How to Write Dates on Wedding Invitations: A Guide

One of the most important details to consider when creating your wedding invitations is how to write the date. While it may seem like a simple task, there are certain rules and guidelines that you should follow to ensure that your guests understand all the necessary details. In this article, we will walk you through everything you need to know about how to write dates on wedding invitations, including formal and informal formats, including the day of the week, handling time, and more. By following these guidelines, you can create beautiful and informative wedding invitations that will make your special day even more memorable.

Formal vs. Informal Dates

When it comes to writing the date on your wedding invitations, you have the option of using a formal or informal format. If you’re having a formal wedding, it’s best to use the formal format, which typically includes spelling out the month and using numerals for the day and year. For example, “Saturday, the twelfth of June, two thousand twenty-one.” On the other hand, if you’re having a more casual or informal wedding, you can use an informal format that uses numerals for the month and day and abbreviations for the month. For example, “Sat., 6/12/21.”

It’s important to note that while informal dates may seem easier and more convenient to use, they can sometimes be confusing or unclear for your guests. Formal dates may take a bit more effort to create, but they are more traditional and convey a sense of elegance and sophistication.

To help you decide which format is right for your wedding invitations, we’ve created a table outlining the differences between formal and informal dates:

Formal Dates	Informal Dates
Spell out entire month	Use numerical values for month
Use full year (e.g., two thousand twenty-one)	Use last two digits of year (e.g., ’21)
Capitalize first letter of month	Abbreviate month (e.g., Jun)
Written in full sentence	Use short phrase

By following these guidelines and considering the formality of your wedding, you can choose whether to use a formal or informal format when writing the date on your wedding invitations.

Including Day of the Week

While it’s not necessary to include the day of the week on your wedding invitations, it can be a helpful detail for your guests. Knowing the day of the week can help them better plan their travel and accommodations, and avoid any confusion about when events are taking place.

If you do decide to include the day of the week, there are a few guidelines you should follow:

Include the day of the week after the date: “Saturday, June 12th, 2021” or “June 12th, 2021 (Saturday)”
Capitalize the day of the week: “Saturday” instead of “saturday”
Use abbreviations if space is an issue: “Sat., June 12th, 2021”

It’s important to note that including the day of the week may not be necessary for all weddings. If your wedding is taking place over a weekend and all events are happening on consecutive days, it may be obvious what day of the week it is. However, if you have events happening on different days or over multiple weekends, including the day of the week can help avoid confusion.

Ultimately, whether or not to include the day of the week comes down to personal preference and what makes sense for your specific wedding. By following these guidelines and considering your guests’ needs, you can make an informed decision about whether to include this detail on your wedding invitations.

Handling Time on Wedding Invitations

In addition to the date, you may need to include specific times for your wedding events on your invitations. This can help guests plan their schedules accordingly and ensure they arrive at the right time. However, it’s important to handle time in a clear and concise way that won’t cause confusion for your guests.

Here are some guidelines for handling time on your wedding invitations:

Use the 12-hour clock format: “4:00 PM” instead of “16:00”
Avoid using shorthand or abbreviations: “4:00 PM” instead of “4 PM” or “4 p.m.”
Include any relevant time zone information for destination weddings or if many guests are coming from out of town
Use consistent formatting throughout all event times listed on the invitation
Consider adding a line indicating the duration of each event, such as “Ceremony at 4:00 PM, Reception to follow”

It’s also important to note that you don’t need to include every single detail about timing on your invitation. For example, you don’t necessarily need to include the exact start and end times for cocktail hour unless it’s a separate event from the reception. If there are any specific timing details that guests will need to know, such as if there will be a significant gap between events, consider including this information in a separate enclosure card or on your wedding website.

By following these guidelines and considering what information is most important for your guests to know about timing, you can create clear and informative wedding invitations that will help make your special day run smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions

As you plan your wedding invitations, you may have some questions about how to handle the date and time details. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about writing dates on wedding invitations:

Q: Do I need to include the year on my wedding invitations?

A: Yes, it’s important to include the year on your wedding invitations to avoid any confusion or misunderstandings. Make sure to use the full four-digit year format for clarity.

Q: Should I spell out the entire date or use numerical values?

A: It depends on the formality of your wedding. Formal weddings typically use spelled-out dates (e.g., “Saturday, June twelfth, two thousand twenty-one”), while informal weddings can use numerical values (e.g., “6/12/21”). Choose a format that fits with the overall tone and style of your event.

Q: Is it necessary to include the day of the week on my wedding invitations?

A: While it’s not necessary, including the day of the week can be helpful for guests who are traveling or need to plan their schedules accordingly. If you do choose to include the day of the week, make sure to capitalize it and place it after the date.

Q: How should I handle time on my wedding invitations?

A: Use a consistent 12-hour clock format and avoid using shorthand or abbreviations. If necessary, indicate any relevant time zone information for destination weddings or guests traveling from out of town. Consider adding a line indicating the duration of each event.

By following these guidelines and addressing common questions about writing dates on wedding invitations, you can create clear and informative invitations that will help make your special day run smoothly.

Conclusion

Writing dates on wedding invitations may seem like a small detail, but it’s an important one that can help make your event run smoothly. By following the guidelines in this article, you can create clear and informative invitations that will help your guests plan their schedules and arrive at the right time.

Remember to consider the formality of your event when choosing whether to spell out the date or use numerical values, and think about whether including the day of the week would be helpful for your guests. When handling time on your invitations, use a consistent format and consider adding a line indicating the duration of each event.

Overall, writing dates on wedding invitations is all about clarity and making things as easy as possible for your guests. By keeping these tips in mind and putting in a little extra effort to ensure your details are accurate and clear, you can create beautiful invitations that will set the tone for a wonderful wedding day.