George Boyle
Wedding invitations are traditionally formal, so grammar and spelling are important. While there is some flexibility, especially when design is a priority, it's generally considered good manners to use proper formatting. So, should wedding invitations be in all caps? The short answer is no. Only proper nouns and the first letter of the year are capitalised in wedding invitations, along with the first word of dress code instructions.
What You'll Learn
All caps for proper nouns only
When it comes to wedding invitations, it's essential to strike a balance between aesthetics and proper grammar. While you may be tempted to experiment with different font styles and capitalisation to achieve a modern or elegant look, it's important to ensure that your invitations are legible and follow basic grammatical rules. Here are some guidelines to help you create stylish yet grammatically correct invitations:
Capitalising Proper Nouns:
Proper nouns, such as names of people and places, should always be capitalised. This rule applies to both the bride and groom's names, as well as the names of the hosts (usually the parents). Additionally, when referring to titles like "Mr.", "Mrs.", or "Dr.", they should be capitalised as well. This rule ensures that your guests clearly understand who is being addressed and who is inviting them to the wedding.
Sentences and New Thoughts:
In addition to proper nouns, the capitalisation of sentences is crucial. Each new thought or sentence on the invitation should begin with a capital letter. This rule helps to structure your invitation wording and makes it easier for guests to understand the flow of information.
Days, Months, and Years:
When it comes to dates, only the day of the week and the month should be capitalised. For example, "Saturday, the sixth of May". Traditionally, only the first letter of the year is capitalised, so you would write "Two thousand eighteen" instead of "TWO THOUSAND EIGHTEEN". This style choice adds a touch of elegance while maintaining proper grammar.
Time of the Event:
The time of the wedding should always be spelled out and written in lowercase, followed by "o'clock" or "half after". For example, "five o'clock in the evening" or "half after five o'clock". This format adds a touch of sophistication to your invitations.
Attire and Dress Code:
When indicating the requested attire or dress code, only the first word should be capitalised. For example, "Black tie" or "Cocktail attire". This style choice adds a subtle hint of elegance to your invitation.
Spell Out All Words:
It is considered more formal and elegant to spell out all words on your invitations. For example, write out "Road" instead of using abbreviations like "Rd.". The same applies to state names, such as "South Carolina" instead of "SC". However, if all your guests are local, you may choose to omit the state name altogether.
Remember, while it's important to follow proper grammar rules, you can also use design elements to enhance the overall look of your invitations. Play around with different fonts, layout options, and paper choices to create a unique and stylish invitation suite that reflects your wedding style.
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Capitalization for emphasis
When it comes to wedding invitations, proper nouns such as the names of people and places should always be capitalized. This is a fundamental rule of grammar and wedding invitation etiquette. It is important to capitalize these nouns to maintain a sense of formality and to ensure that your invitation conveys the tone of your wedding.
However, there is some flexibility when it comes to capitalization for emphasis. While it is not traditionally done, you may choose to capitalize certain lines or words to signify their significance. This can be an effective way to draw attention to specific details or to create a modern or creative look. For example, you may decide to capitalize the first letter of each line or to use all capital letters for the names of the couple.
It is worth noting that the use of all lowercase letters can also be a stylistic choice. Some people prefer this approach as it can create a sense of elegance and modernity, especially when paired with a unique font. However, it is essential to consider legibility when using all lowercase letters, as some guests may find it difficult to read.
Ultimately, the decision to use capitalization for emphasis on your wedding invitations depends on your personal preference and the overall style you wish to achieve. While traditional invitations may stick to standard capitalization rules, more modern or creative invitations may incorporate varied capitalization for a unique look. Remember to consider the tone you want to set for your wedding and choose a capitalization style that aligns with it.
As a final tip, remember to have multiple people proofread your invitations before sending them to print. This will help catch any errors and ensure that your invitations look exactly as you envision.
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Design vs grammar
Wedding invitations are often a couple's first chance to give their guests a glimpse of their wedding style and formality. While some couples prioritise design and creativity in their invitations, others lean towards tradition and proper grammar. This article will explore the considerations for wedding invitation design and grammar, specifically addressing the question of whether wedding invitations should be in all caps.
Design Considerations
For some couples, the design of their wedding invitations is a top priority. This may include choosing a unique font, incorporating specific colours or motifs, or creating a cohesive suite of stationery that includes the invitation, RSVP cards, and other enclosures. In some cases, the design of the invitation may take precedence over strict adherence to grammar rules.
For instance, a couple may prefer the aesthetic of all lowercase letters, as it can create a modern and elegant look. This style choice may be especially important if the font or design is being used consistently throughout the wedding, such as on programs, signs, and other details. However, it's important to consider legibility when choosing a design. Some fonts, especially in all lowercase, can be difficult to read, so it's essential to strike a balance between design and functionality.
Grammar Considerations
On the other hand, many couples prioritise proper grammar and etiquette on their wedding invitations. This is especially true for formal weddings, where traditional rules of grammar and punctuation are typically followed. While there is some flexibility in design choices, certain grammar rules are considered standard for wedding invitations.
Proper nouns, such as names and places, are always capitalised. Additionally, only the day of the week, month, and first letter of the year should be capitalised, with the rest of the date in lowercase. The "t" in "two" should always be capitalised, as in "Two thousand eighteen". When it comes to dress codes, only the first word is capitalised, for example, "Black tie".
All Caps or Not?
So, should wedding invitations be in all caps? The short answer is no. Using all caps is generally not considered standard or aesthetically preferred for wedding invitations. However, there may be certain design elements or specific words that are capitalised to emphasise their importance or create a visual impact.
It's important to remember that wedding invitations are a reflection of the couple's style and the tone they want to set for their big day. While proper grammar is essential, there is also room for creativity and personal touches. Ultimately, the decision to use all caps or not comes down to the couple's preference and the overall design and grammar considerations they want to prioritise.
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Formality and abbreviations
Weddings are formal occasions, so even if you're planning an informal affair, your invitations should still reflect proper etiquette and good manners. This means that your wedding invitations should follow the rules of grammar and spelling.
Abbreviations are considered informal, so they should be avoided. Spell out as much as possible on your invitations, including people's full names, street addresses, PO boxes, and the like. The only exception is with honorifics, which may be abbreviated (Mr., Mrs., Dr., etc.).
The use of "honour" and "favour" (with a "u") indicates a more formal or traditional event, usually when the ceremony takes place in a house of worship. "Honor" and "favor" (without a "u") are more commonly used in modern, informal settings.
When it comes to capitalisation, only proper nouns, such as the names of people and places, should be capitalised, along with the beginnings of sentences or each new thought on an invitation. The "t" in "two" should also be capitalised, as in "Two thousand eighteen". When indicating a dress code, only the first word should be capitalised, for example, "Black tie".
It is common to capitalise the first word in the reception line, although traditionally, this is not done. It is also acceptable to capitalise all words on your invitation or to capitalise certain lines to signify their significance.
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RSVP etiquette
RSVP stands for "répondez, s'il vous plaît", which is French for "please respond". Hosts want you to RSVP so that they can plan seating, food, and other arrangements for their guests' needs and comfort.
It is best to respond to an invitation within 24 hours of receiving it. This signals your enthusiasm for the event and is a polite thing to do. If you are unable to respond within 24 hours, it is still important to respond as soon as possible, and definitely before the RSVP deadline.
If you are unable to attend, it is polite to give a reason. However, if it is a work event, you do not need to provide an excuse—simply say no. If you are unable to attend due to a "better" offer, it is best to stick with your original response to avoid getting dropped from future guest lists.
If you are unable to respond right away because you are waiting to confirm your schedule, it is polite to contact the host and acknowledge the invitation. You can then ask if it would be okay to respond at a later date.
It is important to respond to all invitations, even sales parties. It is helpful for the host to know how many people to expect, and for the salesperson to know how many catalogs and samples to bring.
If you are inviting a guest to accompany you, only do so if the invitation indicates that you may bring a guest.
Finally, remember to thank your hosts before you leave the event, and again by phone or note the next day.
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Frequently asked questions
While all lowercase letters may look elegant and modern, it is generally recommended to capitalise proper nouns, such as the names of people and places, as well as the first letter of each sentence or new thought. This is because proper grammar and punctuation are important in wedding invitations, reflecting your values and setting the tone for your big day.
Only the "t" in "two" of the year should be capitalised, for example, "Two thousand twenty-two". The rest of the year should be in lowercase, and there should be no "and" or punctuation.
Only the first word of the dress code should be capitalised, for example, "Black tie" instead of "Black Tie".
Times should be spelled out in all lowercase. For example, "half after five o'clock in the evening".
