure that your formatting choices align with the overall style and tone of your wedding.
In conclusion, including the day of the week on your wedding program is a thoughtful touch that helps your guests plan for your special day. By following the guidelines above, you can effectively communicate the date while also adding a creative and personalised touch to your wedding stationery.
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Capitalise the day and month
When writing out the date on a wedding program, it is customary to capitalise the day of the week and the month. For example, if your wedding is taking place on a Saturday in May, you would write "Saturday, the Tenth of May". The day of the week and the month should always be capitalised, while the number of the month should not be.
- Saturday, the Twenty-Sixth of October
- Sunday, the Seventeenth of May
- Monday, the First of January
If your wedding takes place on the 21st to the 31st of a month, there should be a hyphen between the tens and the ones place in the date. For example, "Saturday, the Twenty-Eighth of May".
The year is usually written on a separate line from the day and month, with no comma between the month and the year. For example:
Saturday, the twenty-sixth of October
Two thousand and twenty-four
You can choose to omit the year if you wish, but it is generally recommended to include it.
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Include the time of the ceremony
Including the time of the ceremony on your wedding program is essential for keeping your guests informed and ensuring they don't miss a moment of your special day. Here are some tips and suggestions for how to do this effectively:
Be Clear and Concise
Provide the exact start time of the ceremony, being sure to spell out the time in full rather than using numerals. For example, if your wedding begins at 3:30 p.m., you would write "half after three o'clock" or "three-thirty o'clock". This traditional way of expressing the time adds a touch of elegance and formality to your program.
Consider Formality
When deciding how to write out the time, consider the formality of your wedding and invitation design. More formal, black-tie weddings typically call for traditional language, while casual weddings allow for more relaxed and informal wording. Consult with a stationer who can help you determine the best wording for your specific style and theme.
Account for Time of Day
It is important to specify the time of day by including "in the morning," "in the afternoon," or "in the evening." This provides clarity and ensures your guests arrive at the correct hour. For example, write "eleven o'clock in the morning" or "seven o'clock in the evening."
Be Consistent
Ensure that the formatting of the time matches the style in which you've written out the date. For instance, if you've chosen to write out the date in full, such as "Saturday, the twenty-sixth of October," you should also spell out the time in words rather than using numerals. Consistency creates a cohesive and polished look for your wedding program.
Provide a Timeline
Consider including a timeline of events within your wedding program to give your guests a clear overview of the day's schedule. This can be particularly helpful if your ceremony and reception are in different locations or if there is a gap between the two. A timeline lets guests know where to be and when, ensuring they don't miss any key moments.
Adjust for Travel
If your ceremony and reception are in different locations, be sure to account for travel time in your wedding program. You may want to provide directions or transportation details to guide your guests smoothly from one venue to the next. This will help ensure everyone arrives at the reception on time, ready to continue the celebrations.
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Add the location
Adding the location to your wedding program is a great way to give your guests a helpful insight into the event. Here are some ideas on how to do this:
Location Details
The location section of your wedding program should include the venue name and address, as well as any other relevant details. If your venue has a unique name, be sure to include it, as this will add a whimsical touch to your program. For example, "The Rose Garden, New York City". Including the address is also a practical way to guide your guests, especially if they need to travel between the ceremony and reception venues.
Map Illustration
Consider commissioning a hand-drawn map of your wedding location, especially if you're having a travel-themed wedding. This adds a quirky touch to your program and showcases your personality and wedding theme. If you're not artistically inclined, you can hire a stationery designer to create a custom illustration for you. This is a fun way to present the location details and will surely be a keepsake for your guests.
Locale-Inspired Design
If you're in love with your wedding location, why not make it a design element of your program? Take inspiration from the architecture, natural landscape, or cultural significance of the venue. For instance, if you're getting married in a historic estate or a place of worship, reflect the elegant vibe in your program with a custom venue illustration. You can also incorporate imagery or symbols that represent the location's style.
Directions and Transportation
While your guests will likely use digital maps to navigate, providing directions and transportation details can be helpful, especially if your venue is in a remote area or has limited parking. Include any relevant information, such as nearby landmarks, public transport options, or parking instructions. This ensures that your guests can arrive promptly and stress-free.
Accommodation Suggestions
If many of your guests are travelling from out of town, it's thoughtful to include accommodation suggestions in your wedding program. Provide a list of recommended hotels or Airbnbs near the venue, along with their contact details or websites. This not only helps your guests with their travel plans but also ensures they have a comfortable stay during your special celebration.
Remember, your wedding program is a creative way to share practical information and add a personal touch to your big day. By including location details, you're not only guiding your guests but also setting the tone for your celebration.
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Frequently asked questions
The traditional way to write the date on a wedding program is to spell out the numbers and the day of the week, and to include the full month. For example, "Saturday, the twenty-sixth of October two thousand twenty-four".
It is recommended to include the day of the week in the date, but it is not required.
If your wedding is on the 21st to the 31st of the month, use a hyphen between the tens and the ones place in the date. For example, "Saturday, the twenty-eighth of May".
It is not necessary to include the time of the wedding on the program, but if you choose to do so, it is recommended to write it out rather than using numerals. For example, "half after four o'clock" instead of "4:30".
Yes, if you are having a more casual wedding, you can write the date and time more informally. For example, you could use numerals or omit the day of the week.
