Here are a few wedding invitation dos and don’ts to keep in mind, organized by the different wording components such as names, dates, and times.
Incorrectly wording a wedding invitation isn’t the worst thing you can do, but commit a simple spell check error and you might as well wave your wedding dress or tuxedo shirt like a surrender flag and head for the hills. Sorry, did we make you nervous? Don’t be. Here are a few wedding invitation dos and don’ts to keep in mind, organized by the different wording components such as names, dates, and times, along with examples to steer you in the right direction. Use the below links to skip to the exact wording guidance that you need:
The Dos and Don’ts of General Language on Wedding Invitations
The Dos and Don’ts of Names & Titles on Wedding Invitations
The Dos and Don’ts of Dates on Wedding Invitations
The Dos and Don’ts of Times on Wedding Invitations
The Dos and Don’ts of Locations on Wedding Invitations
Few of Zola’s printed invitation designs, clockwise from top left: Tillage Corner, Riverside Brush, Clemson Frame, and Morrison Rise.
NOTE: While the terms “do” and “don’t” sound like universal mandates, we realize that every wedding is unique. You will have to decide as a couple what type of language feels right for your invitations. These “rules” are really more suggestions for the most traditional and formal way to format your invitation wording. If you want to impart a sense of, well, formality to your wedding invitation wording, then these guidelines are for you. If you are having a more casual wedding, and/or prefer a more graphic or modern approach to your invitation design, then take the below with a grain of salt.
Customize Zola’s paper invitations with rounded corners and your own choice of wording.
A brushstroke-meets-calligraphy invitation design with matching RSVP card from Zola
The Eastwick Wreath invitation design on Zola
DO spell out the date in this format:
The day of the week, comma, the day of the month, commaBegin with the day of the week, followed by a comma:
Then add the month, preceded by the word “of:”
Your date line should look like this when finished:
DO spell out the year if you decide to include it:
DO remember that while not necessary for casual invitations, spelling out dates is acceptable regardless of formality.
The Galata Vine matching invitation and RSVP card on Zola
DO spell out the time of day rather than using a.m. or p.m.
in the morning: all hours before 11:00 a.m.
in the afternoon: hours from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
in the evening: all hours after 5:00 p.m.
Zola’s Blake Frame invitation design is as classic as it gets.
DO include the location of the ceremony. Include the full address for out of town guests:
First Methodist Church
260 East Market Street
OurTown, State
DO include the name of the homeowners if the wedding location is a private residence:
at the residence of
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Darwin
260 East Market Street
OurTown, State
DO include the location of the reception, if different than the ceremony, on a separate card for formal invitations. If going less formal, include it on the invitation after the ceremony location:
Reception immediately following the ceremony
The Common House
285 East Market Street
OurTown, State
DON’T include the address of the wedding location if it is redundant or obvious, such as a well-known institution with only one location:
Brooklyn Museum of Art
Brooklyn, NY
DON’T make your guests guess. Include full addresses for locations, and all other pertinent information so they can show up at the right place at the right time.