Etiquette Guide: Capitalizing The Year On Wedding Invitations

When it comes to wedding invitations, there are a few rules to follow regarding capitalisation. While proper nouns are always capitalised, the year typically isn't, unless it's the first letter of the year, which is sometimes capitalised for tradition's sake. This means that Two thousand and twenty-three would be written without capitalising the t, and with no and. The day of the week and month, however, are always capitalised.

The first letter of the year is traditionally capitalised

When it comes to wedding invitation etiquette, grammar is of utmost importance. It reflects the couple's values and sets the tone for the big day. While invitations are becoming more creative and less formal, it is still commendable to use the proper format where necessary.

Traditionally, the first letter of the year is capitalised on wedding invitations. This is because, in addition to proper nouns, only the day of the week and the month are typically capitalised. For example, "Saturday, the sixth of May, Two Thousand and Eighteen" or "Saturday, the twenty-sixth of September, Two Thousand and Twenty-Three".

It is worth noting that the "t" in "two" is also capitalised when spelling out the year. This is consistent with other numerical values, such as "twenty-six" or "twenty-three". However, the rest of the year remains in lower-case letters. For instance, "two thousand eighteen" or "two thousand twenty-three".

While the first letter of the year is traditionally capitalised, the time of day is not. The time of day is always spelled out using "o'clock" or "half after [time]". For example, "six o'clock in the evening" or "half after six o'clock". Noon marks the beginning of the afternoon, which lasts until four o'clock. Any events after five o'clock are considered evening affairs.

In summary, while the specifics of wedding invitation wording may seem daunting, it is a task that can have a significant impact. By following traditional guidelines, such as capitalising the first letter of the year, you can ensure that your invitations set an elegant and refined tone for your special day.

The day of the week and month are capitalised, but the year is not

When it comes to wedding invitation wording, the rules are flexible and good grammar is considered good manners. It is important to remember that proper nouns, such as the names of people and places, are always capitalised.

The date and time formats should be consistent. The day of the week usually precedes the date and is capitalised, followed by a comma. The date is then spelled out in full, with the month also capitalised. The year is printed on a separate line and may be omitted if desired. For example, "on Saturday, the fifth of June, two thousand and four".

It is worth noting that some sources suggest that only the day of the week and the first letter of the year should be capitalised, with the month written in lower case. This means that "Saturday, the sixth of may, two thousand eighteen" would be correct.

Numerals are acceptable for casual weddings, but for formal invitations, all words should be spelled out.

The year is printed on a separate line

When it comes to wedding invitation etiquette, grammar and spelling are incredibly important. The invitations set the tone for the big day, and even small mistakes can have a huge impact.

If you choose to include the year on a separate line, it should not be capitalised. Only proper nouns are capitalised in wedding invitations. The year is not a proper noun, so it should not be capitalised, nor should the first letter of the year. For example, "Two thousand eighteen", not "two Thousand eighteen" or "Two thousand eighteen".

The same rule applies to the date and time of the wedding. The day of the week and the month should be capitalised, but the year and the rest of the date and time should not be. For example, "Saturday, the sixth of May, two thousand eighteen, at half past five o'clock in the evening".

It is also important to note that the year can be omitted if desired. If you do choose to include it, be sure to spell out the year in full. Do not include "and" or any other punctuation. For example, "two thousand eighteen", not "two thousand and eighteen".

Finally, remember that consistency is key. Ensure that all words, dates, and times are formatted consistently throughout the invitation and any accessory cards.

The year is spelled out, with no and

When it comes to wedding invitation wording, it's important to pay attention to the finer details, such as whether to capitalise or spell out the year. Here are some guidelines to help you decide how to format the year on your wedding invitations:

Spelling Out the Year

It is generally recommended that all words on wedding invitations, including dates, are spelled out in full. This means writing out the year in its entirety, such as "Two thousand eighteen" or "Two thousand and twenty-three", rather than using numerals like "2018" or "2023". This adds a touch of formality and elegance to your invitations.

Capitalisation Rules

When spelling out the year, only the "T" in "Two" should be capitalised. The rest of the year should be in lower case. For example, "two thousand and twenty-three" is the correct format. This rule applies regardless of whether you're using a formal or informal tone for your invitations.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Be mindful of a few potential pitfalls when writing out the year. Firstly, avoid using "and" in the year, such as "Two thousand and seventeen". The year should be written as a continuous string of words without any punctuation. Additionally, ensure that the "t" in "two" is always lowercase, as in "two thousand eighteen", not "Two Thousand Eighteen".

Consistency in Formatting

Consistency is key when formatting dates on your wedding invitations. Ensure that the format you choose for the year is consistent throughout the invitation and any accompanying cards or enclosures. This attention to detail will create a polished and cohesive look for your wedding stationery.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, when creating your wedding invitations, it's important to spell out the year in full, capitalising only the "T" in "Two". By avoiding common mistakes and maintaining consistency, you'll ensure that your invitations are both elegant and clear. Remember, these guidelines can be adapted to suit your personal style, whether you're opting for a traditional or more contemporary design.

Honor and favour indicate a formal wedding

Honour and favour are indeed indicators of a formal wedding. The use of "honour" and "favour" is typically reserved for weddings held in a church or other religious venues. These spellings are also common in English-speaking countries outside of the US, such as England, Australia, and Canada.

The traditional wording for a formal invitation to a wedding held in a house of worship is "the honour of your presence." This is often followed by "the favour of a reply" on the RSVP card.

On the other hand, "The pleasure of your company" is used to denote a non-religious ceremony locale.

Honour and Favour in Wedding Invitations:

Example 1: Formal Invitation

"Mr. and Mrs. James Godfrey Bennet request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their daughter, Elizabeth Lauren Bennet, and Fitzwilliam Randolph Darcy on Saturday, the sixth of May, at six o'clock in the evening at St. Mary's Cathedral, Rutherford, California."

Example 2: RSVP Card

"The favour of a reply is requested by the first of May."

Example 3: Combining Honour and Pleasure

"Mr. and Mrs. James Bennet request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their daughter, Charlotte, to Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy. Please join us for the ceremony at St. George's Church, followed by the pleasure of your company at the reception, held at the Rutherford Country Club."

Year Capitalisation in Wedding Invitations:

Regarding your other query about capitalisation, only the first letter of the year is typically capitalised in wedding invitations. For example, "two thousand twenty-three" or "2023".

Additionally, when referring to the time of day, it is traditional to spell out the time using "o'clock" or "half after." For example, "six o'clock in the evening" or "half after six o'clock."

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